Tips For Planning Your Albany Wedding

A Few Tips To Help Take You From "To Do" to "I Do"!

You've said "Yes!" to a lifetime together and can't wait to begin preparations for your Albany wedding. Planning is everything, and the most elegant of weddings and receptions are just a click away.

Our Albany.com wedding planning guide provides you with a comprehensive list of ideas for sharing your happiness with friends and family at the wedding and reception you've dreamed about. Our guide can help you locate professionals and services for planning the most elegant of weddings and the finest receptions in New York's Capital District from start to finish!

Set A Budget

The most important first step toward realizing your ideal Albany wedding: planning your wedding budget. Take some time with this step…your budget is a valuable tool that can save you a great deal of stress and anxiety later on. Once you've agreed on a figure, stick to it as closely as you can…you'll be glad you did!

Make A Plan

The more decisions you make together when planning your wedding, the less stress you'll have later on. With a basic plan in mind you can work your way through the pre-wedding maze and stay on schedule, within budget and have the wedding of your dreams. Will you consider theme weddings in Albany? A traditional morning ceremony or a more formal evening affair? Indoors or outdoors? Once you have agreed upon a date, there are many decisions to be made, from the guest list to the gown to the invitations and gifts for your attendees.

Start The List:

Your guest list will help determine the location of your wedding and reception venue and the type and style of food and catering you will provide. Be thorough and realistic in making the list, but leave a little room for flexibility either way. Discuss whether or not you will invite guests to bring their children. How about co-workers - how many will or can you include? Do you both agree on whom to exclude?

Consider A Wedding Planner

Planning your wedding can quickly become overwhelming. There are countless details to be handled and phone calls to make - you may want to consider getting some help. A professional Albany wedding planner has the knowledge, the contacts, and the experience that can go a long way toward saving you time, money, and sanity! They can plan everything from start to finish for you, or simply function as a consultant along the way.

Choosing A Site

Where you choose to hold your wedding ceremony is a highly personal decision. Albany weddings may include taking your vows at your church or synagogue. You may opt for an outdoor ceremony at your favorite park, underneath a brilliant white wedding tent at a country club or even in your back yard. No matter where you choose to hold your ceremony, keep in mind the needs of your elderly guests, young children and anyone who may be handicapped.

Choosing A Reception Venue/Catering

Venues for receptions in the NY Capital District may include hotels, inns, country clubs, restaurants and resorts. Your choice of venues will depend upon the size of your wedding, your budget, and your personal style, of course! You may decide to increase or decrease your guest list depending upon what you consider to be your ideal setting. Most hotels and inns offer wedding packages with any number of menu and budget options, and many include special accommodations for the bride and groom. Buffet or formal dinner, brunch or late-night fare are among some of the options that may be offered.

Leave It To The Professionals

When it comes to wedding planning and making your special day run smoothly, it's all in the details! Don't leave your precious memories to chance - find photographers and professional Albany wedding videographers who will capture your memories for a lifetime just the way you remember them. Make it to the ceremony on time, dry, and in style with the help of a reputable limousine service…they can go a long way toward de-stressing your wedding day!

Music is one of the most important components of your Albany NY wedding and reception! Whether you choose a DJ or live music, creating the mood and providing excellent master of ceremony services is a vital part of ensuring the day goes smoothly.Be sure to get references from all of these professionals, and check them!