As the weather gets warmer we are starting to turn our thoughts to romantic summer weddings and everything that includes. It may mean searching for that perfect location for the wedding reception or planning a romantic honeymoon. It could be finding just the right bridesmaids dresses that are fun but not too fussy. It may even mean planning for a fantastic evening wedding complete with those giant sparklers you see on https://www.sparklersonline.com these days. Whatever it is you plan to have for that next family wedding adventure, here are three things you absolutely don’t want to leave out of your plans.
Plan for Mother Nature
While a summer wedding in the great outdoors is a wonderful idea, make sure you have a plan B in case Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate. I live in the rainy Pacific Northwest where rain is far more likely than sunshine on any given day, even in July! That is why you will see so many outdoor events include tents to shelter us all from those all too likely showers. If you live where it rains, or where the temperatures can soar into the unhealthy three digits in summer, make plans to deal with it.
Don’t let the weather make that wedding a disaster, plan for both the great outdoors and an inside wedding. For those who love the rural theme, make sure that location includes a barn for a quick duck if the weather turns on you. If you live in the Midwest, I just hope the tornado alarm doesn’t go off as you say your vows!
Watch the Budget
How many times have you overheard some bride to be at a store bewailing the fact her credit card limit won’t stretch as far as she dreams? While it is easy to go overboard in the costs of everything, have a budget for your wedding and stick to it. The truth is you don’t want to start married life with a huge debt, or even worse knowing you created a giant credit nightmare for your parents.
So, make that budget that suits your ability to pay and stick to it. You won’t remember ten years from now how much those flowers cost you, but you will remember if it takes you ten years to pay off the wedding.
Wedding Gifts – Be Practical
Okay- some would say that they got married for the gifts but make sure along the way that you ask for and get things you actually need. While that expensive silver set at Bloomingdales may be beautiful are you going to be able to afford even one additional piece once you have the set? Look at what you have now, what you need to make this marriage smart and happy and plan for those. Ask for what you really need. If you really love to cook, get that high-end Cuisinart you have had your eye on forever. Just make sure it is the kind of thing that you actually use after. That will bring you the most satisfaction in the long run.
Della Mullins 
Michelle Johnson