Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but there are ways to make the process smoother and more enjoyable. One simple step that can make a huge difference: holding a formal planning meeting with your partner close. In this meeting, you'll be able to discuss your expectations, desires, and needs for the wedding.

In this article, we will discuss why this meeting is crucial, how to prepare for it, what to discuss during it, and what to do after it.

Why Hold a Meeting and How It's Beneficial

When planning a wedding, it's important to have a clear idea of what you want. Holding a formal planning meeting will help you achieve this goal. By writing down everything you desire for your wedding, you'll have a roadmap to guide you through the planning process. Additionally, openly discussing your expectations with your partner and family members will help you understand each other's hidden desires, wants, and no-nos.

This meeting will also help you figure out what is essential to have at your wedding and what is not. By discussing your budget, you'll get an idea of what is feasible and what you'll need to cut back on. Ultimately, this meeting will allow you to feel confident and focused as you move forward with the wedding planning process.

How to prepare for the meeting

Before the meeting, it's important to do some preparation. Think individually about your desires, needs, wants, and no-nos. Review weddings you've attended in the past and consider what you liked, hated, or wished happened instead.

Like any important appointment or meeting, block a date in your calendar. 

Create a cosy and relaxed atmosphere to have this wedding discussion. Have some drinks and snacks.

Use a notepad or computer to write down all of your ideas and notes.

What to discuss

During the meeting, you'll want to have a brainstorming session. This is an opportunity for everyone to speak freely and share their ideas without censoring themselves. At this stage, nothing is too crazy or unrealistic. It helps you get a sense of what each person is looking for in their ideal wedding.

Some things to consider include: how do you want to feel and make your guests feel? What season do you want to get married in, and what venue would be ideal? What must-haves do you want at your wedding, and what are your non-negotiables? How many guests do you want, and what kind of ceremony do you envision? What kind of food, music, and entertainment do you want to provide? Are you big on florals? What decor do you want? What vendors would you love to work with and what services do they offer? 

And, of course, what is your budget for the wedding? Do you have any savings? How do you plan on financing your wedding? 

By discussing all of these elements, you'll be able to determine your priorities and create an overall vision for your wedding day. At the end of the meeting, create a hierarchy for elements. Determine what is a must-have, a non-negotiable, what is a big no, and what are some lovely ideas that could be incorporated if feasible.

What to do after the meeting

Once the meeting is over, put your notes away. Take a few days to breathe.

Review your notes a few days later. 

Organise your thoughts and create a plan for moving forward. 

If any close relative  (such as parents and siblings)  will be involved in the planning, you can also hold another meeting with them using the same framework to discuss your ideas and priorities with them.

By holding a formal planning meeting, you'll have a clear idea of what you want for your wedding day and a plan for achieving it. This can save you time, money, and stress in the long run, and ensure that your wedding is a true reflection of you and your partner's personalities and desires.

SIDE NOTE: 

Do not stress out if you don’t have an answer for all the questions.

This meeting is not to get definitive answers but to start the planning process. Write down broad ideas or even “Don’t know” “Not sure”. 

When you’ll start properly researching vendors and creating your budget, you’ll be able to fine tune what you want.

Your wedding might look nothing like what you wrote down during this meeting and that’s ok.