Planning A Wedding: The Ultimate Guide For Couples

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but it's important to remember that every wedding is different and there is no right way to plan your big day. Whether you're planning a small, simple wedding or a big, lavish affair, the steps are largely the same. From setting a budget and finding inspiration to booking a venue and choosing a date, there's a lot to consider. This guide will break down the process into manageable steps, offering expert advice and tips on how to actually enjoy planning one of the most important days of your life.

Budgeting

When setting your budget, consider your financial situation and how much you can realistically afford to spend. Be honest with yourself and your partner about your financial limits, and decide what is most important to you on your big day.

Once you have a budget in mind, you can start allocating funds to different areas of the wedding. Consider the must-haves and nice-to-haves, and prioritise spending on the aspects of the wedding that are most important to you. For example, if you dream of a particular venue, you may need to compromise on other areas, such as the number of guests or the food and drink.

It's also a good idea to build some flexibility into your budget. Unexpected costs can arise, and it's helpful to have a buffer to cover any last-minute expenses. Additionally, don't forget to factor in the cost of any auxiliary events, such as an engagement party or bridal shower, as well as any post-wedding expenses, such as thank-you gifts for your wedding party.

Finally, when it comes to budgeting for a wedding, it's important to stay organised and keep track of your spending. Create a spreadsheet or use a wedding planning app to record all your expenses, and regularly review your budget to ensure you're on track. By being mindful of your budget and making informed financial decisions, you can plan your dream wedding without breaking the bank.

Venue

The venue is one of the most important parts of planning a wedding. Before you book a venue, you should have a budget, an estimated guest count, and a few potential wedding dates in mind. You can then read online reviews of wedding venues near you, visit them in person, and work with your partner to find your dream wedding location.

Once you've found the perfect venue, you'll need to thoroughly read the contract and sign it. This will officially set the date for your wedding. Some couples hire a wedding planner before choosing a venue, while others wait until afterwards. It all depends on the type of assistance you need.

When choosing a venue, it's important to consider the size of your guest list and your budget. If you're planning a small, simple wedding, you might choose a more intimate venue, while a large, lavish affair will require a bigger space. You should also think about the location of the venue and whether it's convenient for your guests to get to.

There are many different types of wedding venues to choose from, including hotels, barns, country clubs, and even private homes. You might also want to consider a destination wedding, where the ceremony and reception are held in a far-flung location.

Guest list

The guest list is one of the most important parts of planning a wedding. It is one of the first things you should do, along with setting a budget and finding inspiration.

First, you need to decide how many people you want to invite. This will depend on your budget and the size of your venue. If you're planning a small, simple wedding, you might only want close friends and family. If you're planning a big, lavish affair, you might want to invite extended family, friends, and colleagues.

Once you have an estimated guest count, you can start creating your guest list. Begin by making a list of all the people you definitely want to invite. This might include your parents, siblings, grandparents, and close friends. Then, consider any other guests you'd like to invite, such as extended family, friends, colleagues, and neighbours.

Finally, don't forget to include your partner in the guest list planning! Work together to finalise the list and make sure everyone you want to be there is included.

Wedding date

Once you have a budget, a guest list, and a few potential dates in mind, you can start looking for a venue. It's important to read reviews and visit venues in person before making a decision. Once you've signed a contract, you've officially set a date for your wedding.

When choosing a date, it's worth considering the time of year and the day of the week. For example, a summer wedding might be more expensive than a winter wedding, and a Saturday wedding will likely be pricier than a weekday wedding. You should also think about any important dates for you and your partner, such as anniversaries or birthdays, and whether you want to get married on a significant date.

It's a good idea to give yourselves plenty of time to plan the wedding. Most couples spend at least a year planning their big day, but it's ultimately up to you how long you want your engagement to be. If you're planning a small, simple wedding, you might not need as much time to plan as you would for a larger, more complex wedding.

Vendors

Once you have a budget, a guest list, and a few potential wedding dates, you can start to think about hiring vendors. Wedding vendors are anyone that you pay for products or services for your wedding. Products can include invitations, a wedding dress, wedding favours, etc. Services can include catering, transportation, music, etc.

It's important to hire vendors in the right order. For example, you can't hire a caterer until you have a wedding date, time and location. That means you'll need a venue before you can hire the caterer.

You can categorise wedding vendors into two groups: those that can serve one bride per day and those that can serve multiple brides per day.

To help you decide which vendors to hire and in what order, there are plenty of 'ultimate wedding planning checklists' and worksheets available online.

Frequently asked questions