Planning A Wedding: A Beginner's Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. There are many things to consider, from the budget to the venue, and it's important to stay organised and focused. One of the first steps is to determine your budget and what aspects of the wedding are most important to you and your partner. This will help you prioritise your spending and ensure you don't go overboard. It's also a good idea to get a sense of the wedding style you want before meeting with vendors, so you can discuss your vision and make sure everyone is on the same page.

Budgeting

Sit down with your partner and determine what the three most important aspects of your wedding will be. Is it the venue or a specific wedding date? Locking in a certain wedding photographer or having a live band? Prioritise those details and be willing to compromise on the rest. This will help you stay within your budget, and allow you to focus your efforts on what really counts.

Have a good sense of the type of wedding style you want before you begin meeting with potential vendors. You should plan to partake in site tours with your planner to discuss the reception layout, catering tastings, attire alterations and even hair and makeup trials.

Prioritising what's important to you

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but it's important to remember that the day is about you and your partner. Before you begin, sit down with your partner and decide on the three most important aspects of your wedding. This could be the venue, the date, the photographer, the band, or something else entirely. Prioritising these details will help you stay within your budget and focus your efforts on what's important to you.

Once you have your priorities straight, it's time to start researching. Look for inspiration on Pinterest, Instagram, in magazines, and on bridal websites. But be careful not to overwhelm yourself with too much inspiration. Set a time limit for how long you spend looking at photos and ideas in one sitting.

When you're ready to start meeting with vendors, make sure you have a good sense of the style of wedding you want. This will help you communicate your vision and ensure you're on the same page as your vendors.

During the planning process, it's important to assemble a team of professionals to help bring your vision to life. This might include a wedding planner, caterers, a music vendor, a hair and makeup artist, and more. Meet with each pro individually to iron out the details and make sure they understand your priorities and vision for the day.

Remember, your wedding budget will be a driving factor in many of your decisions, so it's important to tackle this early on. Chat with family members who may be contributing and be clear about what everyone is comfortable spending. This will help you prioritise your spending and ensure you're allocating funds to the areas that are most important to you.

Finding inspiration

To get started, you might want to turn to online sources such as Instagram and Pinterest. These sites are a great way to get your creative juices flowing, but it's worth remembering that you want your wedding to be a true reflection of you and your partner, rather than a copy of what every other couple is doing.

To find more unique inspiration, try searching for specific hashtags on Instagram, or following photographers, planners, florists, dress designers and other vendors who share images from their weddings and creative shoots. You could also try PartySlate, where you can curate idea slates filled with beautiful images, while making notes about what you love and keeping track of possible venues and vendors.

Don't forget that inspiration can also come from the real world. Get out and about and experience sights, sounds, smells, touches and tastes that will spark ideas and get your creative juices flowing.

Meeting with vendors

Before you meet with vendors, it's important to have a good sense of the type of wedding style you want. You can use bridal inspiration resources like Pinterest, Instagram, magazines, and bridal sites to help you with this. However, make sure you don't overwhelm yourself with all of the inspiration that's out there.

When you're ready to meet with vendors, you should plan to partake in site tours with your planner to discuss the reception layout, catering tastings, attire alterations, and even hair and makeup trials. You'll also want to start working with your music vendor on the playlist for the wedding.

It's a good idea to sit down with your partner and determine what the three most important aspects of your wedding will be. This will help you stay within your budget and allow you to focus your efforts on what really counts. For example, is it the venue or a specific wedding date? Are you locking in a certain wedding photographer or having a live band? Prioritize those details and be willing to compromise on the rest.

Your wedding budget will be the driving factor for many of your decisions, so this should be one of the first things you tackle. If any family members will be contributing to your big day, chat with them about what they're comfortable spending. It's also a good idea to plan to have a 10 to 15 percent cushion for those unforeseen fees.

Site tours and tastings

When it comes to site tours and tastings, it's important to have a good sense of the type of wedding style you want before you begin meeting with potential vendors. This will help you stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed by all the options available. Pinterest, Instagram, magazines, and bridal sites are great resources for inspiration and research.

Once you have a clear vision, it's time to assemble your team of professionals, including a wedding planner if you choose to hire one. They will be instrumental in helping you navigate the planning process and bring your vision to life. Together, you'll embark on site tours to discuss the reception layout, catering options, and even hair and makeup trials.

During the site tours, pay close attention to the details that matter most to you and your partner. Is it the venue itself, the catering, or perhaps the availability of a specific date? Prioritize these aspects and be willing to compromise on less important factors to stay within your budget. Remember to factor in a cushion of 10-15% for unforeseen fees.

The tastings are an essential part of the site tours, as they allow you to sample the catering options and ensure they meet your expectations. This is also an opportunity to discuss any special dietary requirements or preferences you or your guests may have. Be sure to communicate your vision and expectations clearly to your planner and the catering team to ensure a seamless experience.

Frequently asked questions