Category Archives: wedding DJ

Wedding DJ vs. Live Band: Which One Is Right for Your Reception?

May 5, 2025chicago il wedding dj, wedding DJ, wedding reception music, wedding reception music chicago ilDJ servicesMike Urban

One of the most important decisions when planning your wedding reception is choosing between DJ services and a live band. Music sets the mood for the entire event, from your first dance to the final song of the night. Both options offer unique benefits, and the right choice depends on your vision, budget, and preferences. At An Enchanted Evening, we specialize in professional DJ services, providing couples with unforgettable entertainment that keeps guests dancing all night long.

To help you decide, let’s break down the advantages of DJ services and live bands so you can find the perfect fit for your wedding reception.

The Benefits of DJ Services

Many couples choose DJ services for their wedding because they offer a high level of versatility and convenience. A skilled DJ can create an atmosphere that matches every moment of your reception, from a romantic first dance to a high-energy dance party.

Here’s why DJ services might be the right choice for you:

Wide Music Selection: A DJ can play any song you request, from classic love songs to the latest hits. Unlike a live band, which has a limited repertoire, DJ services offer an unlimited playlist tailored to your preferences.
Smooth Transitions: With a professional DJ, you don’t have to worry about breaks in the music. They can seamlessly mix songs, keeping the energy going without pauses.
Customizable Experience: DJ services allow you to create a personalized playlist. Whether you want a slow, elegant atmosphere or a non-stop dance party, a DJ can adapt to your vision.
Space and Setup Flexibility: A DJ requires less space than a live band, making it a great option for venues with size restrictions. DJ services also have a simpler setup, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.
Cost-Effective: In most cases, hiring a DJ is more budget-friendly than booking a full live band, making it an excellent choice for couples looking to save while still having an amazing reception.

A professional DJ does more than just play music—they read the crowd, take requests, and ensure that the night flows smoothly. With DJ services, you get a high-energy, customized experience that keeps your guests engaged from start to finish.

The Benefits of a Live Band

Live music adds a unique touch of elegance and energy to a wedding reception. A talented band can bring emotion and excitement to every moment, making the experience feel personal and memorable.

Here are some reasons why a live band might be the right choice for your wedding:

Authentic Sound and Energy: Nothing compares to the sound and presence of live music. A great band can bring songs to life in a way that recorded music simply can’t replicate.
Personal Interaction: Live bands can engage with the crowd, creating a concert-like experience that makes guests feel connected to the music.
Elegant Atmosphere: If you’re aiming for a sophisticated and romantic ambiance, a live band can provide a classic, timeless feel that enhances the atmosphere of your reception.
Unique Performance: A live band can add their own twist to songs, giving you a one-of-a-kind musical experience.

However, there are some limitations to consider when choosing a live band. They may have a limited song selection, and their performance style might not match every genre. Bands also require more space, and their breaks between sets can create pauses in the entertainment.

Which One is Right for Your Wedding?

Both DJ services and live bands have their strengths, and the best choice depends on your personal preferences, wedding style, and budget. If you love the idea of a dynamic, live performance and want a unique experience, a band may be the right fit. If you want a diverse selection of music, seamless transitions, and an interactive experience, DJ services might be the better option.

Here are a few key questions to consider:

What is your budget? DJ services are generally more cost-effective, while live bands tend to be more expensive due to the number of performers.
What type of atmosphere do you want? Live bands create a more organic, intimate feel, while DJ services offer high-energy versatility.
How much space does your venue have? If your wedding reception has limited space, a DJ setup is more practical.
Do you want a specific playlist? If you have a long list of must-play songs, a DJ can accommodate your requests better than a live band.

For couples who love both options, there’s also the possibility of combining DJ services with live music. Some couples choose a live band for the ceremony or cocktail hour and switch to a DJ for the reception to get the best of both worlds.

Contact Us Today

Choosing the right entertainment for your wedding reception is a big decision, and we’re here to help. If you’re considering DJ services for your wedding, let An Enchanted Evening make your reception an unforgettable experience. Call us today at (847) 490-1000 to learn more about our DJ services in Chicago and the Chicagoland area.

How to Choose the Perfect Wedding DJ Services

June 17, 2024chicago il wedding dj, chicago wedding djs, choosing a wedding dj, information for wedding DJ, wedding DJ, wedding DJ hiring, wedding DJ info, wedding DJ tipsWedding DJ services, wedding djs in chicagoMike Urban

Choosing the perfect wedding DJ services can make or break your special day. The right DJ doesn’t just play music; they set the tone, manage the flow of events, and keep guests entertained all night long. At An Enchanted Evening, we understand how crucial it is to select a DJ who can transform your wedding into an unforgettable experience. Here are some essential tips for choosing the perfect wedding DJ services.

Choosing the Perfect Wedding DJ Services

Understand Your Needs

Before you start your search, it’s important to understand what you want from your wedding DJ services. Are you looking for someone who can provide a high-energy dance party, or do you prefer a more laid-back atmosphere? Do you need a DJ who can also serve as an MC and handle announcements? Make a list of your requirements to ensure that the DJ you choose can meet your expectations.

Research and Reviews

One of the best ways to find reliable wedding DJ services is through research and reviews. Start by asking friends and family for recommendations. Online reviews and testimonials can also provide valuable insights into a DJ’s reliability and performance. Websites like The Knot and WeddingWire offer extensive reviews of local DJs, making it easier to narrow down your options.

Meet in Person

Schedule in-person meetings or video calls once you have a shortlist of potential Wedding DJ services. This face-to-face interaction can give you a better sense of their personality and professionalism. Discuss your vision for the wedding, including the type of music you want, any special requests, and how they handle transitions between different parts of the event.

Experience and Expertise

When selecting wedding DJ services, experience is crucial. A seasoned DJ can read the crowd, maintain high energy levels, and seamlessly transition between songs and events. Ask potential DJs about their experience with weddings, as this can differ significantly from other events. A seasoned wedding DJ will be familiar with common wedding traditions and timelines, ensuring a seamless flow throughout your big day.

Equipment and Backup Plans

Quality equipment is essential for great wedding DJ services. Ask potential DJs about the type of equipment they use, including sound systems, microphones, and lighting. Ensure they have backup equipment available in case of technical issues. Additionally, inquire about their contingency plans for unexpected events, such as power outages or inclement weather.

Music Library and Customization

Every couple has unique musical tastes, and your wedding DJ should be able to accommodate yours. Discuss the DJ’s music library and their flexibility in accepting song requests. Many top-notch wedding DJ services offer customized playlists that reflect your preferences, ensuring that the soundtrack to your wedding is precisely what you envisioned. Don’t forget to discuss the “do-not-play” list to avoid any unwanted surprises.

Pricing and Packages

While cost should not be the sole factor in your decision, it’s important to understand the pricing and packages offered by different wedding DJ services. Compare quotes from multiple DJs, keeping in mind that cheaper isn’t always better. Consider the value provided in each package, including the quality of equipment, level of experience, and additional services such as lighting or photo booths.

Contact Our Experts at An Enchanted Evening in Chicago

Selecting the perfect wedding DJ services involves careful research, thorough interviews, and a clear understanding of your needs and preferences.

At An Enchanted Evening, we are dedicated to providing stellar DJ services that will make your wedding day truly magical. Contact our team in Chicagoland by calling (847) 490-1000 to explore our services.

How to Select Music for Your Wedding DJ

July 15, 2023chicago il wedding dj, chicago wedding djs, wedding DJChicago wedding DJ, wedding DJMike Urban

When planning your wedding, it can be easy to get lost in all of the tangible aspects of your event, such as your venue, attire, caterers, decor, and more. However, one important component that should never be overlooked is your music. Your wedding DJ knows that the type of music you play can either make or break the entire mood of your big day. So, how do you pick the right music and make sure everything goes smoothly? As a trusted premier provider of wedding music in Chicago, IL, our team at An Enchanted Evening shares some tips below:

Choosing the Right Music for Your Wedding

Get Inspired and Dig Deep

When thinking of what songs or types of music to ask your wedding DJ to play, get together with your partner to figure out what best suits your “vibe” as a couple. Open up your music streaming app and explore playlists together as you reminisce about what was on the airwaves when you two first met or even share about the kind of music you listened to growing up. By taking inspiration from music that has been a part of your life, you can provide your wedding DJ with a beautiful, natural foundation upon which to really make your story come alive.

Think of Your Most Important Songs

Was there any particular song you heard that made you realize they were “The One”? Did you perhaps share a glance or even a dance together to something sweet that was playing at your now-favorite bar? A list of all of your musical milestones can fill your wedding DJ with just as much contagious delight.

Break Down Your Playlist

After you’ve got an idea of what kind of music to play at your wedding, now it’s time to break it down into the specific flow of activities on your big day. A wedding is kind of like a movie or theatric performance; it has a build-up and a climax, with several highlights and downtimes along the way. Here’s what you can expect:

Arrival of Guests – At the start of your wedding, you’d want to play some light tunes or instrumentals to set the right mood for your guests.
Ceremony – Ceremony music is typically more emotional, romantic, and serious– but of course, it all depends on what you want it to be.
Reception – During your reception, you can expect to play around with a mix of slow songs and fun grooves your crowd can engage with or dance to.
Wedding Dance – Known as the highlight of your wedding reception, your first dance as a married couple should be to a song that epitomizes your love and journey together and sets the right tone for your future ahead.

Collaborate With Your Wedding DJ

Of course, when in doubt, it’s always best to consult with the professional services of a wedding DJ. At An Enchanted Evening, our wedding DJs have several years of experience covering hundreds of weddings all around the Chicago area. We’ve heard just about every song there is and know what type of music works for every moment at every type of function.

Hire an Award-Winning Wedding DJ in Chicago, IL

An Enchanted Evening is your go-to source for the best wedding DJ in Chicago, IL. If you’re ready to get started planning your playlist today, contact us now for your complimentary consultation.

How Important Is a Wedding DJ?

May 15, 2023chicago il wedding dj, chicago wedding djs, wedding DJMike Urban

It’s the age-old question when planning a wedding: should I hire a band or a DJ? While you can certainly choose both if you have the resources for it, there is one option that’s significantly stronger than the other. Let’s be real, live music is great, but it can be expensive to hire. Plus, there’s so much more to managing a special event than just going up on stage and playing music. You have to think about the program, activities, transitions, and any unexpected things that might occur on the day of your wedding that your host has to be able to handle. A wedding DJ does all of this and more.

What Happens If You Don’t Hire a Wedding DJ?

If you do choose not to hire a wedding DJ for your big day, there’s a great chance that many things won’t go exactly as planned. This can be especially true if you’re planning a wedding of a pretty large scale. By investing in a talented wedding DJ that can handle all the aesthetic, technical, and hosting aspects of your program, you’ll be in a better position to avoid unfortunate mishaps and awkward situations that can potentially happen at your reception. After all, an emcee isn’t called a “master of ceremonies” for nothing.

What Do Wedding DJ Services Include?

Hosting Services

By hiring a wedding DJ, you can skip having to find a separate host for your reception if you were to go with a band instead. Your wedding DJ will act as your own personal emcee, ensuring that your whole event flows as smoothly as the music from the high-quality digital sound system.

Professional Equipment

While some DJ companies may differ, at An Enchanted Evening, your wedding DJ will have everything needed to ensure your event’s success. This includes professional sound and speaker systems, wireless microphones, and even modern lighting systems to help create the perfect mood.

Back-Up Services & Equipment

At An Enchanted Evening, our professional team of wedding DJs and event staff is always equipped to handle any unexpected changes. By using our event services, you won’t ever have to worry about your DJ not showing up or equipment not working properly on the day of your wedding; our services include coverage for any unforeseen issues such as these.

Find the Best Wedding DJ in the Chicagoland Area

If you’re planning a wedding in the Chicagoland area, we invite you to check out An Enchanted Evening today. Our professional wedding DJs will ensure that your party guests have a great time dancing to the music you’ve requested. Our event company has been in operation since 1998, and our full-time, professional DJs and performers have participated in over 6,000 events. We’ve also received more than a dozen prestigious awards over the last decade, including the Hall of Fame Award and Best of Weddings Award from The Knot and the Couples’ Choice Award from WeddingWire. Schedule a personal consultation with us now by contacting (847) 490-1000.

What Is a Wedding DJ Responsible For?

April 1, 2023wedding DJMike Urban

Organizing a wedding can be quite a project. Between catering, decorations, and a venue to host your festivities, there are many specialized professionals to bring together for your big day. One of the most important contributors is none other than the wedding DJ. But what exactly comes with selecting this professional entertainment? From setting the overall atmosphere and tone to helping create stress-free memories, here’s everything you need to know about what An Enchanted Evening’s wedding DJs are responsible for:

Setting the Right Mood for the Occasion

Our wedding DJ creates the perfect atmosphere and energy at your special event. We have the extraordinary task of selecting the right music to reflect the occasion and managing any technical issues that may come up with sound equipment. We are also responsible for providing a unique experience by mixing in some creativity to create a memorable soundtrack. Furthermore, we can help coordinate other essential components, such as lighting or video screens, to add a modern touch to your celebration.

Your Special Emcee

In addition to providing the perfect soundtrack, our wedding DJ is also responsible for being your master of ceremonies. We’ll have the pleasure of introducing the bridal party and any other important announcements throughout the reception. A good wedding DJ should be able to keep up with the event’s flow while entertaining guests through witty, tasteful comments or jokes. At An Enchanted Evening, we strive to ensure everyone at your party has a fun time while keeping everything on track.

Keeping Your Program Flow Organized

On top of establishing the mood, our wedding DJ can also help keep everything organized throughout your day. From getting everyone in place for crucial moments to ensuring everyone’s favorite songs are queued up and ready to go, we can easily and seamlessly help you maintain the program flow of your event. Our wedding DJ will also keep the crowd informed and engaged, preventing awkward silences or lulls throughout the night.

Crisis Control

Our wedding DJ can help control or cover up any unforeseen issues that may arise during your special day. From managing last-minute changes or taking control of the dance floor, our wedding DJs will do their best to keep your special day running smoothly. Our wedding DJs have years of experience and are trained to professionally handle hiccups or disruptions so that you can still enjoy an amazing night without any added stress.

Award-Winning Wedding DJ in Chicagoland

From assisting with grand introductions or entertaining guests during dinner, we know how to break the ice and get everyone involved in the fun! All in all, our wedding DJs can help turn your special day into an unforgettable experience for both you and your guests.

At An Enchanted Evening, we understand the significance of your special day and strive to ensure everything runs as planned. Operating since 1998 and with countless industry awards (including from The Knot and WeddingWire), our wedding DJs in Chicagoland know what it takes to create an atmosphere that reflects the joys of your union while also keeping everything organized until the very end. To discover more about how we can help create a beautiful event for you and the people in your life, contact us today!

An Enchanted Evening, Inc. named Winner of The Knot Best of Weddings 2020

December 16, 2019wedding DJ, Best of Weddings, wedding dj chicago il2020, Best of Weddings, The KnotMike Urban

Fourteenth Annual Best of Weddings Awards Honor the Top Wedding Vendors Across America

Rolling Meadows, IL/January, 2020—An Enchanted Evening, Inc. is pleased to announce that we have been selected as a 2020 winner of The Knot Best of Weddings, an accolade representing the highest- and most-rated wedding professionals as reviewed by real couples, their families and wedding guests on The Knot, a leading wedding planning brand and app. This is the 10th year An Enchanted Evening, Inc. been named a winner of The Knot Best of Weddings awards.

In 2020, only five percent of hundreds of thousands of local wedding professionals listed on The Knot received this distinguished award. In its fourteenth annual year, The Knot continues its longstanding tradition of supporting local wedding vendors with The Knot Best of Weddings 2020, an annual by-couples, for-couples guide to the top wedding professionals across the country. To determine the winners, The Knot analyzed its millions of user reviews across various vendor categories, including venues, musicians, florists, photographers, caterers and more, to find the highest rated vendors of the year. These winners represent the best of the best wedding professionals that engaged couples should consider booking for their own unique wedding.

The Knot has inspired 25 million couples (and counting!) to plan a wedding that’s uniquely theirs. With a rich history of providing high-quality content and inspiration, The Knot makes it easy for couples to connect with and book the right wedding professionals to create their perfect wedding day. On The Knot Marketplace, couples can get connected to any of the hundreds of thousands of local wedding professionals across the country. The Knot Best of Weddings gives couples the confidence to find and book the best local vendors to bring their wedding visions to life. In combination with years of trusted content, The Knot’s innovative technology makes planning one’s wedding celebrations easier and more enjoyable.

Wedding professionals who win The Knot Best of Weddings are members of WeddingPro, the leading B2B wedding brand. As the largest marketplace and community for wedding professionals, WeddingPro connects businesses with more than 13 million visitors per month who are planning weddings on The Knot and WeddingWire, as well as with hundreds of thousands of pros in the industry. Through its online marketplaces, educational programs and community-building events, WeddingPro is dedicated to helping wedding professionals build relationships with couples and pros that grow their businesses.

For more information about The Knot Best of Weddings and this year’s winners, please visit https://www.theknot.com/vendors/best-of-weddings.

About An Enchanted Evening, Inc.
We are a professional production company unlike most wedding companies in the industry who are smaller, single operator, part time service providers. We have been in the industry for almost 20 years and have been the recipient of over a dozen industry awards over the last 10 years, including receiving The Knot’s Hall Of Fame Award (less than 2% of wedding professionals nationwide initially received this elite award). We have also received The Knot’s Best Of Weddings award 10 times in addition to receiving the Wedding Wire’s Couples Choice Award for the last 8 consecutive years in a row. Hiring a professional DJ can truly make or break a wedding reception… and unfortunately far too many couples don’t realize the impact their entertainment contributes the success of their reception (until after the reception is over…when its too late if you didn’t hire the right DJ).

About The Knot
The Knot is the nation’s leading multiplatform wedding resource offering a seamless, all-in-one planning experience—from finding inspiration and local vendors to creating and managing all guest experiences, wedding registries and more. The trusted brand reaches a majority of engaged couples in the US through the #1 wedding planning website TheKnot.com and #1 iOS and Android mobile app The Knot Wedding Planner, The Knot national and local wedding magazines, and The Knot book series. Since its inception, The Knot has inspired approximately 25 million couples to plan a wedding that’s uniquely them. Visit The Knot online at TheKnot.com and follow on social media: Facebook.com/TheKnot and @TheKnot on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

5 Quick Tips about Wedding DJ Costs

November 27, 2019cost of a wedding DJ, hire a wedding DJ, wedding DJMike Urban

Hiring a wedding DJ inevitably involves the question, “how much does a wedding DJ cost?” The answer may seem straightforward, but there are a few tips for hiring a wedding DJ that keeps your dance floor packed and your wedding budget on track.

Tip #1: Be mindful of quality during the hiring process.

When hiring a wedding DJ, it’s easy to be tempted to sign a contract with the wedding DJ that gives you the cheapest quote. However, a quote doesn’t always tell the whole story. A quality DJ keeps guests on the dance floor and creates a custom playlist specifically for the wedding. (Some DJs use the same playlist for every wedding.)

If you don’t want to get sub-par service that matches the price tag, research every DJ before signing on the dotted line. Wedding review sites are a great place to start; sites like The Knot and Wedding Wire have sections with reviews about Chicago wedding DJs. If you want to really see what you’re getting (and who), schedule a meeting with the DJ and ask to see their equipment and meet the DJ.

Tip #2: Always ask about other wedding DJ costs.

Some wedding DJs and DJ services quote a cost that doesn’t include the “other” costs. Overtime fees, travel charges, and other fees can add up quickly.

To avoid those annoying charges, couples should always ask wedding DJs how many hours are included in the quoted cost and if there is a travel fee (plus these other wedding DJ questions). Some wedding DJs offer inclusive wedding DJ packages that have a set fee regardless of the length of the wedding reception.

Tip #3: Never hire a DJ without a contingency plan.

Unfortunately, emergencies come up that can keep a wedding DJ (and equipment) from performing flawlessly on your wedding day. That’s why hiring a wedding DJ with back-up DJs and equipment is so incredibly important.

When hiring a DJ, always ask about their “just in case” plan in case they get sick or hurt or their equipment breaks down. Be cautious about hiring one-man operations with no back-ups or old and antiquated equipment; instead, look for DJ services that offer a DJ and state-of-the-art equipment PLUS the back-ups that can fill in when emergencies do occur.

Tip #4: Consider a wedding DJ package that saves you time and money.

If you want more than just music at your wedding reception, look for wedding DJs that offer packages with other entertainment services. It can be really helpful to have one service that provides lighting, photobooths, and the cocktail music—especially when juggling communications with multiple wedding vendors and an extra long wedding planning checklist.

Couples who want other services should look for wedding DJs with packages that offer those “extras.” If you have any questions about additional services, look through reviews on social media for more info or contact the service directly for other wedding DJ costs.

Tip #5: Ask about dinner hour music.

One of the biggest benefits of a wedding DJ is that most DJs provide dinner hour music as part of their service. To make sure the wedding DJ you’re hiring is like most DJs, always ask if dinner hour music is included in the wedding DJ cost. In addition, always ask these wedding DJ questions:

“Are you available on my wedding date?”
“How long have you been a DJ? Do you have a lot of experience with weddings?”
“Do you offer any other services (lighting, photo booth, etc.)?”
“Can you do….” (Ask this question if you have a really special request)
“What is the final total cost? Do you charge any overtime or travel fees?”
“How much of a deposit is needed? When is the deadline for a deposit?”
“What is the cancellation policy?”
“Does your service carry insurance?”
“If there is an emergency, do you have a back-up DJ and equipment?”
“What time will you be at the wedding? Is dinner music included in the total cost?”
“Do you offer any other services? What is included in your wedding package?”
“Do you have a wedding DJ checklist that I can write my favorite songs and songs I do not want played at my reception?”
“Will the DJ be in formal attire? Can the DJ be the emcee?”
“Is there a time we can meet?”

5 Things You Shouldn’t Forget to Tell Your DJ

October 18, 2016wedding DJ, wedding planning tipsMike Urban

We’ve seen a lot of wedding couples walk through the door in the Chicago area, and we have dealt with quite a few couples who came to our meeting ready to plan with documents and checklists. While a good checklist of questions to ask your DJ never hurts, it doesn’t take a book the size of an novel to hire a good wedding DJ and get a wonderful wedding reception—as long as you give your DJ this vital information.

Contact info for your other vendors

A good wedding DJ is not a one-man (or woman) show; they are actually part of a team that makes your wedding reception a memorable occasion. A good DJ works with your photographer, videographer, venue staff, and other key staff to make sure everyone is present for photographs and special moments. If your wedding DJ doesn’t think this is part of their job, it’s time to go back to the drawing board and find a new, quality DJ.

What you don’t want to hear

It is perfectly okay to come to your planning meeting with your DJ with a ‘Do Not Play’ list—or to compile a list at the meeting. Think of songs that bring back bad memories, songs you can’t stand, songs that your friends and family can’t stand, and any other songs that you don’t want to hear that night (it’s okay to not want to do the YMCA dance). Your DJ should be happy to get the list, because it helps them prepare a customized list for your wedding dance (if they don’t put together a special play list for you, warning bells should go off). If you want to make your list extra special, give your DJ a second list with the special meaning behind songs on your ‘Do play’ list.

How to pronounce everyone’s names

Don’t make your DJ guess how to pronounce your name, or your parents, or the names of everyone in your bridal party. Avoid any guffaws by giving your DJ a full list of special parties with pronunciations—even the names that should be easy to pronounce.

Volume restrictions

If there are restrictions on the volume of music or the length of your wedding dance, let your DJ know it. Some wedding venues or communities have restrictions (and legal repercussions) on loud music, so it pays to do your homework and let everyone involved in your wedding reception know it.

Special requests

If you have a special request for your DJ, don’t wait until the night before your wedding reception to do it. Mention any special requests at your initial consultation with your DJ, especially if they are above and beyond the “normal” DJ requests. Not all DJ’s may be able to fulfill your request, and it’s better to find out earlier in your wedding planning than later so you can find a quality DJ that can make your wedding dance vision reality.

Engaged? Congrats! Tips to Kick-Start Your Wedding Planning

December 14, 2015wedding DJ, wedding planningMike Urban

Did your holiday gift come in a ring box? Did your Valentine’s Day dinner turn into a scavenger hunt for your engagement ring? Did your winter carriage ride end with your partner on bended knee? Congratulations!! According to Wedding Wire, 40% of wedding engagements happen between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day. So where do you start your wedding planning? The first steps of wedding planning are the same for every couple, whether your big day is a few months or a few years away. Either way, there’s not a moment to lose in your wedding planning (because there is a lot to do!), so it’s best to kick-start the process as soon as possible.

Have the ‘talk’

This simple conversation is one of the most crucial parts of your wedding planning process. Start a discussion with your fiancé about the cost and vision of your wedding, and any preferences each of you might have. Questions you might ask are:

What do you really want at our wedding? How do you see the day?
How do you want to handle costs?
Do you have anything you really, really want in the wedding?
Do you have any traditions that you want to include in our special day?

Obviously, you are going to have your own talk with your own questions, but these questions can give you an idea of how to start the conversation. Some couple talks take hours, others just a few minutes (like our friend whose fiance’s only request to have mixed drinks!). If another member of your family or friend has offered to financially help out with the wedding—such as paying for your wedding dress, covering the cost of the dinner or drinks—now is the time to discuss the amount and any requests they have about their gift. A discussion now with open communication is important, so don’t skip this important step; it can save you a lot of heart ache and misunderstandings later.

Start with a vision

Before you go dress shopping, before you book your wedding venue, before you even think about wedding songs, think about what you want your wedding to look like. This step helps to prevent a mishmash of a wedding with unrelated elements.

Do you want an elegant outdoor wedding? A rustic barn wedding? A ballroom wedding? A destination wedding on a beach? Decide the direction you want to take in your wedding planning, so you can create a cohesive, beautiful event. If you need guidance in developing your vision, look online and visit bridal show for ideas.

Set a budget & date

These two important elements of your wedding dictate almost every other detail: when you send the invites out, what kind of invitations you can purchase, your wedding venue, your dress…everything. That’s why it’s important to set these two details early, and be realistic. If you want an extravagant elegant wedding, 30 days is going to be an extremely tight timeline. As for the budget, pick a reasonable number that you can afford, and be ready to stick to it.

Snap up your ‘must have’ wedding vendors

The best local vendors’ calendars fill up quickly, so don’t procrastinate. Once you have a budget and a date, start contacting wedding venues and ceremony sites as soon as possible. When those two important wedding details are confirmed, you can start contacting your preferred wedding vendors (before someone else does!): that bakery that makes delicious wedding cakes, the wedding DJ you’ve heard keeps everyone on the dance floor all night. If you have an extremely busy schedule, or need assistance with organizing all your wedding planning tasks, consider hiring a wedding planner. They know the best caterers, local DJs, venues, everything you need, and they can make sure that your vision turns into a special day that is uniquely you.