By Alexandria Proko

A few weeks ago, I touched on the importance of establishing your wedding day vision early-on in the wedding planning process.

Today, I want to take that a step further. We’re going beyond design and aesthetic. How do you envision the series of events taking place?

I’ve mentioned before that major wedding planning stress often comes from a lack of spacing out planning-related tasks. It should come as no surprise that if you’re stressed out, it becomes easier to snap at your partner or feel less-inclined to compromise.

Strain on your relationship from a lack of organization when it mattered most? Pass.

If you’re newly engaged – or even if you have already been engaged for a few months now – pour a glass of wine and have a conversation about weddings that you’ve attended in the past.

What stood out to you?

What did you like and dislike?

Were you both drawn to the live music?

Did you feel yourselves cringe during the garter toss?

Based on that information, get to thinking about your priorities as a couple for the wedding day. Do you want to see the dance floor packed all night long, or are you more interested in a killer menu with a caterer that guests will never forget?

Take notes here, and make sure to hold onto them. You’ll thank me later when it comes time to search for your vendors.

Why? The least sexy part of planning a wedding … the budget – more on that another day.

When you know which vendors you care most about, it becomes easier to see where you want to splurge and where you might be willing to compromise and get creative.

The last part of this process is to close your eyes and allow your dream wedding day to play out in your mind like a movie.

Is it traditional, with a receiving line following your ceremony and lots of planned photography portraits with family and friends?

Did you picture yourself at cocktail hour, with a First Look before all of the festivities to save time?

Without the input of all of your vendors, you won’t be able to put a steadfast timeline into place; however, having an idea of what the two of you picture for your big day will come in handy throughout the remainder of your wedding planning.

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Alexandria Proko is the founder and creative director of Alexandria Catherine Events, a Chester County special events planning company. Her work is driven by a passion for ceremony, tradition and creating memories. She has been featured and has received accolades from Brides, the Philly A-List, The Big Fake Wedding, WeddingWire, etc. Allie can be reached via email at alexandria@alexandriaprevents.com