A GUIDE TO BOSTON WEDDING PLANNING
For engaged couples, planning a Boston wedding ceremony and reception can be overwhelming and challenging. When it comes to weddings, the city has something for everyone. From classic, elegant venues to luxurious and modern settings, there are plenty of options to choose from when planning your special day. This guide will get you started in your journey of planning a Boston wedding.
1. MAKE A CHECK-LIST OF YOUR PRIORITIES
Create a list of what’s important to you for your wedding, for example, menu, decor ideas, custom drinks to choose from, what enjoyable activities will be conducted, and venue.
2. BEFORE YOU START PLANNING
Boston wedding planning, start with some essential questions to ask yourself before making plans.
Is it a small Boston wedding exclusive to family and close friends?
Is it a big wedding event where you invite everyone you and your partner know?
Is it indoors, like at a church, followed by a wedding reception downtown Boston?
Is it to be held at an outdoor wedding ceremony like at the Boston Public Gardens or beach style?
Would you like to plan your wedding in your backyard under a Sperry tent? In that case, you would have to use a company like PEAK for all your Boston wedding rentals.
Will your wedding style be vintage, modern, rustic, or classic?
Do you want to entertain your guest with a DJ or a Boston wedding band?
Is it planning a wedding something your really want to do or would you rather hire a Boston wedding planner to take the stress off you.
There is a wide variety of valuable wedding resources to help you with the questions above, like The Knot and Wedding Wire. You can also use social media by searching local wedding hashtags.
3 . SET A WEDDING BUDGET AND STICK TO IT.
According to The Boston Globe, the average couple who is planning a Boston wedding will cost $44,700. One of the first things you’ll need to do is set a wedding budget. Since it will affect every decision for your wedding. NerdWallet has created a fantastic wedding budget calculator to help keep track of all your wedding expenses. Boston wedding venues are some of the most expensive in the country. It’s easy to spend most of your budget on the wedding venue, but keep in mind that there are other areas you need to budget for to ensure that your guests are enjoying themselves.
When planning a wedding on a budget, there are several steps couples can take. The most important step is to prioritize what’s most important for the big day and plan accordingly.
For many couples, getting married during the off-season or on a weekday can help to cut costs. Shopping around for vendors who offer discounts for these times can help save money. Taking advantage of package deals that vendors offer can also help stay within budget.
Another way to save money is by DIYing as much as possible. This could include making your decorations or favors, creating your bouquets and boutonnieres, or even baking the wedding cake yourself. Not only will DIYing save you money, but it will also add a personal touch to your special day.
It’s also worth considering alternatives to traditional catering services, such as buffet-style food stations or potluck dinners instead of sit-down meals with multiple courses. This could potentially reduce costs without sacrificing the flavor or quality of the food served at your reception.
One of the best ways to stay within your budget is to consider wedding venues near Boston, Massachusetts, rather than have a celebration in downtown Boston. There are so many wedding venue options outside of the greater Boston area. This also means you will have more options for a prime wedding date. Prime wedding dates are Saturday between Apirl-Novemeber.
Finally, take advantage of any discounts available through family and friends who may have connections in the wedding industry - this could include photography packages, flower arrangements, venue rentals, and more! Oftentimes you are hiring a wedding planner in Boston they will have a list of vendors that will give their clients a discount because the planner brings them so many weddings a year. With careful planning and attention to detail, couples should be able to stick within their budget while still having an unforgettable celebration in Boston.
4. HIRE A WEDDING COORDINATOR OR PLANNER
It’s a wise decision to hire a full-time Boston wedding planner who can plan and prepare the entire celebration – from the engagement party to the honeymoon. If you have limited free time, this is one of the best decisions you can make for your wedding and reception.
If you only need a little help, consider helping a Boston day of wedding coordinator. Ask them if they can help you create a wedding timeline. Most day of wedding coordinators offer a service to also come to your wedding and keep things on track the day. This type of planner ensures an organized and smooth flow of your celebration.
5. GET ORGANIZED
The best secret for planning a Boston wedding is to stay organized. Preparing a master checklist beforehand is highly recommended. Manetstreet.com has a monthly list to keep your planning on track. It starts one year from your wedding date and continues to the day of you your wedding.
6. CREATE A WEDDING GUEST LIST
When creating a guest list for weddings, you need to consider several factors, such as venue size and budget. If you have selected a restaurant for the reception venue, you will need to consider if that site can accommodate the number of guests invited.
Remember that inviting more guests like work colleagues, crowds of friends, relatives, and family members can mean higher charges, as catering is often on a per-head basis. Your budget must include not only the cost of the location but also the bulk of your guest list.
Couples should carefully think about the number of wedding guests they will invite. An easy way to cut down your list is not to ask children and not give everyone a plus one.
When making wedding invitations, several local companies can help you create something custom for your wedding. Several of my clients have been externally happy with their experience working with Gus and Ruby Letterpress on Beacon Street.
7. FIND YOUR WEDDING VENUES FIRST.
If you hire a Boston wedding planner the first thing they would help you with would be finding a wedding venue that will match the style and vibe of the wedding you want. Many Boston wedding venues will secure as many as 18 months in advance. There’s a venue for everyone in this city. If you are looking for a black-tie wedding venue, consider The Boston Public Library. If you prefer a small and cozy wedding, the wine cellar at Moo Restaurant could be perfect for you. Keep an open mind when browsing wedding venues, and don’t rule anything out.
Choosing the right wedding venue for your special day can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Consider what type of wedding you want, which will help narrow the list of potential venues. Do you want an outdoor ceremony with a garden reception? A beach wedding with an evening party? Or maybe something more traditional, like a ballroom or hotel setting?
When deciding on your venue, consider the size and layout of your guest list. Here is a short list of questions you will want to ask your Boston wedding planner when reviewing your venue options.
Will there be enough room for everyone without overcrowding?
Is the venue accessible to those who may have special needs?
What amenities are available at each location?
Does the venue offer catering services, or do you need to find an outside vendor?
Are tables and chairs included in the price, or do they need to be rented separately?
Finally, don’t overlook important details such as parking availability, restroom facilities, audio/visual equipment, and any other features that might affect how guests experience your big day. Ask questions and get answers in writing before signing any contracts. With these tips in mind, you can easily find the perfect Boston wedding venue for you and your soon-to-be spouse!
I have created this Boston wedding venue directory to help you find the perfect venue for your wedding and reception. Some of my favorite venues to photograph weddings at are as follows:
Regarding weddings, Boston is a city that has something for everyone. From classic, elegant venues to luxurious and modern settings, there are plenty of options to choose from when planning your special day.
The Liberty Hotel is one of the most popular wedding venues in Boston. Located in the heart of downtown in a historic former prison, this venue offers an unforgettable setting for couples looking for something unique and special. The old-world charm and modern amenities make this a perfect place for all celebrations.
The iconic Boston Public Library is another great choice for couples getting married in the city. With its grand entrance hall and marble staircases, this venue provides a timeless atmosphere that will impress your guests. There are also several private rooms available where you can host intimate receptions or larger parties with up to 200 guests.
For those wanting a more traditional feel, the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel is one of the best options. This stunning hotel boasts beautiful rooms decorated with period furniture and artwork, as well as large ballrooms and banquet halls perfect for receptions and ceremonies alike.
The State Room: A Longwood Venue is another popular pick in Boston due to its magnificent views of the harbor and skyline from its 48th-floor location. This elegant space offers numerous layouts so couples can customize their event according to their specifications and needs.
Finally, if you’re looking for something extra special on your wedding day, Four Seasons One Dalton Street Boston should definitely be on your list of potential venues. Boasting exquisite interior design along with various dining areas and terraces offering spectacular views over the cityscape, this venue offers couples an unforgettable experience they won’t soon forget!
After you have found a few wedding venues you're considering, request that your Boston wedding planner schedule a date to visit the site and make sure the cost is within the budget. If everything checks all of your must-haves for a venue, then you should ask for a contract and read it carefully.
8. SET A DATE
Immediately after you are engaged, friends and family will be inquiring about the date of the wedding day. When planning a wedding in Boston, one of the biggest decisions couples must make is when to get married. While there are no hard and fast rules about when you should tie the knot, there are some dates that are more popular than others in the city.
Couples must find the best date for them and a date their wedding venue has available. You can select a date that does not conflict with family celebrations or major yearly holidays.
The first week of June is a popular choice for couples getting married in Boston because it falls on a Saturday and is just before Father's Day. This makes it an ideal date for couples who want to combine their special occasions into one big celebration. Additionally, since June is already considered “wedding season” by many, this date also allows couples to take advantage of any discounts available from vendors during this time of year.
For the month of October as a wedding photographer I’ll get more calls from Boston wedding planners to check availability than any month of the year. It is definitely the most popular month in the Boston area for weddings. This date offers all of the benefits of summer weddings without having to worry about extreme temperatures or unpredictable weather conditions. Additionally, this date falls right before Halloween, making it an ideal time for those looking to add a bit of spooky fun to their wedding day celebrations.
Another popular date in the Boston area is September 19th has become a popular choice as well due to its proximity to Patriots' Day in Massachusetts. This holiday celebrates the Revolutionary War battles at Lexington and Concord and Paul Revere’s famous ride through the state on April 18th, 1775, so it can be a great opportunity for couples wanting to honor their heritage with their nuptials.
Ultimately, there are plenty of great dates throughout the year that can be perfect for tying the knot in Boston – it simply depends upon what type of setting or theme you would like your wedding day to have! It would be best if you also considered the length of time that you have to plan for your Boston wedding. It is recommended to allow a whole year for the planning and preparation if you want a big wedding. Smaller weddings can be planned with much less time. No matter what date you choose, though, having a plan and working with an experienced wedding planner in Boston can help ensure your special day will be one guest won't soon forget!
9. HIRE YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Wedding photography is always an important topic when planning a wedding. The list of wedding photographers near Boston goes on forever. Much like your wedding venue, there’s a photography style for everyone. If you need some help on how to hire a check out my guide it will tell you everything you need to know about finding the right photographer for your wedding.
Once you have and your partner has narrowed the style of you wedding photography I recommend that your Boston wedding coordinator send you a short list of those type of photographers. If you are planning on your own you can search for a term you’ll want to use in google is (style of photography) in Boston. For example, I am a photographer that specializes in wedding photojournalism. My client finds me by using the google search term “wedding photojournalist in Boston” Once you have signed a contract with your venue, start your search for a photographer because photographers are in high demand and do book up fast.
10. BOSTON WEDDING ENTERTAINMENT
Around the same time you hire a wedding photographer, you’ll want to start to consider what type of entertainment you’ll want to have at your wedding. There are several different types of wedding bands and DJs. Do some research, ask your friends, read online google reviews, and try to see them at another wedding they are performing at.
If you are considering hiring a Boston Wedding DJ, I always recommend any of the DJ’s atC-Zone Entertainment, with more than 1,3500 5-star reviews online, more than any other entertainment company in Boston. They offer much more than just playing music during your wedding. Some of their services include uplighting, string and brass ensembles, and photo booths, to name a few. Every Boston wedding planner has C-Zone on the top of their short list of DJ’s because they are organized, professional and always have a packed dance for their clients.
11. CREATE A WEDDING REGISTRY
Couples can prepare a wish list of potential wedding gifts that they want to receive from their guests beforehand. These days, wedding gifts are often upgraded to accommodate this new chapter in life as a married couple.
It is now a new trend that couples can opt for more creative ideas of a registry, like funding the down payment of their new house, sponsoring their honeymoon, or selecting a fundraiser they can contribute to.
Ensure that the information for the wedding registry must be printed on a separate wedding invitation page insert, or displayed on the website of the wedding but never be printed on the wedding invitation card itself.
12. SELECT YOUR WEDDING PARTY
When your picking groomsmen and bridesmaids make sure to ask them earlier. You’ll want to consistently keep them informed about all the wedding plans. These are the same group of friends that will be planning your bachelor party, and you’ll spend the most time with them at your Boston wedding reception.
13.WEDDING DRESS SHOPPING
It’s advisable to start shopping for a wedding dress as early as possible. Allow nine months before your wedding so you will have adequate time for any fittings, additional final touches, or alterations. Since Boston is so close to New York City you may want to reach out to the dress designer directly. Often times you can get them discount if you buy and get the alterations from their store in NYC. However you have to ask for this it’s not something they will advertise. It’s a great opportunity to make a weekend trip to New York.
There are many great wedding dress shops locally. If you have hired a Boston wedding planner to help you they will be able make a few suggestions on what stores you should start at based on what you are looking for.
My clients have raved about Madeleine’s Daughter. This shop is just north of Boston in Portsmouth NH. The experience at Madeleine's Daughter is one you won’t forget.
The wedding party should start to look for their wedding attire around 7 to 8 months before the wedding day. Whereas the attire of the groom and groomsmen can be set within the 5th month before the wedding day. A well-tailored and customized suit takes a lot of time to find.
Ensure that the groom’s outfit must compliment the bridal gown, and likewise with the groomsmen and bridesmaids’ attires. Don’t forget you’ll have other wedding outfits to plan for such as rehearsals, brunches, showers, and engagement sessions.
14. SPEND SOME QUALITY TIME OFF TOGETHER
Because of the demands and stress caused by planning the wedding, the couple is advised to take a break from their daily work schedules and just spend time preparing for the wedding.
Try to take a few days before your Boston wedding to ensure that last-minute preparations are finalized. The planning process often takes months but it’s a rewarding experience and definitely worth the long wait.
Conclusion:
I hope you can now see that organizing your own wedding with or without hiring a Boston wedding planner is quite achievable. I'm hoping that using this straightforward guide will help you go down the aisle with greater clarity and less worry.