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Get advice on all-things wedding planning, from booking vendors to building your guest list, sending save the dates, and more.

In the throes of wedding planning, it’s not uncommon for couples to think about throwing in the towel and eloping. Between the stress of choosing vendors, staying under budget, and managing expectations from family members, going with a smaller [wedding style](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/whats-your-wedding-style) might sound like the better, less stressful option. 

The good news? What was once considered a less common alternative to the traditional big wedding soiree, micro weddings are now embraced in the wedding industry as a common, favorable option (many wedding venues are even offering micro wedding packages!)—particularly since they make for easier social distancing. And as we continue to navigate the pandemic, micro weddings will only get more popular—making them one of the key [weddings of the future](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2022).

Though the pandemic prevented thousands of couples from celebrating their big day how they hoped and planned to, many decided to let love prevail and celebrate in unique ways—including weddings with fewer guests. Instead of the larger weddings, intimate celebrations like micro weddings, minimonies, elopements, and plans for sequel weddings have become the norm for couples across the country (and the world!). These events allow the couple to send out a handful of [wedding invitations](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop) to their close friends and family and celebrate their marriage—despite the ongoing COVID-related challenges. 

If you and your sweetie are trying to tie the knot during these socially distant times, use this guide to decide which option is right for you.

## What is a micro wedding?<a id="micro"> </a>

First things first—what, exactly, is a micro wedding?

Micro weddings are quite literally smaller versions of traditional weddings—typically with for 50 or fewer guests. Just like a larger wedding, a micro wedding event [timeline](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-reception-timeline) will start with the ceremony, followed by a cocktail hour and reception, and will include all the traditions that are important to the couple—just with a smaller guest list.

Micro weddings have become a go-to for many couples who had to rethink their original wedding plans due to COVID-19. Instead of trying to manage the logistics of rescheduling a large event (and having to stress about managing COVID-related risk), opting for a micro wedding them to both protect the health of their loved ones and have the wedding they dreamed of—just a smaller version than they originally planned.

---

__Real Couples:__ “We both feel like we got all of the best parts of a wedding ceremony and reception without all the stress and excessive cost. If we could do it all over again, pandemic or no, we would opt for the intimacy of the smaller ceremony.” - <a href="http://www.leslieannphotography.com" target="_http://www.leslieannphotography.com">Robert and Carly</a>

---

![micro-wedding-moodboard](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6BvCOY0FrkDNhuciDdnjjA/ddf290a01c7cee9c00f3bfb1c759ed6e/micro-wedding-moodboard.jpg)

### Micro Wedding Tips
As more couples host micro weddings, the benefits of having this type of event, pandemic or not, are more apparent. With fewer people comes a lower cost, simplified logistics, and more time spent with each guest. If you and your partner are planning a micro wedding, use these tips to turn it into the day of your dreams.

#### 1. Limit your guest list.
The most difficult part of planning a micro wedding is choosing the guest list. Since these events are 50 people or fewer, only send invitations to your closest friends and family. When deciding who to invite, ask yourself the question, “Can I imagine my wedding without them?” If the answer is yes, save that invite for someone else.

#### 2. Let people know you're hosting a micro wedding.
If you were originally planning a larger event, there are a good number of people you were planning to invite to your wedding that now aren't going to be receiving invitations. And if you want to prevent any hurt feelings or misunderstandings, it's important to let them know that you've decided to have a much smaller event.

#### 3. Choose your space.
With 50 people or fewer, your venue options are endless. You and your love can host your nuptials anywhere from a small museum to a private beach. To pick the best spot, talk to your partner about places that make them happiest, and use those places as inspiration.

---

__Real Couples:__ “We were able to really focus on the main reason why we were having the event in the first place — to celebrate our marriage and commitment to each other. I have zero regrets and we will no longer be having a large wedding because our intimate ceremony and reception turned out to be everything we could have wanted. It’s easy to get distracted by the flowers, event decor, band, and venue, but in the end, it's all about you, your partner, and your love for each other.” - <a href="http://robertandcaroline.com/" target="_http://robertandcaroline.com/">Caroline Zalla</a>
> 

---

#### 4. Hire some help.
Just because the event is small doesn’t mean that you don’t need help. If there’s room in the budget, we recommend hiring vendors to make your day extra special. With a smaller guest count, you can enjoy higher quality catering, wedding cake, and drinks, and there will be more money in the budget for the things that matter most to you—whether that's an amazing florist, an incredible wedding photographer, a wedding planner to manage all your event logistics, or the wedding dress of your dreams.

#### 5. Make it your own.
Once you send your [wedding invites](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop), find your venue, and book your vendors, it’s time to finalize all the details that will make your wedding your own. Whether you want to exchange personal vows or start a beach-side surfing session, celebrate in meaningful ways with your closest friends and family.

#### 6. Make time for your in-person guests...

The best part of having a micro wedding is the extra time you will get with your guests. In a traditional wedding, couples may only have a few minutes to speak with each person before they need to move on to the next. In a micro wedding, you can plan time to have meaningful conversations with each person.

#### 7. ...and don't forget the guests who can't be there.

By definition, hosting a micro wedding means scaling back your guest list. But just because some of your wedding guests won't be able to join the festivities in person doesn't mean you don't want to include them at all (they made your original guest list for a reason!)

Look for ways to celebrate your upcoming nuptials with the people you aren't able to host in-person at your micro wedding. For example, if you decided to limit your micro wedding to family members, you might host a Zoom celebration with your friends a few days before the event. Or, if you don't want anyone to miss out on your "I do's," you can livestream your wedding ceremony—and send a link to all the guests you would have invited to a larger wedding so they can join in on your big day virtually.

---

Does a micro wedding still feel like too big of an event to manage—either because of COVID or because of the stress of hosting 50 people? Not to worry; you have other, more intimate options for your wedding ceremony and reception—starting with a minimony.

## What is a minimony?<a id="mini"> </a> 

Minimonies are similar to micro weddings—just on a much smaller scale. Minimonies are small gatherings of 10 people or fewer and generally include just immediate family, close friends, and a few vendors (like an officiant and photographer). Due to social distancing measures, thousands of couples have opted for this type of ceremony instead of canceling their weddings altogether. The size and intimacy of minimonies make them the perfect way to honor your wedding date and keep your friends and family safe.

To host a minimony, gather an officiant, photographer, and your closest loved ones, such as parents, siblings, or best friends, and head to a ceremony location. This can be on the beach or in your backyard, as long as it feels special. Once you’re there, exchange your vows, take photos, and soak in every second of this special moment with your partner and loved ones. 

---

__Real Couples:__ “Our beach ceremony was intimate, meaningful, and low stress. Our words were for one another, without distraction. My memory is filled with my beloved, our children, the sea, snow-clad mountains in the distance, and our beautiful circle on the beach.” - <a href="http://www.YourVeganFamily.com" target="_http://www.YourVeganFamily.com">Stacy and Markus</a>

---

If a micro wedding or minimony sounds good for now—but you still want to celebrate with friends and family at a later date? Sequel weddings are a great way to have the best of both worlds.

![minimony-wedding-moodboard](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2FbMgf8WlmTBqGcvCEO2vE/b5a6031bb6262336f072bf93bd7469ac/minimony-wedding-moodboard.jpg)

### What is a sequel wedding?<a id="sequel"> </a> 

Sequel weddings are large celebrations in honor of a couple that's already been married in a smaller ceremony. When a couple elopes or hosts a minimony, they can throw a sequel wedding at a later date. These events can take place one week, one month, or even several years after a couple officially ties the knot—whenever you feel comfortable and safe throwing a large event. Sequel weddings are a great compromise because they give you the knowledge that you'll be celebrating your marriage with all the important people in your life in the future—which can make it easier to enjoy a smaller, more intimate event in the present.

Your sequel wedding can be similar to a traditional wedding reception or it could be completely unique to you and your spouse. Choose a venue large enough to host your guests and decide on your timeline. And while there's no way to predict the future, it is important to note that we are still very much in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic—so if you're concerned about COVID, when choosing a date for your sequel wedding, make sure to choose a date far enough in the future that we're (hopefully!) in a better place with the pandemic.

## Should we just elope?<a id="elope"> </a>

For some couples, the thought of hosting an event of any size can feel overwhelming. And for those couples? The best option might be to elope.

When you think of elopements, images of couples running to [city hall](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/city-hall-wedding-ideas) or heading to a dreamy mountaintop pass through your mind. While these options are romantic and beautiful, there are so many other ways to celebrate your union with an elopement.

Elopements are intimate unions, typically between the couple, an officiant, and a witness. If you and your partner want to get married quickly or just prefer to share this special moment in private, this might be the best choice for you.

---

 __Real Couples__: “The biggest benefit of an elopement to me is that I’ve really been able to take back my wedding day! Even with a small wedding, others wanted to have a say in how things were planned or who was invited. Now that it’s just going to be the two of us and we can really do whatever we want. I’m looking forward to having our special day being just about us and the commitment we’re making to one another, which is what a wedding should be about in the first place!” - <a href="https://wildandfoundphoto.com/" target="_https://wildandfoundphoto.com/">Kim Hefner</a> 

---

![elopement-wedding-moodboard](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5Xt24ToYew20FLz6AMVyHA/8c0037a7f3764cf010f6fe0f81e0334d/elopement-wedding-moodboard.jpg)

## Which option is right for you?
If you’re looking for a way to celebrate while social distancing or you just want an intimate celebration, use this flowchart to help you decide which ceremony is best for you. Sit down with your partner and ask each other these questions to make sure your goals are the same.

Just to refresh:

- A micro wedding is similar to a traditional wedding, just for a smaller group; generally, micro weddings have 50 or fewer people in attendance. 
- A minimony is an intimate affair with 10 or fewer people in attendance (including the officiant and photographer). Minimonies are generally reserved for immediate family members and the closest of friends—and fall somewhere between a micro wedding and an elopment.
- With an elopement, you and your partner opt to get married on your own—with an officiant and potentially a witness or two. This option is ideal if you want to get married quickly or with minimal planning—or keep "I do's" as a private moment between you and your soon-to-be spouse.
- A sequel wedding is a larger event you host after hosting a micro wedding, minimony, or elopment. Sequel weddings give you the opportunity to bring together a larger group of your friends, family, and loved ones to celebrate your marriage at a later date—whether that's a few weeks, a few months, or a few years in the future.

![Micro-weddings-flowchart-v2](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5Ec9Ds6rNNelEisESNfz4u/c9af763a924a746d160a86144594aecb/Micro-weddings-flowchart-v2.jpg)

Whether the pandemic changed your plans or you want to host an intimate event, micro weddings, minimones, and elopements will be just as magical (maybe more) than a large event. Send [wedding invitations](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop) to your loved ones and get ready to have the intimate wedding that both of you will remember for the rest of your lives.

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Getting Started

Micro Weddings, Minimonies, and Elopements: Which is Right for You?

Planning 101

[Save the dates](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop) serve as the first piece of formal communication about your wedding logistics that you’ll share with guests. Before the invitation, a save the date simply lets wedding guests know, well, what date to save for your wedding. Here’s everything you need to know about wedding save the dates (sometimes called wedding save-the-dates), from etiquette, wording examples, to when to send save the dates, and much more.

## What Is a Save The Date? 
As the first piece of your wedding stationery or invitation suite, save the dates serve a functional purpose and add an extra touch of style and coordination to your wedding event. Sent to your guest list months ahead of actual invitations, save the dates let guests know that your wedding is happening—and they should quite literally “save the date” for the celebration. They also indicate that a [wedding invitation](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop) is coming. 

These announcements most often take the form of printed cards sent via snail mail. Some couples get creative with save the date magnets or other small mementos, though (also sent via snail mail).

## Save The Date Goals
Your wedding save the date card should serve the following purposes: 
1. Alert your guests to your wedding date, and have them record it in their calendars.
2. Let guests know that there’s a [formal wedding invitation](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop/formal) to follow.
3. Direct guests to your wedding website to learn more details about your wedding weekend.
4. Prompt your guests to think about travel arrangements, if necessary.
5. Set the general tone (including style, theme, or formality) for your event.
6. Provide a tangible memento (that can coordinate with the rest of your wedding paper) to include in your wedding album or scrapbook. 

[![Zola QR Code Promo](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5hYJyrZbdCbVYf8gL8ZRtq/1abe728cdf14a9b3e0e0ade433128c67/EA_Article__1_.jpg)](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop)

## Save the Date Etiquette: The Five Ws of Save The Dates

### WHO Gets a Save The Date?
One hundred guests on your list, 100 save the dates, right? Think again. Every household on your guest list (rather than every individual guest) should receive a save the date. 

### WHAT Should I Include on My Save The Dates?
Save the dates provide guests with the most basic information: who is getting married, when, and where. An engagement photo of you and your partner from your engagement shoot is also a great addition. You can also include a link to your wedding website if it’s set up so that invited guests can check for updates in real time. See below for more information about how to word save the dates. 

### WHEN Should I Send My Save the Dates?
<a id="send"> </a>
If you’re wondering when to send save the dates, it all depends on your specific wedding timeline. The standard rule of thumb is to send save the dates four to six months before your wedding celebration (if it’s a local wedding). If your timeline is different, don’t stress: the safest thing to do is to send them as soon as possible once you’ve booked a venue and settled on a date. If you’re hosting a destination wedding, you want to send save the dates earlier. If you have a year, send them two [months](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop) earlier than normal.

### WHERE Should I Shop for Save The Dates?
<a id="website"> </a>
We might be a little biased, but [Zola](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop) has an incredible selection of save the dates and related wedding stationery. Designed to coordinate with our [free wedding websites](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website) and matching [paper invitations](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop), our stunning array of save the dates means there’s a design for every style and type of wedding. Customize the wording (and upload your favorite photo) to make it feel 100 percent personal to you. 

### WHY Are Save The Dates a Thing?

Since the trend gained traction in the mid-2000s, these classy head’s ups have become increasingly popular as people become busier (and more forgetful) and couples need to give their invited guests more time to block out the event on their calendars. They are especially important if your wedding day falls during a popular month to travel like close to the holidays or during the summer.

## How to Word Wedding Save The Dates
<a id="wording"> </a>
Save the date wording should be short and sweet, and communicate the basic information guests need to know: who is getting married, where the wedding is taking place, and when. Typically you can just name the city in which you’re getting married—at this stage, guests only need to know if travel is required. 

If you have a [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website), which we highly recommend you set up as soon as you’ve secured your wedding date and location, include the link so guests can read more details about your wedding online for themselves. Then save other details for the invitations you’ve promised them—and do be sure to promise them invitations to follow! 

## Save the Date Wording Ideas

If you want to know exactly how to word your wedding save the dates, here are some examples in a variety of styles, moods, and formalities. Use them as a jumping-off point when crafting your own original save the date wording. 

### Formal Wording Examples

> Meghan Markle and Prince Henry of Wales 
> are getting married in London 
> May 19, 2018 
> Formal invitation to follow 
>

> Please save the date 
> to celebrate the marriage uniting 
> George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin 
> September 27, 2014 
> Venice, Italy 
> Formal invitation to follow 

### Traditional Wording Examples

> Please save the date 
> to share in the joy of 
> Gisele Bundchen 
> and 
> Thomas Brady 
> at their marriage on February 26, 2009 
> in Santa Monica, CA 
> Invitation to follow 
>

> Please save the date 
> for the wedding of 
> Neil Patrick Harris to David Burtka 
> September 6, 2014 
> Perugia, Italy 
> Formal invitation to follow 

### Casual Wording Examples

> Save the date! 
> April 4, 2008 
> for the wedding celebration of Beyonce and Jay Z 
> New York City 
> Formal invitation to follow 
> 

> Jessica and Justin 
> are tying the knot! 
> Friday 19 October 2012 
> Fasano, Italy 
> Invitation to follow 

### Whimsical Wording Examples

> We’re spreading the news! 
> Ellen and Portia are getting hitched! 
> Please save the date: 8/16/08 
> in Beverly Hills, California 
> Invitation to follow 
> 

> Will proposed… 
> Jada said yes! 
> Join us on December 31, 1997 
> as we say, “I do!” 
> in Baltimore, Maryland 
> Invitation to follow

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Invites + Paper

Marriage is about bringing people together to celebrate—and sometimes, those people speak different languages. If you’re planning a bilingual wedding, there are a few extra steps you’ll want to take to make sure things go off without a hitch.

A bilingual wedding ensures that guests from different backgrounds can understand and take part in your wedding in a meaningful way. A language barrier can make guests feel left out and hinder their ability to participate. While planning a bilingual wedding may seem daunting (weddings can be stressful enough as-is), it’s not as overwhelming as it sounds.

Much of your [wedding planning journey](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/checklist) will be the same. But there are a few areas of your planning that you’ll want to focus on specifically for a bilingual wedding. Here are some things to consider. 

## Hire a wedding planner that understands bilingual weddings.
First things first: if you’re using a wedding planner, find one that has planned bilingual events before. Bonus points if they speak both of your native languages.

A wedding planner with bilingual experience will understand the importance of representing and honoring both cultures, and help you navigate any pain points. They may also recommend vendors that are bilingual, too. While not a necessity, having a photographer that speaks both languages is a plus, as they will make organizing photo lineups that much easier. 

![INLINE PhotobySarahCramerShields CramerPhoto Jocelyn&Jeet](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/nvrquLqJSBjfgPLNDi18G/994cd908a8ab9f597bd14f2aef70a153/INLINE_PhotobySarahCramerShields_CramerPhoto_Jocelyn_Jeet.jpg)
*Photo Credit* // Sarah Cramer Shields

## Create invitations in both languages. 
After you’ve done the fun part of choosing your [wedding invitations](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop), it’s time to decide what you’re going to say on them. While we recommend you read our handy how to word wedding invitations guide, if you’re having a bilingual wedding, there are some extra things to consider.

It’s a good idea to include both languages on your wedding invitation for all guests. If you have the budget to do so, you can order separate paper suites—one in each language. But having a single bilingual invite is most efficient. If your wedding guests speak English and Spanish, for example, have the English information on one side and the Spanish on the other. Not only will it help ensure all guests understand key details, but it’s also fun for everyone to experience another language, too. They may even learn a few new words in time for your wedding! 

## Use your wedding website to educate guests.
Even if you send out physical wedding invites, [every couple needs a wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website) that provides guests with all the important logistical information, your wedding registry, the story of how you met (if that’s your style) and RSVP links. There’s no word count online. This means you can customize your site with [must-have information](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/make-wedding-website) in multiple languages. 

You can also use your site to educate guests on your respective backgrounds. Tell family and friends a bit about your heritage and what traditions they can expect at your wedding. Is there a certain dress code they should know about? What about etiquette? This is the time to let them know it all.

If guests are traveling from other countries for your big day, you can use your wedding website to fill them in on things they should know, too. This may include cultural practices, what to pack, and contact info and logistical details for when they arrive. 

## Use bilingual signage. 
From ceremony programs to dinner menus, make sure you incorporate both languages whenever information is being shared at your ceremony and reception. This even includes venue signage like where bathrooms are located. 

Because of the nature of weddings—people, excitement, chaos—it’s best to have a single paper product that’s bilingual. That way, if someone loses their program, or their menu suddenly vanishes, they can simply read their neighbors. You might also want to use signage to label foods with names in both languages.

![INLINE PhotobyMagnoliaWeddings Elsa&Matt](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/28tKqE3f15hESB6GU24Z2v/cd285737f63887da09088eab79cabd20/INLINE_PhotobyMagnoliaWeddings_Elsa_Matt.jpg)
*Photo Credit* // Magnolia Weddings

## An interpreter can come in handy.
If you choose to do your ceremony in one language, consider hiring an interpreter. Not only will an interpreter help people feel less left out if they don’t understand the language, but it will also allow everyone to follow along at the same pace. You can also sprinkle in well-known phrases from a second language, too (think ‘You may now kiss the bride’), or incorporate traditional songs. 

You might also consider the mixed-language ceremony route. If you and your partner understand each other’s native languages (or at least a few words in it) you can say your vows in both languages. You might want to share readings in both languages, as well. If time does not permit, provide reading translations in your ceremony program so guests can follow along.

## Fuse your cultures throughout the wedding.
Between food, decor, venue, and music, there’s no shortage of ways to bring your backgrounds together. Take your favourite parts of each other’s wedding traditions and bring them to life. This will help each other’s families feel welcomed, and also offer guests a chance to learn about another culture. 

When it comes to [wedding speeches](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/giving-killer-best-man-speech), try to include both languages if possible. If the maid of honor only speaks your native language, for example, make sure someone from your wedding party who speaks the other language offers up words, too. Again, you can use an interpreter during speeches, but it’s best to keep them short and sweet. You don’t want to bore guests or drag speeches on. If you are including speeches in both languages, try to alternate between them to keep guests engaged. 

Even if guests can’t understand every aspect of your wedding at all times, the important thing is that they feel included and welcomed. By making an effort to have a bilingual wedding, you’re showing how much you value you and your spouse’s families—and that message transcends language barriers. 

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Sticking to a [wedding budget](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-set-your-wedding-budget) is challenging for even the most financially savvy and spreadsheet-obsessed couples. It’s bound to happen—especially if this is the first wedding you’ve ever planned. There’s a lot of incentive to do your big day right and, similarly, there’s a lot of pressure to make it feel and look as special as possible. And that [requires a bit of funds](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/whats-the-average-cost-of-a-wedding). 

The truth is, there’s a good chance you’re going to go over your wedding budget. The other truth is that you’re not alone. In fact, according to [Zola's First Look Report](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2022), over 2/3 of couples (69%) are spending more on their weddings than they originally budgeted for, and the two main reasons are:

1. They discovered wedding costs in general are more expensive than they anticipated
2. They’re willing to spend more to get exactly what they want

While the second reason is a testament to just how dedicated couples are to their vision for their wedding (as they should be), the first is the result of so many projections of a one-size-fits-all “average” wedding budget for an event as unique as a couple's wedding. There are so many variables to consider when setting the wedding budget that’s right for you, but also know that a dream wedding can happen for any amount of money. 

Once you find that figure for your wedding, then comes the task of sticking to it. If you hope to minimize or avoid going over your wedding budget, though, look out for these common reasons people do it—and how to avoid it.

## Your budget was too low to begin with.
Establishing your wedding budget needs to be one of the first things on your wedding planning checklist. Before you reach out to vendors, you need to know how much money you have to spend for their services—and you need to be realistic. It’s a great idea to plan a budget-friendly wedding, but if you only plan for the best case spending scenario, you may go overboard later.

Start at the drawing board. You’ll want to sit down with your significant other and anyone else helping to fund the wedding. Discuss the total amount that you have to work with and then decide how much to allot for each vendor category. The main groupings in order of most commonly more expensive to less expensive:

- The venue
- The wedding planner (if you choose to hire one)
- The caterer (if your wedding venue does not provide one in the total cost)
- The officiant
- The photographer/videographer
- The band/DJ
- The florist
- The cake baker
- Transportation

As you can see, it’s a long list. Your budget is going to spread across several expenses that may not stay stagnant all the way up to your wedding day. [Do your research](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-much-does-a-wedding-photographer-cost) to figure out the average other couples in your financial range spend on each of these services. If you start too low, you may have a hard time sticking there if it’s simply not the industry standard for what you want. We recommend setting small budgets for each of these categories and including a set amount of wiggle room, as well. 

## You weren’t upfront with your vendors.
Save yourself time, energy, and money and [be honest with your vendors](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-negotiate-with-wedding-vendors) from the jump. You can (and should) communicate your wedding budget with them from your very first interaction—be it email, phone, FaceTime, or in-person. This way, if they wind up being too expensive, you find out as early in the planning as possible. Sometimes a vendor may even lower their pricing slightly in order to meet your budget, so being upfront may also help save you money in the long run too. 

Listen for phrases like “we’ll figure out the details later” or “we can probably make that work” from vendors. Make sure you stay firm about your budget the whole way through and get whatever agreements you can in writing.

![Unsplash Inline Image 1080x720](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4ryDI9nZHpU0LxOnrorJWH/f9f848b29a20df6b1f1fceff1e11ec40/Unsplash_Inline_Image_1080x720.jpg)
*Photo Credit* // Unsplash

## You didn’t have a set guest count.
While you won’t know who will or will not attend your wedding until those RSVPs start rolling in (often not until a few months shy of your date), you can and should have a rough estimate. Your guest number is crucial for a number of vendors—particularly your venue, your florist who will outfit the tables with centerpieces, and your caterer/bar staff. 

If you’re planning for 200, for example, you want to safely assume that 85% will attend (170 guests). Even if you’re slightly over or under, this estimate will help ensure that you don’t stray too far from your budget. 

## You did all the math in your head.
Avoid any miscalculations by using a spreadsheet or other budget tracking service. These tools help you better manage your budget and keep track of your wedding expenses all in one place. This is not only useful for big-ticket items such as the venue, catering and entertainment, but also the smaller-ticket items such as escort cards, favors, and lighting. The best part is that, if you make any changes (even slight ones!), it will be reflected in the total without you having to recalculate. You can even do it all by hand and keep your budget in a binder if that’s your style—you just have to get it written down and recorded somewhere.

## You didn’t factor in the extras.
There are plenty of expenses you can plan for—and then there those surprises. Well, they’re not technically surprises because you can kind of plan for them. You may budget out your vendor expenses, but did you forget to plan for gratuities and tips? Did you include printing costs in your stationery budget? There are unforeseen expenses everywhere along the way—they’re small but can add up. 

We recommend talking to married couples you know to find out where the biggest surprise expenses cropped up throughout their planning. The best people to ask are the people who have gone through it.

![Zola InlineImage 1080x720 (2)](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7xneAXak6vof2JkmAwhKKK/cef74aa7e1eef08c743784b8156ab1a8/Zola_InlineImage_1080x720__2_.jpg)
*Photo Credit* // Zola

## You’re not open to compromise.
If you’re trying to stick to your budget, you have to acknowledge that you might not get exactly what you want in every single area of wedding planning—but you can get close to it! For example, if those gorgeous Chiavari chairs are just stacking up too high, consider a lower-cost option. Do you really think you’ll remember what the chairs looked like on your wedding day? Probably not—but you will remember that you went over your budget by $800 just to have the nicest looking ones in the bunch.

Another example: you flowers. You may have created a picture-perfect bouquet and centerpieces in your mind, but if the flowers you’re hoping for aren’t in season, they're going to be extra expensive. Your florist can help you figure out alternative, [seasonal flowers](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-seasonal-guide-to-wedding-flowers) that will achieve the same look but in a more budget-friendly way. You just have to be willing to bend. 

## You didn’t read before signing the dotted line.
Contracts are there for a reason—they protect you and your vendors. So, make sure you always read them thoroughly. Even if you’ve met and discussed your plans with your vendors multiple times, the final contract is the end all be all. What it says, goes. 

Once you sign, you agree. So, be sure to read all the paperwork and ask any questions about anything that’s unclear. If you don’t really “speak vendor,” don’t let any terms or phrases slide without explanation. This will go a long way in ensuring you stay within your outlined budget. 

Your wedding budget is basically your wedding plan—and you can absolutely create a memorable experience regardless of what numbers you’re working with. [Stick to that budget](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/5-ways-cut-wedding-costs)—and keep your stress to a minimum by watching out for these common ways to overspend.


Budgeting

If you’re about to embark on the long (but fun!) wedding planning journey, you know that there’s a long [wedding checklist](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/checklist/your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist) to run through. Some of those to-dos need to happen before others can even begin. For example, before you [choose a wedding venue](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-choose-a-wedding-venue) or even [set a wedding date](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/choosing-your-wedding-month), you need to choose a wedding location.

When it comes to narrowing your location options down from country to city to town to neighborhood, it can feel like the whole world is open to you. Should you get married in Scottsdale, Arizona or New York, New York? Should you explore elopements in Las Vegas or a beachside wedding in Miami? 

Well, when it comes to choosing the location for your dream wedding, technically, the world is open to you—but you probably have a good idea of some areas where you want to wed. Here are all the factors to keep in mind as you choose your wedding location.

## Keeping it traditional? Get married in the host’s hometown. 
Tradition dictates that weddings take place in the host’s—usually the bride’s—hometown. The bride’s parents traditionally would pay for the entire wedding and reception, so they would get to be the “hosts” of the event.

Of course, today, things are different. Many couples pay for their own weddings, others split the cost between families, and still others do designate one side of the family to shoulder the main ceremony and reception costs. So, feel free to choose either of your hometowns as your wedding location.

## Hoping to create new traditions? Get married in the city where you met. 
Wherever you first met your fiancé is always going to be meaningful to you both. Whether you were both museum hopping in Paris or ran into each other at a local coffee shop, consider having your wedding in the same city as the meet-cute. 

Make sure to write out the story for your guests on your [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website) or on the [save-the-dates](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop) so they understand why this is such a significant location for you.

![Photos By Susie InlineImage 1080x720](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7ddavYg0KrPerPpHUv6ilB/573b12e04a455bb8967964a89b89e658/Photos_By_Susie_InlineImage_1080x720.jpg)
*Photo Credit* // Photos By Susie

## Want to stay convenient (for you)? Get married in the city where you live.
If you want to keep things very convenient for you, your fiancé, and your local friends and family, have the wedding in the city that you currently call home. This cuts down on travel to vendor appointments like fittings and tastings. You’ll also be able to pop into your venue to hammer out logistics anytime in-person instead of handling things over the phone.

Consider making your hometown a recurring part of your wedding theme—in big or small ways. Add souvenirs to your wedding welcome bags, create a full itinerary of places to visit and add it to your wedding website, or even serve a city food staple ([New York](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-get-married-in-NYC) pizza or Chicago popcorn, anyone?) at your reception. 

## Can’t decide? Pick somewhere between your hometowns.
You’re a Californian and your partner’s a New Yorker. Split the difference and have the wedding somewhere in the middle, making it more convenient (or at least equally convenient) for your friends and family to travel to. Your hometowns also may only be a few hours from each other as opposed to cross-country. So, you’ll likely have an area in mind that could serve as a good middle ground.

In some cases, technically, this counts as a destination wedding, as neither of your families are familiar with the area. This obviously comes with a fair share of logistical challenges and maybe some heightened travel costs across the board (before, during, and after the wedding). However, it serves as a good compromise if you really can’t decide as a couple where to host the wedding.

## Love to travel? Host a destination wedding 
Speaking of destination weddings, they’re a beautiful option for couples that have family and friends willing to travel for their big day. Your destination could be anywhere, from a beach in Puerto Rico to a villa in Italy.

As we mentioned, destination weddings come with their own unique set of challenges. Your best defense is a seasoned local coordinator or wedding planner who’s familiar with weddings in that country or city because you may be planning everything from home.

Destination weddings can get expensive for everyone. However, what you spend on additional travel costs, you may save in other areas. Your guest list is likely to start small and end even smaller. First, you probably will invite fewer people and then, some will decline because of cost and logistics. If you prefer a small destination wedding, consider throwing another party back home, too, for your local friends and family.  

![Kamp Weddings InlineImage 1080x720](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5u6e5uX9ExnBf4oXoCxinU/9ada2262d2538cec386708f6fedae428/Kamp_Weddings_InlineImage_1080x720.jpg)
*Photo Credit* // Kamp Weddings

## Tips To Choose a Wedding Location
Choosing a wedding location comes with a number of considerations. Here are a few more things to think about as you figure out where to wed.

### Whose family has a harder time traveling?
If it’s important to you that your grandparents or other distant relatives with limited mobility are at your wedding, make it a priority to choose a location that’s easy enough for them to get to—and be willing to compromise if it’s your partner’s family who needs a closer location. (Also, consider setting up a live stream of your wedding for any relatives or friends who truly can’t make it to your wedding location.) 

### What’s your budget?
The budget rules all when it comes to wedding planning. OK, not all, but it plays a significant role in the decisions you make as a couple. [Wedding venues in New York](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/new-york-ny--wedding-venues) and San Francisco are generally much more expensive than neighboring cities, towns, and suburbs. If your [budget is limited](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-plan-a-wedding-on-a-budget) but your ideal wedding location is expensive, pick a spot on the outskirts of the area. You can still have that major-city moment even if you host your wedding in the next suburb over. Trust us, the lower costs and stress will make it worth it.

## What To Consider Before Choosing a Wedding Venue
Once you’ve locked in where in the world you’re going to get married, it’s time to figure out [how to pick a wedding venue](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-choose-a-wedding-venue). There are a few things you’ll want to consider when choosing the perfect event space to host your wedding ceremony and wedding reception, including:

## 1. Capacity
The size of your guest list will play a major role in choosing your event venue. For example, if you’re planning on hosting 300 of your nearest and dearest, you’re going to need a wedding venue with more space (and square feet) than if you were planning to have an intimate wedding with 20 guests. And if you’re hosting a small wedding, you don’t want to get married in a huge venue that’s meant to seat 200.

When you’re touring [wedding venues](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/topic/planning-101/venues), make sure to ask about capacity, both for the ceremony space and the reception space—and then compare that capacity to the number of guests you plan to host. 

## 2. Availability
The best wedding venues tend to book out one to two years in advance. Before you fall in love with a venue, make sure to ask about availability and confirm they have a date that works for your wedding. (And keep in mind—the more flexibility you can have on the date of your special day, the easier it will be to find overlap with the venue.)

## 3. Budget
As mentioned, budget is important when choosing a wedding location—and it’s just as important when choosing a wedding venue. When evaluating venues, be sure to ask for pricing on their wedding packages and any extra costs you might incur. That way, you can compare it to your wedding budget and ensure it’s in line with what you’re willing to spend.

## 4. Location/Setting
There are all [different types of wedding venues](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/which-type-of-wedding-venue-is-right-for-you)—and the location and setting of a wedding venue can make a huge difference in the look, feel, and overall vibe of your wedding. For example, outdoor wedding venues can offer natural backdrops and breathtaking views (think lakeside, beach, or mountain views)—while an indoor venue (like a country club or banquet hall) can offer more flexibility in event spaces.

Before you start looking at wedding venues, think about what type of location or setting you’re looking for—and then choose event venues that would fit that bill.

## 5. Style
Chances are, you’re going for a specific style for your wedding day—so make sure to choose a venue that aligns with that style. For example, if you’re going for a glam, “old world Hollywood” look, you might look for a venue with an art deco style (and lots of chandeliers!). If you want to your “I do’s” to have a more rustic feel, you might look for a wedding venue in the woods.

## 6. Transportation 
You want guests to be able to easily get to and from your wedding celebration—which is why transportation is an important element to consider when choosing a wedding venue. When evaluating venues, consider how easy it will be for guests to drive there—and if the venue has enough parking to accommodate all your guests’ cars. You should also look into alternative options for guests who can’t or don’t want to drive (for example, whether guests can easily get an Uber to and from the venue or if any local hotels offer shuttle service for wedding parties that book room blocks for their event). 

How to Find an Affordable Wedding Venue

20 Classic Wedding Theme Ideas for an Unforgettable Celebration

How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost?

How to Choose Your Wedding Location

Weddings are a celebration of love. It’s a time when friends and family travel across the country (and sometimes across the globe), coming together to commemorate a special bond and pushing you and your partner forward on a new life journey. As such, there’s no shame in wanting to splurge on this once-in-a-lifetime moment. 

According to __[Zola's First Look Report 2022](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2022), weddings in 2022 cost anywhere from $5k - $100K, with more than ⅔ of couples going over their budgets. And 55% of those couples were willing to splurge on their venue.__

This makes finding affordable wedding venues one way to dramatically cut down on your wedding spend, while keeping the same amenities in other categories (food, music, decor, etc.).

## How to Find Affordable Wedding Venues
Just because you’re money-conscious and want to find affordable wedding venues doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice any of the glitz or glam that you want on your big day. Follow this four-step plan to find affordable wedding venues that meet all of your expectations:
<a id="budget"> </a>

### Step 1: Know Your Budget
Before diving into the nickels and dimes of wedding planning details, you should know what your absolute maximum budget is. This will determine more than just your decision on the venue. Some view the budget as what you can reasonably save given the time from engagement to wedding. But this budget shouldn’t deplete you and your partner’s bank accounts—instead, it should be a new account that you grow together and save. 

Make sure you have a clear understanding of what weddings cost in your chosen area as it varies widely across the country. Most couples spend more than they originally plan simply because they are not educated about how much things cost. . Set a number, but make sure to check in on that number as you learn more during the planning process. Transparency and communication are key when it comes to wedding budgets! Once you have your number, determine what you want out of your wedding and start allocating the funds.

### Step 2: Decide Your Wedding Goals
The point of breaking down your wedding goals is to help you identify the most important aspects of your special day. 

- Do you want everyone dancing and crowding into photo booths together?
- Is having enough delicious food for everyone to eat all night long crucial?
- Are you okay if your wedding isn’t entirely private?
- Do you want all of your extended friends and family to be there?

These types of questions are going to influence some cost-savings decisions. For example, a smaller wedding with fewer people means an affordable venue, less stress on the catering budget, and fewer tables and chairs that need to be rented. Similarly, if you’re okay with your wedding not being entirely private, then there are some outdoor and community venues that can dramatically bring down the cost of the venue.

![How to Find an Affordable Wedding Venue](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/48D4q7C4tdv1FO4mkxr1iW/b2406e8f5c1519a07f8baa358f547b91/Inline_SpringWeddingatBacchusBistro__WineBar_BanderaWeddingPhotography.jpg)
*Photo Credit //* Bandera Wedding Photography

### Step 3: Consider Lower-Cost Venues and Alternatives
<a id="alt"> </a>

### Affordable Wedding Venues to Consider
You don’t have to rent out an estate manor overlooking an expansive lake for a memorable experience. The following wedding venues can be spruced up to create your dream wedding experience:

#### Beach Wedding Venue
[Unique wedding venues](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/wedding-venues "How to Find a Unique Wedding Venue") on the beach can present dreamy photo-ops, beautiful natural décor, and a relaxed environment for all your guests. Plus, there’s nothing quite as romantic as a sunset on the beach.

If this venue sounds like a worthy option, you’ll be happy to know that it can cost as little as the permit fee. For a beach wedding, keep in mind:

- __The temperature typically drops at night.__ Be sure to have plenty of warm jackets, blankets, and bonfire supplies (if permitted) to keep your guests warm throughout the night.

- __Beaches are (typically) public property.__ If you want some privacy, try to find a place off the beaten path or away from the main areas.

- __Consider the bathroom situation.__ Public beach bathrooms can be crowded or have limited hours. If you want to provide guests more privacy, you can rent portable bathrooms for your wedding party. Be sure to check with the local municipality about these features, as this might require a permit. 

- __Food or catering can be complex.__ Unless you are doing a simple beach picnic or refreshment table, having any sort of catering can be expensive due to the remote location (no power, access to running water, etc.).

- __Accessibility.__ Beaches can be difficult terrain for elderly guests or those who have mobility issues. Consider your guest list when looking at sites.

#### Church, Temple, Synagogue, or Other Place of Worship
Utilizing a neighborhood place of worship for your wedding ceremony (and possibly the reception as well), can provide a low-cost or completely free alternative. Plus, the walls and decorations already offer a grandiose atmosphere, placing a sense of importance on the day. 

If you do choose a place of worship, be aware of a few key things:

- __You might be required to use a specific set of vows.__ Although this isn’t true for all religious weddings, many of them will have pre-written vows for their ceremonies.

- __There might be limited availability.__ Many places of worship have been doing weddings for a long time, and on a regular basis. Check in to see about availability early.

- __Typically require a donation__. There is often a donation expected for the use of the space and the time and effort of the officiant.

- __May require membership to the congregation or sponsorship__. Many places of worship will not allow just anyone to be married in their spaces by their religious leaders. Many require some sort of connection to the space, and one or more meetings with the leader in advance of the ceremony.

#### Community Center Venue
Your local community park or community center might be able to host your weekend for free or for a marginal fee. This would allow you to cut down on your wedding costs and still have a space that feels yours. If this sounds like a perfect option for you and your partner, here are some aspects to consider:

- __You might have to share the event space.__ Depending on the size of the community center, you might not be able to reserve the entire space. If so, you might be sharing it with those outside your wedding party.

- __Cleanup might have to happen immediately.__ If there is another event planned the day after yours, that means you’ll be on a quick cleanup duty (which can be hard after a night of celebrating).

#### Alternative Venue Ideas
If you have your heart set on a certain type of reception venue, there might be workarounds that allow you the best of both worlds. 

For example:

- __A wine tour instead of the vineyard wedding.__ Planning an event for your wedding is often an incredible way to secure joyful memories for years to come, without sacrificing your bank account. If your heart is set on a [vineyard wedding](https://www.zola.com/inspiration/real-weddings/vineyards-wineries), but the $45,000+ price tag is too much to handle—consider a wine tour after the ceremony, or on the day before the wedding. A tour and transportation will (typically) cost far less than renting out the vineyard and can be just as fun. Plus, if you go in a full wedding wardrobe, you can still gather incredible photos while you’re there. Win-win. *Remember to make reservations and to not drink and drive!*

- __Renting out a portion of a restaurant for the night.__ Instead of renting an entire venue, you can try a private room at a local restaurant. They can likely help you create a set menu to ensure you have aligned on costs in advance, and might even stay open late for your party.. This could greatly reduce the cost of your wedding venue.

Museums, libraries, state campgrounds, and other alternative venues allow for so many creative possibilities when it comes to an affordable wedding venue. Keep your imagination open as you consider different types of landscapes and venues. Soon, you’ll find the perfect one that’s affordable.

### Step 4: Consider Less Popular Wedding Dates

While a Saturday in September might seem like the most ideal date to get married for you, many other couples agree. This makes those dates (called “peak” in industry terms) most competitive and most expensive. Peak vs off-peak months are heavily dependent on the area of the country (November in Massachusetts is very different than in Arizona!) but generally June, September, and October will be peak months. 

Saturdays are the most expensive day of the week to get married, followed by Friday and Sundays. Weekdays are the least expensive day to get married across the board because most vendors will be available and looking to add an additional client into their schedule. However, weekdays can be difficult for people's work and school schedules, especially if anyone has to travel in from out of town.

And to ensure that your wedding is just that—*about love and memories*—you can rely on your team at Zola.
To help you get started, we've provided links to some of our most popular venue locations below:

- [New York Wedding Venues](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/new-york-ny--wedding-venues)
- [Charlottesville Wedding Venues](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/charlottesville-va--wedding-venues)
- [South Jersey Wedding Venues](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/newark-nj--wedding-venues)
- [North Jersey Wedding Venues](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/newark-nj--wedding-venues)
- [Los Angeles Wedding Venues](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/los-angeles--wedding-venues)
- [Seattle Wedding Venues](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/seattle--wedding-venues)

![How to Find an Affordable Wedding Venue](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1yzMQUpGk6VoCypklk57O7/7a7b34d1bcc4434992525f1e1aa0c8d6/Inline_PinkInfusedRomanticBackyardWedding_AnnaGuziakPhotography.jpg)
*Photo Credit //* Anna Guziak Photography

### Zola: Your Partner Through Tough Wedding Decisions
Finances are never a fun thing to talk about, but hopefully these affordable wedding venues help you find a new, less expensive home for your wedding dreams.

To guide you along the process, Zola offers a free wedding planning tools that and can help you plan your special day. You can even find vendors and venues in your area via the Zola app available on both [iPhone](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/zola-wedding-registry-gifts/id852691916) and [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zola.android.wedding&hl=en) devices. Whatever you need, we’re here to help.

Venues

For whatever reason (budget, venue size, personal desire), you and your partner have decided to have a smaller wedding. Because of this, you need to create an intimate [wedding guest list](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/guests) that fits your wants and needs. This can be tough, especially if you’re considering inviting both of your families, friend groups, and others. To avoid going overboard, here’s how to create a small guest list and stick to it.

## Make your wedding adults-only.
Unless [you have children in your family](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/include-your-kids-in-wedding) or life that you’re very close to, make your wedding kid-free. While some venues and caterers offer kids’ food and drinks at a reduced rate to help save money, you still have to factor children into your final headcount. For some large families, keeping the kids at home can make all the difference.

If you feel bad implementing this rule, offer to invite kids to your engagement party or rehearsal dinner. You can also organize and hire a babysitter to watch the kids at the hotel or a family member’s house during the wedding. 

That said, if you go kid-free, you have to go totally kid-free. You can’t allow one guest to bring their children, but not another. Favoritism can cause unneeded grudges and hurt feelings. If you’re setting this rule, stick with it. 

![INLINE CoralBeePhotography 1080x720 Gabrielle&Michael](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/dBCRDnHNiNgMHrpPBSDmE/cf60990ac13fe49e3a9d28f0804190ba/INLINE_CoralBeePhotography_1080x720_Gabrielle_Michael.jpg)
*Photo Credit* // Coral Bee Photography

## Limit plus-ones.
An easy way to stick to a small guest list is to limit plus-ones right away. If you want to go this route, we recommend [giving plus-ones](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-soon-is-too-soon-to-ask-someone-to-be-your-1) exclusively to those loved ones in long-term relationships. Otherwise, you’re not obligated to give anyone an extra invite. 

This is a super common method to keep weddings small and/or to keep costs low. If an intimate ceremony is what you’re after, this is an easy way to accomplish that. Be prepared for potential pushback—some guests may either request a plus-one or ask why they can’t bring one. Stick to your guns and kindly explain the situation (if you feel comfortable)—it was a space issue, a financial one, or simply your preference. 

## Only invite immediate family members.
Many couples invite their immediate family plus much of their extended family (on both sides) to their wedding. However, consider how many branches there are in your family tree. If you’re dreaming of a smaller celebration but come from a larger-than-average family, you may need to do some reconsidering, especially if you’d also like to include some friends.

When it comes to family, it’s not out of the question to cut things off after first aunts, uncles, and cousins. If you’re going really small, then keep it to your parents, siblings, and grandparents.  Don’t feel the need to invite your distant third cousin—yes, even [if they invited you their wedding years ago](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/invited-to-friends-wedding-invite-them-to-ours). 

In fact, don’t feel the need to invite any family you’re not close with. Sure, talk may spread a bit, but it is what it is. You have to stand your ground and trust that they’ll be understanding.

## Keep it to your close friend circle.
In that same vein, co-workers, old acquaintances, and friends-of-friends you sometimes see when you go out don’t need spots on your intimate list. Again, you might feel the need to invite an old friend simply because you attended their wedding at one point. Don’t. The important thing to think about here is your current relationship with them. If you’ve since lost touch or had a falling out, they [don’t require a spot on your wedding guest list](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-talk-to-friends-werent-invited-to-wedding).

If you’re lost on what to do, ask yourself two simple questions: Will not inviting them negatively impact your friendship? Do you care? If yes, put them on a B-list to reconsider once you’ve solidified the rest of your list. If no, don’t add them at all.

![INLINE StudioOpia 1080x720 Ada&Jay](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/555u8zrHkR66zmTtdOTeZV/72937856436c462403a3649c4ba0489f/INLINE_StudioOpia_1080x720_Ada_Jay.jpg)
*Photo Credit* // Studio Opia

## Keep your final list private.
Once you finalize your guest list, keep it between you and your partner. Sharing with family and friends often leads to many what abouts, especially if your list is small. However, if you do end up showing someone (parents, in-laws, etc.), be sure to set boundaries. Let them know that, after thinking long and hard, your list is final. They probably have an idea of who they’d like to see at your wedding, but if you’re clear about wanting a small wedding, they should respect that. 

The only exception is if your parents or future in-laws are contributing to (or footing) the bill. In this case, you may want to limit them to a certain number of people they can invite. Everybody wins—they can invite friends or distant family members and you don’t have to worry about hosting their entire circle.

## Try not to overthink anyone’s reaction.
In the end, you’re not obligated to invite anyone. If you’re not absolutely thrilled at the thought of someone being a part of your wedding day, they don’t need to be there. Besides, if you’re not exactly close, chances are they won’t be too offended by it.

At the same time, it’s [considerate to reach out](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-talk-to-friends-werent-invited-to-wedding) to anyone who ends up feeling snubbed. Reassure them that it’s nothing personal—you just have a budget or venue capacity to keep in mind. Sticking to a small wedding guest list may seem uncomfortable or difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. You can approach the situation and your loved ones with poise and explain your preferences. Simple as that. 

wedding couple at floral altar extra wedding costs

11 Extra Wedding Costs to Budget for at the Beginning

How to Handle a Super Drunk Wedding Guest

How to Politely Remind Guests to RSVP

How to Stop a Rambling Wedding Speech

How to Talk to Friends Who Weren't Invited to Your Wedding

How to Stick to a Small Wedding Guest List

*Want to keep track of your wedding budget? [Try our free budget tool](https://www.zola.com/wedding-budget) with payment reminders and tips on how much to spend.*

With[ wedding costs averaging at $29K](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/whats-the-average-cost-of-a-wedding) , it can feel like an impossible task for some couples to plan a wedding on a budget. That said, we have some good news: it can be done. Countless couples have incredible weddings every year without sacrificing on style or going over budget, and you can do it, too. All it takes is planning ahead and a little savvy regarding your big day.

Though this may initially come across as intimidating or complicated, we at Zola have the best advice to guide you during the process of wedding budgeting. Read on below for our top tips when it comes to planning your special day on a wedding budget. We may even be able to help you save money along the way. 

## 1. Set Your Budget
The first step to planning your wedding on a [budget](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-set-your-wedding-budget) is figuring out what your budget actually is.

First thing’s first: Determine who is paying for the wedding. More often than not, the to-be-wed couple, themselves, takes on the task of footing the bill. This may be out of pocket or via personal loan. Before taking a single step forward with planning, ask yourselves if this—or an alternative—will be the case for you. Are either (or both) of your families helping? How much does everyone plan to contribute?

Next, [crunch the numbers](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-start-creating-a-wedding-budget-right-now) to figure out your total spending limit. Put together what you’re comfortable with and able to spend and how much anyone else is going to contribute and not a dollar more. Be [realistic](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-set-a-wedding-budget-thats-realistic-for-you), while also remaining optimistic. It’s never a good idea to acquire debt while paying for your wedding—stick to a budget amount that doesn’t require loans or credit card charges that you cannot repay within a few months’ time. The longer it takes for you to pay off a loan, the more interest you will end up paying on top of initial costs.

Here’s how most couples set their wedding budget breakdown. (Note that this totals over 100%, as not everyone will include every category in their wedding).

Here’s how most couples divide up their wedding budget breakdown. (Note that this totals over 100%, as not everyone will include every category in their wedding expenses).

- __Wedding venue:__ 24%

- __Catering:__ 18%

- __Photography:__ 7%

- __Videography:__ 5%

- __Flowers:__ 8%

- __Entertainment:__ 9%

- __Hair and makeup:__ 2%

- __Cake and/or dessert:__ 2%

- __Officiant:__ 1%

- __Stationary (save the dates, wedding invitations, thank you cards):__ 3%

- __Wedding dress, suit, or other attire:__ 7%

- __Wedding planner:__ 6%

- __Rentals:__ 5%

- __Transportation:__ 2%

However, this is more of a general guideline than anything. Your priorities will likely shift these numbers at least a little bit. 

## 2. Trim Your Guest list
After you set your budget, begin to build your guest list. While we understand that you might want to invite many people to your celebration, bear in mind that the more people you invite, the more you spend. Conversely, for smaller weddings, you tend to spend less. Here are a few tricks to help you trim your guest list:

1. __Break down your list into A and B lists.__ The A list should include people who are the most important to you and whose presence would make your day feel completel. The B list should include anyone whom you would like to invite, but could be removed from the guest list if you need to trim totals.

2. __Host an adults-only wedding.__ Even if you love children, excluding kids from your guest list will help reduce your overall costs.

3. __Limit +1s.__ Reserve +1s for guests who are married or in a long-term relationship. 

## 3. Research Average Costs
The [average cost of a wedding](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/whats-the-average-cost-of-a-wedding) and vendor prices vary a lot by location. For example, a [wedding florist in Los Angeles, CA](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/los-angeles-ca--wedding-florists) might be less expensive compared to vendors in Boston, MA or Tampa, FL. [Do a little research](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search) to figure out typical costs in your area and what percentage of your total budget should be allocated to the vendors you absolutely need to pull off your wedding day. A lot of couples experience sticker shock when they receive price quotes from vendors. Knowing what to expect will help you stay within budget and let you start to hone in on areas where you might be able to cut costs. 

## 4. Determine Your Priorities
Speaking of cutting costs, a great way to scale back on spending is to figure out what’s important to you as a couple and prioritize those areas. For example, your wedding day vision might place great food as a focal point. In that case, set aside a larger portion of your budget for booking a [wedding caterer](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search) with a great reputation. On the other hand, if live music isn’t going to make or break your ideal celebration, you can explore DIY options like creating your own playlist and broadcasting it over a speaker using a laptop or cell phone.

We recommend that you and your partner each list your top three priorities for the wedding day separately, and then come together to discuss your lists. This will give you the opportunity to think about what’s most important to you without influencing each other, after which you can begin to talk through how you will allocate your wedding funds. 

## 5. Cut Costs Where You Can
A common strategy for couples planning a wedding on a budget is to think outside of the box. Here are a few ways you might find you’re able to save some money:

- __Explore non-traditional wedding venues.__ Think restaurants, breweries, public libraries, museums, or summer camps.. Non-traditional venues are likely to cost you less than your traditional hotel lawn and ballroom.

- __Host your wedding ceremony and/or wedding reception at home.__ Likewise, if you have enough space, consider having a beautifully personal wedding at your very own home. If you have loved ones with more space (say, a large backyard), you can also keep those in mind—with their permission, of course. Doing this or similar can save you tons of money on venue costs.

- __Buy used whenever you can.__ Now, more than ever, is the time to go thrifting or vintage shopping. If you’re skilled in the area of DIY, this is an opportunity to upcycle and create some beautiful, unique decor. Think seating, centerpieces, linens, dinnerware, and decor. You can even thrift or purchase gently used bridesmaids dresses and groomsmen attire. Similarly, don’t forget to consider rentals.

- __Ask your wedding party, talented friends, and family for help.__ Likewise, if you happen to have any skilled friends or family, try asking them for some help. Odds are they’ll be thrilled to have some help in your special day. Just don’t request that they take on the job of a wedding vendor (musician, photographer, etc.), as they should be a guest at your wedding.

- __Have a small wedding cake or alternative dessert.__ Though we love a grand wedding cake, they’ve fallen a bit out of Vogue. This is great news for those on a budget, who can easily afford a more minimalistic cake or alternative dessert, such as cupcakes or doughnuts.

- __Look outside of traditional wedding attire.__ Who says you have to wear a bridal gown or tuxedo to your wedding? If you’d prefer to wear something that feels a bit less traditional, go for it. Odds are it won’t be nearly as expensive.

- __Send digital wedding invitations.__ If your loved ones are more likely to read a text or RSVP while they’re already on their phone, consider sending entirely digital wedding invitations. Not only will this save you money, but it creates less paper waste.

- __Create a Wedding Website.__ Your own wedding website can help you manage RSVPs, share your registry, and get information out to your guests. It, via your registry, can also host a cash fund, which can help you receive gift money for your honeymoon.

- __Host a potluck wedding.__ Family-style meals continue to grow in wedding popularity. Host a truly intimate and community-created wedding by asking each of your guests to bring something they can contribute to the celebratory meal. Think appetizers, mains, sides, drinks, and desserts.

- __Choose an off-season or weekday wedding date.__ Due to not being as in-demand as weekends or peak on-season, you likely won’t be stuck with highly competitive pricing seen during more popular times of year.

- __Limit your bar to beer and wine only.__ Having a limited selection at your bar, rather than an open bar, can drastically cut your alcohol costs. If your guests are likely to be just as satisfied with beer and wine as they would be with a slew of cocktails, there’s no need to include all of the frills.

- __Explore alternatives to fresh flowers for your table decor.__ Your centerpieces and table settings can truly be created out of anything you like—not just your standard wedding flowers. Think potted plants, fruit bowls, stacked books, vintage tea sets, paper flowers, or DIY floral arrangements.

- __Repurpose ceremony decor at the reception.__ Think aisle markers that can double as centerpieces or a floral arch that can be moved to frame the couple’s table. Plenty of decorative accents (florals, candles, etc.) can work for both your ceremony and reception.

- __DIY your ceremony and reception music.__ If you know you and your wedding guests’ music tastes very well, opt to create a DIY playlist. Renting a couple large speakers and hooking them up to a phone or laptop will save you a large sum of money where entertainment costs are concerned.

- __Have a friend of family member officiate the wedding.__ If you aren’t having a religious ceremony, consider asking a friend or family member to officiate your ceremony. In many states in the U.S. they don’t even need to be professionally certified. Plus, it’ll be a lovely experience and memory to look back on.

- __DIY your photo booth.__ Purchase a phone tripod (even better if it has a ring light), DIY a nice backdrop, and you have yourself a homemade, money-saving photo booth that everyone is sure to enjoy.

- __Host a breakfast, brunch, or afternoon wedding.__ Weddings that take place earlier in the day have been gaining immense popularity. In leu of hosting a costly evening affair, consider instead having a garden party brunch or afternoon tea. This is likely to save you money on your venue and food.

- __Skip wedding programs and favors.__ While many wedding extras can be beautiful and have a nice impact, they aren’t really necessary. Make some room in your budget by skipping these smaller details.

## Wedding Budget Breakdown
With all of this information at your fingertips, you may still be desiring some hard numbers. For that reason, we’ve put together a budget breakdown, complete with price ranges for many portions of a wedding.

- Wedding venue: $6,500–$12,000
- Catering: $6,500–$10,000
- Band or DJ: $2,000–$7,000
- Wedding planner: $1,500–$4,750
- Photographer: $3,500–$6,500
- Videographer: $3,000–$6,000
- Flowers: $2,500–$6,000
- Transportation: $700–$1,200
- Cake: $600–$900
- Ceremony music: $500–$800
- Hair and makeup: $550–$850

## Conclusion
The wedding planning process can be overwhelming as it is. Moreover, the discussion of wedding expenses isn’t exactly fun. However, with a little bit of research and some dedication, you can work through your wedding budget and stick to it with ease.

Luckily, you also have us at Zola to help you through it. With our help, you can create your wedding website, registry, and coordinate all of your wedding planning in one convenient place. Not only that, but you can search through a variety of wedding registry gifts—from household items, to gift cards, to cash funds—in our [Shop](https://www.zola.com/shop/collection/new-arrivals).

Your dream wedding is only some hard work (and a few clicks) away.

Couple holding bouquets exiting outdoor wedding ceremony

How to Plan a Wedding on a Budget

When you get married, you want to be able to be fully present to enjoy the experience. And, for most people, that means requesting time off for your wedding. Weddings happen all the time and companies know that. However, there’s definitely a right and wrong way to ask. Here’s everything you need to know about taking time off for your wedding, including when to ask and how.

## When should I request time off for my wedding?
“There is no hard and fast rule for when to request time off for a wedding,” says Phil Norton, co-founder of PTO booking software [Leave Dates](https://www.leavedates.com/?utm_source=signature&utm_medium=email). “But you should try to give as much notice as possible.” He recommends that, if you have a year to plan your wedding, submit your request for time off as soon as you [know your dates](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/choosing-your-wedding-month). 

Some companies don’t start scheduling time-off requests too far in advance—but even if your HR team isn’t accepting PTO requests for your wedding date just yet, it’s still a good idea to clear it with your manager as soon as possible. Plus, starting the conversation around when you’ll be out is an important first step so that your team gets used to the idea and it doesn’t creep up on anyone. “It’s too important to leave it to chance,” Norton says.

![INLINE FreireWeddingPhoto 1080x720 Keysha&Lucius](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/34I4tlxMHNw9SgeLMhTxCk/6d0da7afde5be3568399bc72399bfb1a/INLINE_FreireWeddingPhoto_1080x720_Keysha_Lucius.jpg)
*Photo Credit* // Freire Wedding Photo

## How much time can I request off for my wedding?
This can really vary. There’s no set amount of time you can request off for your wedding (and honeymoon, if necessary). How much time you can take off will largely depend on your organization and the PTO policies.

If your company has a more traditional PTO policy, you’ll likely be able to request off however much PTO you’ve accrued. So, if you have two weeks of PTO, you can request two weeks off. (If you need more time off than what you have accrued, you can try to negotiate additional unpaid leave).

If your company has an unlimited PTO policy, things aren’t as cut and dry. While many organizations say they offer unlimited PTO, even “unlimited” has its limits (they’re not going to let you request off three months). Plan your time off request based on the norm for your company. “Understand the limitations that might exist in the organization and past precedent on what has been allowed for wedding leave in the past,” says HR Consultant [Matthew Burr](https://burrconsultingllc.com/).

### Do I need to combine with time-off for my honeymoon?
Some experts also recommend coordinating your wedding and honeymoon back-to-back. That way, you’re stretch of time out happens all at once. Multiple leaves of absence can impact your team and other projects.

“Don't ask for 2 weeks off for the wedding and next month ask for 3 weeks for a honeymoon,” says Burr. “More than likely, you're going to upset management with that request. Map out what the days off look like and be direct about what you need.”

If you can’t [go on your honeymoon](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/when-should-we-go-honeymoon) directly following your wedding, it’s best to space them out (at least three to six months) so you’re not taking off two large chunks of time in close proximity. 

## How should I ask for wedding PTO?
Once you know when you need to take off—and how much time off you need—it’s time to actually request your wedding PTO.

Requesting time off for your wedding should be a simple, straightforward process. The chances of your boss denying your request are pretty slim, especially if you ask well in advance of your big day.

“This is your wedding, it’s one of the most important days of your life. You should be able to simply ask for the time off and your boss will bend over backward to give it to you,” says Norton. “Of course this isn’t always the case, but when asking for the time off, you shouldn’t feel the need to overly justify it.”

Just because your manager is likely to approve your PTO request doesn’t mean there’s nothing you need to do on your part, though. You need to make sure they understand the steps you plan to take the ensure things run smoothly while you’re out of office.

### What should I say?
“You should do everything you can to help your manager approve your request. Put yourself in their shoes and answer the questions they are likely to have,” says Norton. “If you can explain how you will ensure that business operations aren’t impacted by your time off, then you increase your chance of having the time off approved. In particular, you should think about who will do your work while you are off and any handover activities which will be necessary.”

So, for example, let’s say there’s a big client presentation scheduled right in the middle of your wedding PTO request. You could say something along the lines of __*“I’m getting married on December 13th, so I’ll need to request time off from December 11th through the 20th for my wedding and honeymoon. I know we have the big client presentation scheduled for the 12th, so I’m planning on completing this portion of the work and prepping these coworkers to handle my part of this project.”*__

If you’re responsible for overseeing an important project, you might say __*“I’m going to need to request two weeks off in September for my wedding. I’ve already talked to Christine in the marketing department and she’s agreed to take over my project management responsibilities while I’m out of the office.”*__

The point is, the more you show your boss that you’re taking steps to make sure everything is taken care of while you’re gone, the better they’ll feel about your wedding PTO—and the easier it will be to get the time off. “The more proactive you are in requesting, the more likely it will get approved,” says Burr.

![INLINE AshCarrPhoto 1080x720 Ann&Wade](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7GQ21hhYD8EOlQmm4N3nVb/0e6df2da402d6e04d47e41f8c7b3ea18/INLINE_AshCarrPhoto_1080x720_Ann_Wade.jpg)
*Photo Credit* // Ash Carr Photography

## How do I prepare for time-off?
Once your wedding time-off is approved, you can start setting the proper expectations with your manager, colleagues, and clients. When you take off time for your wedding, you want to actually take time off—not spend the morning of your “I do’s” or the first day of your honeymoon frantically answering emails. That’s why setting expectations upfront is so important. 

“If you’re usually the type of person who answers emails when you’re on holiday, they may not realize that you don’t want to do this on the day of your wedding,” Norton says. “Setting an out of office message is another good way of ensuring that everyone is aware of your stance. Why not even mention that you are getting married? This gives the recipient more information about why you won’t be checking emails and helps to reinforce the message.”

Otherwise, in the build-up to your wedding, be sure to delegate any major work assignments or projects as you can. Don’t wait until the [week before your wedding](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/sleep-night-before-wedding) and scramble trying to get your work covered.

30 Eco-Friendly Wedding Ideas for a Sustainable And Low-Cost Celebration

7 Tips for Merging Cultures in a Multicultural Wedding

What's the Average Cost of a Wedding?

a young couple celebrates their exchanging of vows 

A Guide to Wedding Vows

The Art of Requesting Time Off For Your Wedding

It’s a universally acknowledged truth that the wedding planning process is a lot of work. With a wedding checklist as long as your arm it’s not always obvious where and how to even begin. Thankfully, this is the digital age, in which we can do almost anything from our smartphones. Gone are the days of wedding planning that require a binder full of wedding inspiration print-outs and a million sit-down meetings for the bride and groom. But what are the best websites and tools out there to facilitate your online wedding planning? Answer: [Zola](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning).

In this guide on how to plan a wedding, we’ll walk you through the steps of online wedding planning—whether you’re planning a [traditional wedding](https://www.zola.com/inspiration/real-weddings/traditional) or a destination wedding. From [organizing a seating chart](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-create-a-wedding-seating-chart) to setting a realistic wedding budget, you’ll be armed with all the knowledge to plan your dream wedding. Grab your phone or laptop and let’s get planning. 

## Step 1: Get Organized
<a id="first"> </a>
After getting engaged, you and your partner need to get hooked up with all the right tools and services to make your online wedding planning as easy as possible. Set up a Zola account to:
- Create a [wedding registry](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry)
- Set up your personal [wedding planning Checklist](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/checklist/your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist)
- Build a [free wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website)
- [Order save the dates and invitations](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop)
- [Browse wedding inspiration](https://www.zola.com/inspiration/weddings)
- [Book your wedding vendors](https://www.zola.com/inspiration/wedding-venues)
- Download the [Zola Weddings App](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/zola-weddings/id1224719355?ls=1&mt=8) on all your mobile devices (even those [Androids](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zola.android.wedding&hl=en)) for even more wedding inspiration.
- [Follow Zola](https://www.facebook.com/zola/) on your [favorite social channels](https://www.instagram.com/zola/) for unbeatable inspiration and advice. 
- Download Zola’s [12-month wedding planning timeline](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/planning-101/getting-started/your-wedding-planning-to-do-checklist) (if you aren’t using our digital Wedding Checklist tool).

Then set up other online accounts to help with your planning: 
- Set up a wedding-only email account for you and your partner.
- Set up a file-sharing account like Google Drive or [Dropbox](https://www.dropbox.com).

## Step 2: Set The Date
If you haven’t done so already, it’s time to start thinking about a wedding date.

See our guide for [How To Set A Wedding Date](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/planning-101/getting-started/how-to-set-a-wedding-date)

## Step 3: Create a Wedding Website
Now that you’re knowledgeable about how to use the internet to plan your wedding, it’s time to make your wedding a part of the internet.
- Set up your [free Zola wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website).
- Pick your [website design](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website) from our hundreds of gorgeous options (literally). You can even match your website to your save the dates and invitations in Step 10 and 12 below.
- Begin customizing your design with photography, stories, and any wedding details you already have in mind. 
- Create a custom website domain for a small fee. 
- Complete each section before finally making it public and searchable for your guests. Continue to add to your website as you nail down more specifics.

See our guide for [How To Create A Wedding Website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website)

## Step 4: Set Up Your Registry
<a id="registry"> </a>
It’s time for what most people think is a fun step in wedding planning: setting up your Zola wedding registry. Not sure what a registry is? Not a problem—read up on [What Is A Wedding Registry](https://www.zola.com/wedding-registry). 
- Consult our [Registry Checklist](https://www.zola.com/registry/checklist/kitchen-essentials3) to find out which gifts Zola’s experts recommend you include to outfit (or upgrade) your newlywed home.
- Take advantage of Zola’s Registry Planner tool, a calculator that tells you how many gifts you should add to your registry, and in which price points, based on the number of guests you expect to invite. 
- Add gifts to your registry and personalize with photos, a welcome message, and personal notes to your guests about your registry picks. 
- Publish your Zola registry! 
- Add your Zola registry to your website.

See our guide for [Essentials To Put On Your Wedding Registry](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/registry/registry-basics/essentials-to-put-on-your-registry)

## Step 5: Set Your Budget
Setting your wedding budget isn’t fun as a bride and groom, but it will make your life easier as you get further into planning your wedding. Plus, a realistic wedding budget helps you avoid overspending money, as well as help you outline ways to save. 
- Sit down with your partner over dinner and chat about the following things:
 - The total amount of money you’d like to spend on your wedding
 - What you can afford to spend
 - If your families are contributing to cover wedding costs
 - What your priorities are for the big day (this is how you figure out ways to save and where)
- Break down your budget further by determining what dollar amount or percentage of your total budget you can spend on each major category or item you want to include in the day’s festivities.
- Create a spreadsheet to track your expenses. 
- Put together a folder of receipts, signed contracts, and deposits and payments as you make them.

See our guide for [How To Set Your Wedding Budget](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/planning-101/budgeting/how-to-set-your-wedding-budget)

## Step 6: Gather Wedding Inspiration
Now for a little fun after the budget talk: it’s time to browse ideas and wedding inspiration.
- Explore [Zola Inspiration](https://www.zola.com/inspiration/weddings): a huge collection of real weddings that grows every day with incredible new wedding images. You can even filter and search for weddings based on season, color palette, wedding style, venue type, or location. 
- Save photography and ideas that you love to your Zola account by clicking the heart icon on photos and real weddings to save them to your favorites.

# Step 7: Choose a Venue
After browsing and favoriting Zola’s real weddings, you should begin to get a sense of your ideal wedding style. This will inform everything about your event, from food and beverage to deco and even your wedding stationery. The next step in turning your dream wedding into reality is to find your wedding venue. 
- [Browse wedding venues](https://www.zola.com/inspiration/wedding-venues) from any location, or narrow down your search to a few popular wedding destinations like Napa or Charlottesville, VA. You can also search by type of venue, so if you already know your wedding must take place at the beach, you can skip right to beachfront options. 
- Create a [wedding venue checklist](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-choose-a-wedding-venue) and send inquiries directly through Zola to your top venue picks to ask about availability and schedule site visits. 
- Once you’ve made your decision, lock in your wedding date with a signed venue contract and deposit. 

See our guide for [How To Choose A Wedding Venue](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/planning-101/getting-started/how-to-choose-a-wedding-venue)

## Step 8: Create Your Wedding Checklist
Once you have a venue contracted signed, then your online wedding planning timeline really kicks in. 
- Activate your [Zola Wedding Checklist](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/checklist) to put your wedding to-do list on autopilot. 
- Input your key wedding details like date and location, and select whether you want a lot versus a little bit of guidance from the tool.
- Let Checklist schedule out your wedding planning to-do list month by month for you. 
- Customize your checklist to add, edit, or remove any tasks as you need. It’s also equipped with tons of religious- and culturally-specific traditions that you can add based on the kind of wedding you’re having. You can really be your own wedding planner.
- Get push notifications from Checklist right to your phone (since you have the Zola app, right?)

Don't have a Zola account? See our [Wedding Planning To-Do Checklist](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/planning-101/getting-started/your-wedding-planning-to-do-checklist)

## Step 9: Build Your Guest List
Okay, the wedding is shaping up. Now it’s time to set your guest list. 
- Put together your guest list by working with your families to determine who should be invited. 
- Use Zola’s [Guest List](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/guests) tool to gather and keep track of guests’ names and addresses by one (or several) of the following methods:
 - Upload an existing spreadsheet
 - Add contacts from your phone’s address book
 - Use manual entry
 - Send guests a link via email or text allowing them to input their address directly into the tool themselves

See our guide on [How To Make A Wedding Guest List](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/planning-101/getting-started/how-to-make-a-wedding-guest-list)

## Step 10: Send Out Save The Dates
The guest list is set, so start spreading the news! 
- Design your [save the dates](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop) on Zola, which can also coordinate with your wedding website design (and all of your wedding stationery). 
- Mail your save the dates approximately 6-8 months before the wedding to give guests plenty of notice (and to make travel arrangements if they’re journeying from out of town). 
- Include your wedding website (and make it public) on your save the date so guests can learn more. 

See our [Guide To Wedding Save The Dates](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/invites-paper/save-the-dates/a-guide-to-save-the-dates)

## Step 11: Find Your Vendors
<a id="vendors"> </a>
While you probably have been researching and selecting important vendors throughout this whole process, here’s the point in your online wedding planning journey where you need to shore up your wedding vendor list. 
- Head to Zola’s [vendor directory](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors) to search for all the key professionals who will actually pull off this incredible soirée you’re planning. Search by wedding vendor type, then browse through the vendor listings to find images, package descriptions, pricing info, reviews, and real wedding examples (when available). In general order of importance/urgency, here are the kinds of vendors you should be researching and booking:
 - [Photographer](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/wedding-photographers)
 - [Caterer](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/wedding-catering)
 - [Planner or Designer](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-planner), if using
 - [Florist](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/wedding-florists)
 - [Band or DJ](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/wedding-bands-djs)
 - [Officiant](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-choose-wedding-officiant)
 - [Invitations & Calligraphy](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/save-the-date/shop)
 - [Tents, Rentals, & Decor](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-to-rent-for-wedding)
 - [Cakes & Desserts](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/wedding-cakes-desserts)
 - [Hair & Makeup](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/wedding-hair-makeup)
 - [Transportation](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-transportation-101)
 -[ Rings & Jewelry](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-wedding-rings)
 - [Accommodations](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-book-hotel-rooms-for-your-wedding-guests)

- Inquire with vendors about pricing and availability on your wedding date.
- Meet in person with your favorite vendors that meet your criteria and seem like a good fit. 
- Secure their services by signing contracts and paying deposits when required. 

## Step 12: Send Out Invitations
At this point, invitations should be mailed to all the same individuals who received a save the date card. If you opted for [Zola wedding invitations](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/invitations/shop), this to-do list item is simple. 
- Select your wedding invitation design (which you can match to your other wedding stationery) and customize your wording, paper type, and colors.
- Import your Guest List contacts and address your envelopes (for free!). 
- Place your invitation order. 
- Send your invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding day. 

*Pro Tip: Once the invites are in your hands, you’re ready to head to the post office. Since wedding invitations can easily rip or tear in the post office’s machinery thanks to being bulkier than most mail, be sure to ask the postal workers to cancel your invitations (USPS lingo for marking postage as used) with a hand stamp.* 

Need help with the etiquette and wording your invitations? We’ve got you. See our links to related articles below:

[How To Address Wedding Invitations](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/invites-paper/invitation-wording/how-to-address-wedding-invitations) 
[How To Word Wedding Invitations](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/invites-paper/invitation-wording/how-to-word-wedding-invitations)

## Step 13: Manage Your RSVPs
- Collect RSVPs in one place. 
 - __If guests RSVP online at your website__, the responses will sync up automatically with your Guest List to track guests’ responses for you. You can even have guests provide info about their meal choices, what hotel they’re staying at, whether they want to take the shuttle, etc. 
 - __If you also receive RSVPs through paper response cards__, you can add in those responses to your RSVP tracker within your Guest List.
- Share the final list with your venue manager, your caterer, your wedding planner, and anyone else who needs it once you have all your responses. 

See our [Guide To Wedding RSVPs](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/invites-paper/wedding-invitations/a-guide-to-wedding-invitation-rsvps)

## Step 14: Get Married! 
Congrats—you made it! Wedding day has arrived. You’ve successfully planned your wedding online like a champ without the help of a professional wedding planner and now you can simply enjoy yourself. Here are a few things to make sure you do on the big day to make it relaxing: 
- Eat a good breakfast. 
- Let the little (and maybe even the big) things go. 
- Enjoy being with your friends, family, and new spouse!

## Step 15: Send Thank You Notes
After some chill time, whether that’s by taking a mini-moon, a honeymoon, or just a day after the wedding to unwind, start thanking your friends and family for all those amazing gifts they bought you on your Zola registry. If you opted for [Zola thank you cards](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/thank-you-cards/shop) to match your invitation suite, this task will be quick and easy.
- Send thank you notes no later than 3 months after the wedding. 
- Make sure to hand-write a personal message to each gift giver. 
- Use Zola’s Thank You Note Manager to help you keep track of who gave you what, their addresses, and whether a note has been sent. 

Need help crafting messages to show your gratitude? See links to related articles below:

[How To Write Wedding Thank You Cards](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/invites-paper/thank-you-notes/how-to-write-wedding-thank-you-cards) 
[How To Word Wedding Thank You Cards](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/thank-you-notes/how-to-word-wedding-thank-you-cards)

Look at that: You’re basically a professional wedding planner (as long as you have Zola in your back pocket).

laptop showing Zola wedding planning tools next to stack of books on a desk with alarm clock and pink flowers

The Ultimate Wedding Checklist & Timeline Tool 

10 Tips to Pick the Perfect Wedding Venue

The big day is fast approaching, and all your ducks are in a row: The invites are out, the menu is set, the dress fits, and the tuxes are ordered. But, what if a [wedding disaster](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-plan-for-wedding-disasters "How to Plan for Wedding Disasters") strikes? Be it a natural disaster, pandemic, family emergency, or, heaven forbid, one of you gets cold feet, it is not uncommon for weddings to be postponed or canceled for a host of reasons. So, how do you prepare for the unknown? You can add a layer of protection to your wedding day with insurance. But, what does [wedding liability insurance](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-insurance-guide "What You Need To Know About Wedding Insurance | Zola") cover, and what is it in the first place? Here is what you need to know about safeguarding your big day, so that you can rest easy. 

## What Is Wedding Insurance?
It’s not fun to think about the things that could go wrong on your wedding day, but, like anything involving a large amount of time, money, and people, it’s important to be prepared. [Wedding insurance](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-insurance-resources-for-the-happy-couple) is exactly as it sounds, it’s an insurance policy to cover an unforeseen circumstance related to your wedding day (and sometimes even the day before and day after).  

## What Does Wedding Insurance Cover?
Like most other insurance packages, there are different options to choose from. It’s important to research all of the wedding insurance coverage options and read plans thoroughly before making a decision, taking care to note maximum coverage limits and deductibles. Some providers differentiate between wedding liability insurance and cancellation coverage insurance, while others offer totally customizable plans or combine the two. Make sure the plan you select covers all your bases, or, at least, the ones you are most worried about. While there is a range of options to choose from, the best plans will cover the following:

### Venue or Property Damage
A lot of venues now require wedding insurance. A liability coverage policy will ensure both you and your venue are protected, if anything goes wrong on the property. Think property damage, such as paint removal or carpet stains, or personal injury, such as someone breaking a leg on the dance floor. Liability insurance is not only beneficial for the venue, but for you, too. With this kind of coverage, you won’t be held financially responsible if there’s any damage to the site, or for bodily injury at your wedding party (knock on wood).

### Host Liquor Liability
Host liquor liability is typically included in most wedding liability insurance policies and specifically protects you from any alcohol-related incidents at your wedding. If you’re sued due to drunken damages, this liquid liability will have you covered. 

![What Does Wedding Insurance Cover?](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3et4Qo1gBX4dCnvnouWjuY/1cd4b00e5bfa231deb5050cdb4ac6695/INLINE2_WhatDoesWeddingInsuranceCover_ElenaBaziniPhotography___.jpg)
*Photo Credit //* Elena Bazini Photography

### Lost Deposits
Although disheartening, it’s not unheard of for vendors to go out of business or simply not show up on the day of the wedding, leaving you high and dry. In both of these cases, you may not only lose your deposit, but also have to secure a replacement vendor in the final hour. A [wedding vendor insurance](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-vendor-insurance-what-you-need-to-know "Wedding Vendor Insurance: What You Need to Know") plan will cover any lost deposits, and sometimes even the difference in price between the old and new vendors. 

### Wedding Cancellation and Postponement
There are multiple scenarios where you may have to postpone or cancel your wedding. In the midst of a global pandemic, this is all too familiar for couples who planned to get married in the spring and summer of 2020. While a health advisory is one reason you may have to postpone your nuptials (every plan has its own stipulations around this), it’s not the only one: 

- Extreme Weather: Freak storms, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, and the like, can not only affect your actual wedding date, but can also cause venues in affected areas to close for indeterminable periods of time, leaving couples out in the cold. 

- Illness: If there’s a family emergency, or the bride, groom, or an immediate family member becomes ill, cancellation policies will cover the costs incurred to postpone or cancel the wedding.

- Deployment: Deployments and other military leaves can happen at a moment’s notice and force you to reschedule or [postpone your wedding](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-postpone-your-wedding "A Guide to Postponing Your Wedding and Change the Date Checklist | Zola"). Thankfully, most insurance plans offer coverage for postponement or cancellation in case of unplanned military leave. 

### Loss of Photos or Video
If the film from your wedding day can’t be recovered, due to loss or damage, your wedding insurance can cover that. While your policy can’t make the missing memory card reappear, or fix film that got wet, it can reimburse you for the funds associated with such damages. 

### Stolen or Lost Wedding Gifts
Sorry to continue to be the bearer of bad news, but in the hustle and bustle of the wedding day, gifts can easily be misplaced, lost, or stolen. While you can do your best to avoid this by having a family member or wedding planning assistant keep tabs on the gifts at all times, it’s smart to protect your losses, just in case. Read the fine print of your policy on this issue and make sure that you’re well-covered in this category.

### Damage to Wedding Attire
Your wedding dress or tuxedo is likely to be one of the most expensive garments you ever wear, so insuring it is not a bad idea. Most wedding insurance plans either include wedding attire protection or offer it as an add-on. When your maid-of-honor accidentally steps on your train, or you snag your veil climbing a hill to get the perfect shot, you’ll be glad you tacked it on. 

### Change of Heart
While the decision not to walk down the aisle for personal reasons isn’t insured by most companies, it’s available from some. This type of coverage insures a third party who is paying for the wedding in the event that the bride or groom has a change of heart. Insert teary-eyed emoji, here.  

## Why Do I Need a Wedding Insurance Provider?
Consider all the elements of your wedding that are outside of your control—the vendors showing up on time, or even at all, the health and well-being of family members, the weather, and the list goes on. These are just a few of the reasons that you should strongly contemplate a wedding insurance plan. But, before you buy, there are a few important things to note. 

The scope of your wedding is a big factor in determining whether or not you need wedding insurance and, if so, the correct level of coverage. If you’re eloping at the courthouse, for instance, you probably don’t need to insure your wedding; however, if you’re having a more traditional celebration, you probably do. When shopping for a plan, keep these things in mind: 

## The Location 
Is your wedding taking place outdoors? Is the city or state where you’re getting married known to experience extreme weather conditions? If your wedding location is subject to any or all of the above, you will want a cancellation policy in the event that you need to postpone or cancel due to weather. It’s important to not only consider the weather conditions of your chosen location, but also the venue requirements. Ask what type of insurance they require for both you and your vendors.  

Last, but certainly not least, make sure that the plan you have selected offers coverage in the state, territory, or destination of your wedding.

![What Does Wedding Insurance Cover?](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/1N9AjPkyRVZqEbqKH09pLm/9c1eb5dddf6da948023c9664ac66a69c/INLINE_WhatDoesWeddingInsuranceCover_ElenaBaziniPhotography___.jpg)
*Photo Credits //* Elena Bazini Photography

### The Timeline
The farther in advance you plan your wedding the more uncertainty you have to prepare for, and the more likely you’ll incur losses if you have to make changes closer to your wedding date. A lot of insurance providers allow you to purchase a simple liability plan up to the day before the wedding, but no one needs that additional stress the day before their wedding. The farther in advance you purchase a policy, the better off you will be.  

### The Size
Accidents can happen anywhere, but when you have two or three hundred people, or more, at your wedding and the drinks are flowing, it’s even more likely for something to go array. And, if your guests are the kind to get a bit rowdy, an insurance policy isn’t a bad idea. 

### The Wedding Budget
Like all wedding-related decisions, budget is a factor in selecting the right insurance policy. It’s important to know how much you’re spending on your wedding, in order to know what level of coverage you need to protect your investment. This will also help you determine how much you are willing to spend on a policy. Most plans will only cost you a couple hundred dollars, and custom plans will run on the higher end. When you’re considering custom plans, there are elements that need more insurance than others. For example, big-ticket items, such as your wedding rings (yes, you should insure those) and wedding venues, deserve more attention than say, the wedding cake. 

If you’re already spending a fair amount of money on your wedding, an insurance plan is a meager additional expense that could save you a great deal down the line.  

The big takeaway is that life is unpredictable, but, if you do your due diligence, you don’t have to worry about what you can’t control. Securing wedding insurance can help alleviate the bigger stressors and uncertainties that come with planning a wedding. While it won’t keep hiccups from happening, it will protect you if they do. 

For more helpful resources from the wedding experts at [Zola](https://www.zola.com/ "The home of all things wedding | Zola"), see below:
- [How Much is Wedding Insurance?](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-much-is-wedding-insurance "How Much is Wedding Insurance?")
- [A Guide to Wedding Planner Insurance](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-is-wedding-planner-insurance-and-do-you-need-it "A Guide to Wedding Planner Insurance")
- [A Helpful Guide to Cancelling a Wedding at the Last Minute](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-helpful-guide-to-cancelling-a-wedding-at-the-last-minute "A Helpful Guide to Cancelling a Wedding at the Last Minute")


What Does Wedding Insurance Cover?

The Ultimate Destination Wedding Checklist for Couples 

So many things go into a successful wedding—literally. There’s paper products, decor items, [food](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/top-5-wedding-desserts), [flowers](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-seasonal-guide-to-wedding-flowers), and more. And most couples know that, no matter how carefully you plan, chances are, when the last song plays and your wedding winds down, some of that stuff is going to be leftover. Pause. Don’t just throw it all away. There are plenty of more sustainable ways to deal with wedding leftovers. Here are recommended solutions for handling anything extra.

## What To Do With Leftover Wedding Food
The last thing you want is to run out of food at your wedding. But in an effort to make sure there’s enough to go around, you might swing too far in the other direction—and end up with a ton of leftovers post-reception.

The best thing you can do to make use of your wedding food leftovers? Plan ahead. Before the wedding, stock up on to-go boxes. As the reception winds down, put out them and let your guests take their pick of leftovers ([wedding cake](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/a-guide-to-wedding-cake-costs) and desserts included). Ask the DJ to make a quick announcement to let guests know the food is up for grabs.

If you don’t have to-go boxes handy and end up with a lot of extra food on your hands, you could try donating your leftovers to a local food shelter. If you’re not sure if there are any food shelters in your area, try reaching out to your neighborhood association, city council, or checking a national resource like [Feed America](https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank). Just make sure to call ahead. Most food shelters have strict regulations on the types of foods they can and can not accept.

If all else fails, take it home yourself. This way, you can continue to enjoy your wedding menu after the actual wedding. Plus, there’s also the opportunity to unload some of your leftovers on your neighbors.

![INLINE Andy&CarriePhotography 1080x720 Danielle&Gui](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5zxVg1F6o0pu2ydxZ4sai0/9b908cd5ac439cfdb750837d36ba79be/INLINE_Andy_CarriePhotography_1080x720_Danielle_Gui.jpg)
*Photo Credit* // Andy & Carrie Photography

## What To Do With Leftover Wedding Flowers
Your flowers are bound to be one of the most admired, talked-about elements of your wedding. Don’t let them just sit on the tables and die after the festivities. Instead, extend their shelf life and send them home with your guests. 

As with the food, have your DJ make an announcement at the end of the wedding that the floral centerpieces are up for grabs. If you have specific people you want to send them home with (for example, as a thank you for supporting you on the big day), pull them aside and let them know you’d love your flowers to go home with them.

One thing to be aware of, however, is what’s holding the flowers. If you paid for the vases or containers, you’re good to go. But if you rented your vases, your florist is going to be back to pick them up—so make sure no guests accidentally take home the containers (and cost you extra cash in the process). 

## What To Do With Leftover Wedding Decor
Even if most of your wedding decor came from your venue or a [wedding rentals company](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/what-to-rent-for-wedding), chances are, there are at least a few decor pieces you actually purchased.

If possible, the best thing you can do with your wedding decor is to find a way to repurpose it and use it in your home. Not only will that give you the most bang for your buck, but using your wedding decor in your home will act as a reminder of your big day—and will put a smile on your face every time you see it.

Here are some ways that your wedding decor can double as home decor:
- __Chalkboard display.__ Did you get a chalkboard to share your signature wedding cocktails? Try using it in your kitchen to show your weekly dinner menu or slap on an inspirational quote and hang it in your home office to help get you motivated throughout the workweek. 
- __Mason jars.__ If you used mason jars as votive holders or flower vases, repurpose them as drinking glasses.
- __Centerpieces.__ If you had simple centerpieces without much wedding flair (think large white candles in glass holders), simply use them as decor in your home. Recreate the look on your mantle or store them and bring them out for special dinners.

If the decor you purchased is strictly wedding-themed and doesn’t fit in with your home design, you can either try to sell it to other brides-to-be (apps like [OfferUp](https://offerup.com/) are great for this) or see if you can donate it to your venue.

![INLINE Gerber+ScarpelliPhotography 1080x720 Hillary&John](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/5XeOuNVBT9MJls0ZdI5IGV/c67dac5f47e375ee19b4ecbdb7611e65/INLINE_Gerber_ScarpelliPhotography_1080x720_Hillary_John.jpg)
*Photo Credit* // Gerber + Scarpelli Photography

## What To Do With Leftover Wedding Linens
Most venues have rental linens, but if you purchased your own linens for your wedding, you’ll have more tablecloths, runners, and napkins than you know what to do with.

First, go through your linens and see if there’s anything you can use post-wedding. Thinks like napkins and table runners can work great in your home—break them out for your next dinner party. See if you can donate leftover table linens to a local food shelter (after a thorough cleaning) or ask your venue if they want to keep them for a future wedding.

Chances are, you’re going to have some wedding leftovers. But now that you know exactly how to repurpose them, you can quickly and easily get those wedding leftovers off your hands—and make your wedding more sustainable in the process.

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Reception

Here's What to Do With All Those Wedding Leftovers

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Hiring Vendors

Ceremony

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