A Step by Step Guide to Planning Your Central Iowa Wedding
- Countryside
- Jan 14
- 3 min read
As wedding venue owners, we know wedding planning can be confusing and stressful. Here we've created a step by step guide to help you plan your Central Iowa wedding. For more wedding tips, check out our other blogs!
Set Your Budget and Priorities
Before booking anything, decide how much you want to spend overall. Central Iowa Weddings can quickly become expensive, so setting a budget early helps keep your plans realistic. Consider what matters most to you and your partner. Is it the Iowa wedding venue, the food, the photography, or the entertainment? Prioritize these elements to allocate your budget accordingly.
Write down your total budget.
List your top three priorities.
Research average costs in Central Iowa for wedding venues, catering, and services.
Knowing your budget and priorities will guide every decision that follows.
Choose the Date and Venue
Selecting a date is one of the first big steps. Keep in mind that popular wedding venues in Central Iowa can book up fast, especially during spring and fall. If you have a specific venue in mind, check their availability before finalizing your date.
When choosing an Iowa wedding venue, consider:
Capacity to accommodate your guest list.
Indoor and outdoor options for weather flexibility.
Accessibility for guests traveling from out of town.
Amenities like parking, restrooms, and event coordination.
Some popular Central Iowa wedding venues include rustic barns, elegant hotels, and scenic parks. Visiting venues in person helps you get a feel for the space and visualize your wedding day. Click here to schedule a tour of our wedding venue!
Build Your Guest List and Send Invitations
Your guest list affects many other decisions, including wedding venue size and catering costs. Start by drafting a list with your partner and families. Be clear about who you want to invite and consider the size limits of your wedding venue.
Once the list is set, choose your invitation style. Many couples opt for printed invitations, but digital invites are becoming more common. Send invitations at least twelve weeks before the wedding date to give guests plenty of time to RSVP.
Hire Key Vendors
Central Iowa has a strong community of wedding professionals. Booking your key vendors early ensures you get the best options. Key vendors include:
Photographer and videographer
Caterer or bakery
Florist
DJ or live band
Officiant
Ask for recommendations, read reviews, and meet vendors in person if possible. Signing contracts and paying deposits early locks in your date and services. Visit our Vendors page to see wedding vendors we've worked with and can highly recommend!
Plan the Ceremony and Reception Details
Decide on the style and flow of your ceremony. Will it be traditional, modern, or something unique? Work with your officiant to create a meaningful ceremony script.
For the reception, plan the seating arrangement, menu, and timeline. Consider including local Central Iowa flavors in your menu to add a personal touch. Think about entertainment options that will keep guests engaged, such as a photo booth or lawn games if your venue has outdoor space.
Choose Your Wedding Attire
Start shopping for wedding attire several months before the big day. Central Iowa offers bridal shops with a range of styles, from classic gowns to casual dresses. Don’t forget about attire for the wedding party and accessories like shoes and jewelry.
Schedule fittings early to allow time for alterations. Comfortable attire will help you enjoy your day without distractions.
Organize Transportation and Accommodation
If your ceremony and reception are at different locations, arrange transportation for yourselves and guests. Options include rental cars, shuttles, or even horse-drawn carriages for a unique touch.
For out-of-town guests, provide a list of nearby hotels and accommodations. Central Iowa has many options ranging from budget-friendly motels to boutique hotels.
Finalize Details and Prepare for the Day
As the wedding day approaches, confirm all bookings and details with your vendors. Create a day-of timeline and share it with your wedding party and vendors to keep everyone on the same page.
Prepare an emergency kit with essentials like safety pins, pain relievers, and stain remover. Assign someone you trust to handle any last-minute issues so you can focus on enjoying the day.
Thank you!
We are dedicated to using our platform to support locally owned wedding venues. In every blog we write, we will include 5 to 10 locally owned wedding venues who use their articles to support their colleagues and the wedding industry in ways that are not always recognized but are essential. If you are searching for a wedding venue, please consider a locally owned venue.
Comments