It Takes a Village to Plan a Wedding

Network, network, network… you hear it all the time in the professional sphere. But how about networking for your wedding? The chances are, you know someone who knows someone who knows where to get the best deal on flowers. All you have to do is ask!

At the beginning of the planning process you’ll want to ask for general advice/tips. Talk to everyone from acquaintances to best buds in order to find out their wedding ideas. Their advice will get you started in the right direction. Then, once you have a better idea of what you want on the big day, start asking more specific questions. For example, do any of your friends have a quaint summer home you can use as a venue? Where is the best place to find vintage decor? Can any of your artsy friends help with DIY party favors? You’ll be surprised how excited people are to help if you just ask. (Not to mention how much time, energy, and money you can save with assistance!)

Here are a few resources:

1. Friends and coworkers. These are the obvious groups to turn to, but don’t hesitate to ask the younger, unmarried members for their thoughts as well. Great ideas and contacts can come from surprising places.

2. Relations. Go beyond Mom, Dad, and Sis. Talk to your grandparents for traditional ideas; also ask your cousins, aunts, and uncles.

3. Professionals. Do you know how many people your hairdresser knows? How about your dentist? A lot. Ask anyone you have a good relationship with… even that friendly clerk at the grocery store!

Lastly, once you have their input, pick and choose what works for you. In other words, use your contacts as inspiration. You don’t have to use all of their ideas.