Seven Tips for Planning Your Special Day Club

Wedding planning season is here again! We’re here to help you have a great event. Here are a seven tips from experts as you begin planning your special day.

1. Guests: Have an idea of how many guests you plan to invite before you settle on a venue. Of course, this number is also going to be limited by your budget–so having an overall number in mind as you plan is also important. If the total cost per person comes out to be $100, eliminating a table of 10 can save you $1000. Be sure the venue roughly matches the amount of guests coming to avoid overcrowding or feeling isolated.
2. Date: There are a number of variables that affect which date you choose, from the availability of key attendees to blackout dates that could result in limited hotel and venue availability as well as traffic. Check with your local visitor center to see if there are any large events scheduled for your ideal date. Furthermore, remember that most venues will cost more on Saturdays–so if you’re looking to save some money, stay open to other options like Friday or Sunday.
3. Weather: Oregonians know that in general, you can expect warm and sunny weather from June until September, but that it also can be downright hot during the months of July and August. Do some research and make sure that a venue has proper ventilation or air conditioning if you are planning a summer event, and indoor or covered space that can be used as a contingency plan if you’re looking to marry in the fall, winter, or spring months.
4. Meals: in your planning, don’t forget that you may have additional mouths to feed. Your photographer, officiant, musicians, coordinator, and any assistants shouldn’t be left out in the cold. However, if you plan to serve a fancy meal, check with your wedding caterer to see if you can serve an alternative meal. Being aware of your guests’ allergies and having a children’s menu (if you intend to invite littles) are two other considerations.
5. Budgeting: about half of your budget should go toward the reception, eight to ten percent for attire, another eight percent each for flowers, music or entertainment, and miscellaneous items like a wedding coordinator or invitations, and ten percent for photos. Reserve some of your budget for gifts and surprise expenses like unexpected tailoring needs, rainy day supplies, or allergen-free meals. Alcohol is expensive, so picking and choosing what is served and when can save you $$.
6. Paperwork: make sure you line up a licensed officiant and confirm when the county clerk’s office^[1] is open to get your marriage license. Give a copy of your marriage license to your mom or your maid of honor for safe keeping. Another good idea is to keep an emergency contact sheet with vendor contact numbers on hand in case the limo gets lost or your photographer is running late.
7. Make your day YOURS: When working with your wedding vendors, you should feel free to explore what you really want. Maybe it’s a late night snack instead of a first course, or a private photo session with the bride and groom before the ceremony, or cupcakes instead of cake. The bottom line is that you should feel like you can have an honest conversation with them, make requests before you sign contracts, and receive accurate cost estimates.

Check out additional tips and tricks from theknot.com^[2]. And finally, if you would like to consider Pine Ridge Golf Club^[3] for your rehearsal dinner or wedding venue, we are here for you. Our event planners would love to help take some stress off your shoulders and will happily work with you to create the day you’ve always envisioned.