The ring on your finger and lovely bliss of engagement may not be enough to ease the stress of overwhelming wedding to-do lists!
Fortunately, we put together this guide to make planning a wedding in Milwaukee easy and fun. You will be happy to hear that the first step is to take a deep breath and relax because you will have all the information you need to make your wedding dreams come to life. Your are in good hands with our experienced planners and their stress-free wedding planning tips.
How to Plan a Wedding in Milwaukee
Create a Shared Vision
Enjoy a coffee or meal as you share your best wedding ideas. Focus on wedding themes and styles that will help you decide your wedding venue and those that will accent nearly every detail of your wedding. For some Milwaukee inspiration, check out our top wedding theme ideas or some of the popular wedding tools and apps we recommend. You do not need to set your theme in stone quite yet, but you should have a shared vision for your special day.
Determine Your Wedding Budget
In addition to assessing your own funds, check to see if both sets of parents are able to contribute to your wedding. Once you know your total budget, use our budget-spending figure to determine how much money you will likely allocate to each wedding planning category. Understanding which wedding expenses will have the biggest impact on your budget will help you prioritize the time you spend shopping around in their respective categories.
Form a Tentative Guest List
Now that you know what kind of experience you want to give your wedding guests, it is time to think about whom you want to invite. This will help you determine your wedding venue, hotel reservations and cost of wedding catering service.
You will likely revise your guest list when you send out save the date cards and as you receive replies to your wedding invitations. Be sure to send out invitations 10-12 weeks in advance to give everyone time to plan. Then you can notify vendors of an updated guest count.
Select a Top Milwaukee Wedding Venue
Many factors play in to choosing a wedding venue such as guest count, budget, wedding theme and catering company. Top catering companies work closely with the best indoor and outdoor venues, and some of the most sought after locations have exclusive partnerships with select caterers.
Our decades of experience servicing a wide range of wedding venues will help make your decision easier. Milwaukee’s wide range of wedding locations means there is the perfect match to your style.
Boerner Botanical Gardens
An elegant décor and versatile floor plan make this breathtaking wedding venue a popular choice for naturally beautiful weddings. From winter to summer, the wide-windowed halls give guests the seasonal views of the outdoor landscape.
Mitchell Park Conservatory
Frolic through fairytale paths, stunning flowers and artistic succulents that fill three horticultural domes topped by a beaming glass terrarium ceiling. Whether you choose the Desert, Floral or Tropical Dome, this wedding venue in Milwaukee will stir up intrigue and curiosity among guests. For couples ready to explore their future together in a unique way, the Domes are a perfect wedding location.
Choose a Premier Milwaukee Catering Company
The efficiency and adaptability of your Milwaukee wedding catering company will have a big impact on your ability to stay within budget, so do your research to choose wisely. Look for a wedding catering team that brings creativity and expertise to your planning process and meticulous attention to every detail of your wedding.
In addition to providing delicious food and beverage services, a top wedding catering company will help you select the perfect Milwaukee wedding venue and may even arrange for rentals, floral and entertainment.
Explore Wedding Décor Ideas
With your wedding venue and vendors booked, you can delve into the finer details that create your wedding ambiance. If you have not already chosen a color scheme, now is the time. Your wedding décor should beautifully reflect the season and complement your wedding theme. To make sure your décor has the perfect balance, follow our easy wedding tablescape list.
Streamline Wedding Attire Selections
Your wedding budget will be one factor that helps you narrow your options of wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses and formalwear. If you are following a traditional wedding planning checklist, then the bridal gown is probably first on your list. Always start by figuring out which silhouette is most flattering and fits your wedding vision. Then you are ready to choose your wedding dress length, color and fabric based on how formal and traditional your wedding will be, the forecasted weather and your personality
Shopping for a wedding dress is a lengthy process, but it provides more benefits than you might realize. In addition to helping you feel fabulous on your special day, it will make choosing wedding attire easier for others. If your wedding dress reflects your wedding theme, venue, season and style, then bridesmaids, groomsmen and groom can play off it to choose complementary wedding attire.
Reserve Additional Vendors
Once you select your wedding venue and catering team, you can begin to book additional vendors. A top Milwaukee catering company may provide a wide range of wedding services or be able to refer you to trusted companies. This relieves you of some wedding planning responsibilities and ensures that your wedding is well-coordinated. If any of the services below are not provided by your Milwaukee catering company, we suggest you book these vendors well in advance:
You will also want to book a bridal suite, guest rooms and transportation to and from your wedding and reception.
Design a Custom Wedding Menu
Selecting a wedding menu can be a daunting task. Will you choose passed or stationary hors d’oeuvres? Will your guests enjoy a buffet or plated dinner? Fortunately our expert wedding catering team is here to help you make the right decisions based on your wedding style, guest count and unique desires.
From local fare to kosher options, we love accommodating couple’s special requests and sharing our wedding menu ideas.
One of our favorite ways to surpass expectations is with a unique wedding desert like our “Build Your Own S’mores” station. The traditional wedding cake is still a guest favorite, but couples often love to offer additional sweet treats like our chocolate truffle tart.
Don’t Forget Pre & Post Wedding Celebrations
With all your mental energy directed toward your wedding ceremony and reception, it can be easy to neglect your pre and post wedding celebrations. Be sure to plan and book your honeymoon several months in advance. If you are traveling abroad, compare airline fares to get the best deal and check that your passport is up to date.
Our creative wedding planners look forward to incorporating their creative flair and your unique style to Boerner Botanical Gardens, Mitchell Park Conservatory or another top wedding venue in Milwaukee.
To bring your wedding dreams to life, contact us online or give us a call at 262-547-9447.
