HOW TO START PLANNING YOUR WEDDING
After you call your parents, spread the news in your group texts, and post that sparkly ring selfie, the engagement finally starts to feel real. But what are your next steps, and where should you start with the planning process?
The years of daydreaming, making wedding Pinterest boards, and all of the rom-com movie marathons you've sat through can’t prepare you for the number of things you will need to arrange. But don't stress, this will be one of the most amazing times in your life!
To make things easier, we’ve created a simple checklist to help you tackle a few of the big to-dos. While there's no strict order, they’re all key steps to help you avoid headaches and make sure your wedding planning goes smoothly.
1. Set a time frame
You don't have to know your wedding date right off the bat; however, you should think about your ideal time of year and how long you want to soak in the bliss of being engaged. Once you've established that, it will be easier to book a venue and plan all the festivities.
2. Determine your budget
This isn’t the most fun step, but it’s definitely one of the most important. You must find time to sit down with your future spouse and anyone else who might be contributing financially to discuss the ideal budget.
To find your ideal number, think about which details will be most important on the big day, like the venue, decor, or food. The more research you do, the better idea you'll have of the price range you’re looking at.
3. Compile your guest list
After you hammer out your budget, think about who you want to invite. The size of your guest list is what will ultimately determine the cost of your wedding. We recommend making three separate lists:
- Your absolute must-haves
- Additional friends and extended family
- Those who you’d like to come if your budget allows
4. Go venue shopping
Let’s face it: one of the most important things when planning a wedding is location, location, location. So after you've determined a ballpark guest count, your venue is the first vendor you'll want to book.
The first step is to decide whether or not you want the ceremony and reception to be in the same location. This will narrow down your options depending on your guest count.
Venues have different requirements and amenities, so picking one can be overwhelming. We've put together this list of questions to ask while looking for a venue to help you get all the information you need to choose the best venue for you and your partner.
5. Choose your wedding party
Your guest list will play an important role in some of the planning, but don't forget about your VIP list (if you choose to have one!).
The important thing is not to stress about having a completely equal number of people in your respective wedding parties! Your photos will look beautiful no matter what, so make decisions based on who you want to be spending quality time with on your big day.
Another tip? Modernize it. You can have honor attendants of any gender and have fun with naming conventions. Maybe you’d like to have a groomslady, man of honor, or bromaids by your side! Once you’ve made your picks, send them over to our Wedding Party 101 blog.
6. Create a wedding website
A wedding website is a must these days. Your guests will be able to easily find your registry and wedding day information, submit RSVPs, make dietary requests, get directions to the venue, and find answers to common questions.
7. Establish a vision
Build a Pinterest board, Google doc, photo album, Leslie Knope-style binder, or whatever fits your organizational needs, to save all of the wedding inspiration you love to create your dream ceremony and reception.
If you plan on hiring a coordinator, this is a great way to help them truly envision your ideal day.
8. Take a break
Most importantly, remember to schedule some quality time with your future spouse before the wedding planning and preparations kick into high gear. We've said it before, and we'll say it again, this is a time in your life that you’ll want to cherish, so make sure you have time to actually relax and enjoy it!
At the end of the day, there’s nothing more important than the simple celebration of the love between you and your partner.
Photos by Paige Ramage Photography.
Already started planning and feel stuck in a rut? Head over to our ideas and advice posts to find advice on everything from handling stress to planning your perfect catering menu.
