Congratulations! You’ve just taken a huge step in your relationship, and there’s so much to be excited about. You’ve probably shared the news with friends and family, popped some champagne, and maybe even started thinking about wedding plans. But before you dive too deep into the planning process, let’s take a step back and make sure you're starting from a solid foundation. Wedding planning can feel overwhelming, but with a clear roadmap, it doesn’t have to be. Here’s your guide to getting started on planning your dream wedding.
Step 1: Take a Moment to Celebrate
First things first—celebrate this incredible moment! You don’t have to rush into wedding planning the second you get engaged (though I'll admit- I did!). Enjoy being fiancés and soak in the love and excitement that comes with this new chapter. Maybe you want to throw a small engagement party or simply have a quiet dinner to commemorate the occasion. Either way, take the time to relish in the joy before you get bogged down with checklists and decisions.
And of course, don't forget to announce your engagement! Whether it's through a phone call, social media post, or a cute engagement photo shoot, let your loved ones in on the news.
Step 2: Set Your Budget
One of the first practical steps in wedding planning is setting a budget. It may not be the most glamorous task, but it’s crucial to have a clear financial picture from the start. Your budget will shape almost every other decision, from the size of your guest list to your choice of venue.
Discuss priorities with your partner and figure out where you want to spend and where you might want to save. Some couples might splurge on a photographer while going minimal on décor, while others might want an extravagant venue but a smaller guest list.
Don't forget hidden costs that often get overlooked- wedding party gifts, rental deliveries, morning of food, and dry cleaning your wedding attire after the wedding.
Step 3: Draft Your Guest List
Now that you’ve set your budget, you’ll need to start thinking about your guest list. Your guest count will greatly influence both your budget and your venue options, so it’s important to tackle this early.
A good strategy is to start broad—list everyone you might want to invite. From there, you can narrow down to the final number that fits your budget and venue capacity. Keep in mind that family dynamics can sometimes be tricky, so you may need to compromise to ensure both families are happy. Clear communication with your partner is key during this phase!
Step 4: Choose a Date and Venue
One of the first big decisions to make is selecting your wedding date. Consider whether you want a popular date (which can sometimes cost more) or whether you’re open to an off-season wedding, which might save you money. Think about the kind of season and weather you’d prefer as well.
Once you have a general idea of when you want to get married, it’s time to start searching for your venue. The venue will set the tone for your entire wedding, so make sure to find a space that aligns with your vision—whether that’s a grand ballroom, a cozy barn, or an outdoor garden.
Pro tip: Always have a backup plan in case of unexpected weather, especially if you're planning an outdoor event!
When searching for your venue, always aim for a venue with too much space rather than too little- in my opinion it's not worth compromising your guest list to fit into your dream venue.
Step 5: Decide on Your Wedding Style
Before you start booking vendors or buying decorations, take a moment to decide on your wedding style. Do you want a formal black-tie affair, or would you prefer something more laid-back and rustic? Are you imagining soft, romantic colors or something bold and bright?
Look for inspiration in wedding blogs, Pinterest boards, or even past weddings you’ve attended. The clearer your vision, the easier it will be to make decisions on things like flowers, attire, and décor.
If you're stuck on this step, sometimes it can help to rule out things you definitely don't want!
Step 6: Build Your Dream Team of Vendors
Once you’ve secured a venue and chosen a date, it’s time to start booking your key vendors. The most important vendors to lock in early are typically your photographer, caterer, and florist, as they often get booked well in advance.
When choosing vendors, do your homework. Read reviews, ask for recommendations, and make sure they fit within your budget. It’s also a good idea to meet them in person or over video to make sure their style aligns with your vision for the day.
Step 7: Start a Wedding Timeline
Now that some of the bigger decisions are out of the way, it’s time to create your wedding timeline. This timeline should cover the months leading up to the big day, marking major milestones like when to send invitations, book final fittings, and confirm vendors.
A great way to stay organized is to break the timeline down by month. For example:
12 months out: Book venue and key vendors
8 months out: Send save-the-dates
4 months out: Finalize guest list and send invites
Keep your timeline flexible—things might change, but having a rough guide will help keep stress at bay.
Step 8: Consider Hiring a Wedding Coordinator
As you get closer to the wedding day, you might start to feel overwhelmed by all the moving parts. That’s where a wedding coordinator comes in. A coordinator can help take the pressure off you and your partner by managing vendors, creating a detailed day-of timeline, and ensuring everything runs smoothly.
A Day-of Coordinator is especially helpful for couples who want to enjoy their wedding day without worrying about logistics. You’ve already done the hard work of planning; now let someone else execute it so you can relax and savor every moment.
I get involved with my couples 1-2 months out from their weddings and take care of timeline creation, vendor confirmations, coordinating the rehearsal and the wedding day.
Conclusion: Take It One Step at a Time
Wedding planning can feel like a massive undertaking, but remember—you don’t have to do it all at once. Take things step by step, stay organized, and most importantly, enjoy the process. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it should be as fun as the day itself!
Starting to plan early means that if needed, you can take breaks from planning when it's not feeling like fun and come back to it later.
Above all, don’t forget to take time with your partner to appreciate the journey. The engagement is part of the celebration, too!
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