But when you throw a major life event like a wedding in the mix, it can get downright nutty. The logical question for practical and busy people is: how can I plan for a memorable wedding without it becoming all consuming? At Buttoned Up, we are huge believers in applying the 80/20 rule to event planning. If you aren't familiar with the 80/20 rule - it basically states that, in anything, a relatively small handful of things really contribute to the desired outcome - so focus energy and attention on them and worry less about all the rest. Getting clarity on the "must-do's" versus the "nice-to-do's" is critical to keeping your sanity in the run up to the big day. In that spirit, we've put together some tips on how to use the 80/20 rule to plan for your upcoming nuptials.
1. Ask a Question. Looking for ways to make your actual wedding ceremony more special? One of the best-known ways to trigger your imagination is via free association. Find five married people whom you admire and ask them one, simple question: what was the most meaningful part of your wedding ceremony? Use their perspectives as a jumping off point for ideas on what's really important and how to make your own ceremony special.
2. Decide Where to Stand Firm. Weddings are one big up-sell opportunity for vendors (e.g. it is the most important day of your life...you wouldn't want to go without x,y,z). Simply knowing where you won't be up-sold and where you will allow a little of it can make a huge difference in your ability to stick to your budget. Given the input from others you gathered in step one, identify the things that you won't scrimp on and the things you will. Then head online and take advantage of some amazing budget tools. The website TheKnot.com has great budget worksheets, which you can find on their site under the tools tab.
3. Skip the Musical Chairs. Few things cause more pre-wedding angst than seating charts. Are Uncle John and cousin Becky still feuding? Will your conservative in-laws balk at sharing a table with your free-spirited family members? Will a college acquaintance be angry she isn't seated at the same table as other, closer friends from school? When you consider that the typical guest will only be seated for about 1 hour of a 4 hour event, is it really worth wringing your hands over? No. Open seating is a stress-free option for hosts that is often more enjoyable for guests, because they get to choose their own dinner companions. If you must structure the tables somewhat for catering purposes, simply assign table numbers, don't try to orchestrate who sits where at each table.
4. Don't Skimp on Photos. It may sound a little clich