At this point in the process of making
your dream wedding a reality you have already learned much about negotiation
and compromise. You and your fiancé are going through one of
the best possible exercises to help you start thinking and acting as
a couple. Traditionally weddings were considered the bride’s domain,
where the groom was expected to do little more than dress for the occasion
and say, "I do" at the proper time. Today the groom’s
role is expanding considerably. Many grooms are involved in and enthusiastic
about their wedding and take an active part in selecting everything
from the music to the menu. Though you have no doubt been overwhelmed
with the "expert advice" of well-meaning family and friends,
remember that the wedding in question is yours, and you and your fiancé
should make it an expression of both of you as a couple. Be appreciative
of other’s suggestions but firmly act on your own dream.
Now your attention should turn to the
vendors (service providers) you plan to use. Here again your own priorities,
as well as the constraints of your budget, will shape which wedding
services mean the most to you. To one bride wedding dollars paid out
for florals are more important than those allocated to photography.
To another the opposite is true. Often the music at the reception is
the most critical. It just depends on your own desires and monetary
resources. The order here in addressing the selection of vendors is
designed to convey our suggested priority. Again it is important to
qualify vendors and contract for their services early. The quality service
providers are usually booked months in advance. You don’t want
to find the ones you desire unavailable.
