Congratulations, you’re engaged! This is one of the most exciting chapters in your life, filled with love, celebration, and yes—a little bit of planning. If you’re feeling a mix of excitement and, let’s be honest, slight overwhelm, don’t worry—you’re not alone. With over 10 years of experience helping couples plan their perfect day, our staff at The Barn at Blueberry Hill is here to guide you through those first steps after you say “yes.”
1. Find Your Venue
The venue sets the stage for your entire wedding, so it’s one of the first and most important decisions you’ll make. Start by deciding on your preferred location. Are you dreaming of a rustic barn wedding? Or maybe a gorgeous outdoor event at a venue with mountain views and on-site lodging?
For couples looking for a venue in Northwestern North Carolina, The Barn at Blueberry Hill offers breathtaking scenery and cozy accommodations for your guests. The venue provides charming lodging options so your loved ones can stay close and enjoy the festivities all in one place. Look for venues that reflect your vision while keeping convenience in mind for guests traveling from out of town.
Pro tip: Book your venue early! Popular spots book up fast, so aim to secure your spot as soon as you’ve settled on a wedding window—or better yet, a specific date.
2. Set the Theme
Your wedding theme ties everything together, from the décor to the invitation design. Think of your theme as your wedding’s personality—it could be elegant and classic, boho and whimsical, or cozy and rustic.
Start with these prompts to guide your choice:
- What colors are you drawn to as a couple?
- Do you want a formal black-tie event or a more casual vibe?
- Are there certain decorations or styles you love (e.g. fairy lights, wildflower bouquets, or vintage touches)?
Having a theme in place will make it easier to work with vendors and start visualizing how your big day will come together. And don’t worry about staying “on-trend.” Whether you choose something timeless or creative, your wedding theme should always reflect you.
3. Create Your Guest List
The guest list can be tricky, but it’s important to create a rough draft early on because it will impact your budget, venue choice, and overall planning.
Here’s how to break it down:
- Immediate Family and Close Friends: Start with the essentials—parents, siblings, bridal party members, and lifelong friends.
- Extended Family: Consider cousins, aunts, uncles, and other relatives you’d like to celebrate with.
- Friends and Colleagues: Think about who you interact with regularly and want to include in your big day.
Work through your list as a couple and set some boundaries (like keeping it to a manageable number). Once you start crunching numbers, you can adjust to ensure everyone fits comfortably within your budget and venue size.
Bonus Tip:
If you’re hosting a wedding with lodging like The barn at Blueberry Hill in Northwestern NC I mentioned earlier, a smaller guest list could allow you to turn your wedding into a weekend-long celebration.
What’s Next?
Once you’ve locked down these first three steps, everything will start falling into place! Planning a wedding takes time, but with the big pieces figured out, you’ll have more space to enjoy the smaller details like choosing your perfect gown, crafting your vows, and tasting all the cake samples (because we all know that’s the fun part!).
If you have more questions or want tailored advice on planning your dream wedding, feel free to reach out. I’d love to help you. Here’s to turning your engagement into the happily-ever-after you’ve always imagined!
Now that you have a rough draft of your guest list, it’s time to start thinking about the other important aspects of your wedding. Here are some additional topics to consider as you continue planning:
- Budget: Your budget will play a big role in determining what type of venue, catering, and decor options you have for your special day. Make sure to set a realistic budget early on so you can make informed decisions throughout the planning process.
- Venue: Your venue will set the tone for your entire wedding, so it’s important to choose one that fits your vision and budget. Consider things like location, capacity, and amenities when making your decision.
- Catering: Food is a big part of any wedding celebration, so be sure to carefully consider your catering options. Think about dietary restrictions, menus, and serving styles (buffet vs. plated) when choosing a caterer.
- Decorations: The right decorations can take your wedding from ordinary to extraordinary. Decide on a color scheme or theme early on and then start thinking about how you can bring it to life with flowers, linens, lighting, and your special touches.
- Entertainment: Whether it’s a live band, a DJ, or even a solo performer, entertainment is a key aspect of creating the right atmosphere for your wedding. Think about the type of music or entertainment style you and your guests will enjoy most and make bookings early to secure your preferred choice. We at Blueberry Hill provide a DJ as part of the wedding package making your wedding more affordable.
- Photography and Videography: Capturing the memories of your special day is incredibly important. Research and hire a professional photographer or videographer whose style matches your vision. Don’t forget to communicate any specific shots or moments you want captured.
- Timeline: Creating a detailed wedding day timeline will help keep everything running smoothly. Plan out the day’s events, from getting ready in the morning to the last dance, and share it with your vendors and bridal party to ensure everyone is on the same page.
- Guest Experience: Consider ways to make your guests feel welcomed and appreciated. From thoughtful welcome bags for out-of-town guests to fun activities during the reception, small touches can leave a lasting impression.
Remember that the key to a successful wedding is thoughtful planning and flexibility. Staying organized and keeping a positive mindset will allow you to enjoy the process and create a day that’s truly unforgettable.
The Barn at Blueberry Hill is 50 miles west of Winston Salem and 75 miles north of Charlotte. Check out our location at http://www.blueberryhillweddingbarnelkinnc.com/location/
Thank you for stopping by our blog. If you are looking for a vintage authentic 75 year old barn to have your wedding check out our available dates at http://www.blueberryhillweddingbarnelkinnc.com/pricing Call us at 336-366-0577 or email us at bberryhill@surry.net to schedule a tour.
I would like to give a shout out to other locally owned venues across the country.