Planning Your Dream Wedding: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning your own wedding can be both exciting and overwhelming. It's important to start with a clear idea of your budget and to ask your family what they plan to contribute. You'll then need to select a venue and date, and book your vendors. To keep your plans organised, you might want to use a wedding planning book or create a wedding website.

Budgeting and financial contributions from family

Once you have an idea of the financial contributions from family, you can start allocating your budget to different aspects of the wedding. Prioritise venues, florists, caterers, rental companies, videographers and hair/makeup stylists first. You will have more time later in your wedding planning journey to work with fashion designers, stationers, and niche entertainers (like a live painter or reception dancers).

It is also important to book your venue and vendors 8 to 12 months in advance, especially if you are getting married during the peak wedding seasons of summer and early autumn. If your vendors are in high demand, you will also want to book early.

Finally, keep in mind that planning your own wedding can be overwhelming, but with proper organisation, you can enjoy the process without unnecessary stress.

Selecting a venue and date

The date you choose will depend on your budget and the availability of your chosen venue. If you're getting married during the peak wedding seasons of summer and early autumn, you'll need to book your venue and vendors earlier than if you're having a winter or spring wedding. It's also worth bearing in mind that vendors in high demand may need to be booked further in advance.

Traditionally, the bride's family pays for most of the wedding, with the groom's family contributing to the reception dinner and a small ceremony contribution. It's a good idea to sit down with both families early on in the planning process to figure out who will contribute financially and how much they will give. This will affect every decision about your wedding, so it's important to be intentional about setting aside this time to discuss expectations.

When selecting a venue, it's worth considering the vendors you will need to book. Prioritise venues, florists, caterers, rental companies, videographers and hair/makeup stylists first. You can leave fashion designers, stationers and niche entertainers until later in the planning process.

Organising your ideas

Next, you'll need to select a venue and date. It's recommended to book your venue and vendors 8 to 12 months in advance, and even earlier if you're getting married during peak wedding season or if your vendors are in high demand. Once you have a date and location, you can send out your save-the-date cards and create a wedding website. This will include your registry, as well as accommodation and activity suggestions for out-of-town guests.

Throughout the planning process, it's critical to communicate with key stakeholders and ask for help when needed. Prioritise booking your vendors, including photographers, florists, caterers, rental companies, videographers, and hair and makeup stylists. You can leave fashion designers, stationers, and niche entertainers until later in the process.

To keep your inspiration and plans organised, consider using a wedding planning book. This will help you keep track of important details and ensure you enjoy the process without unnecessary stress.

Booking vendors

When it comes to prioritising vendors, there are a few key areas to focus on. The first and foremost is the venue. Securing your dream venue is crucial, as it sets the tone and accommodates all your other plans. Next, you should turn your attention to caterers, florists, rental companies, and videographers. These professionals play a significant role in creating the atmosphere and capturing the memories of your special day. Don't forget to prioritise hair and makeup stylists as well, ensuring you look and feel your best.

While it's important to book the essential vendors first, don't stress if you can't finalise every detail immediately. You'll have more time later in your planning journey to work with fashion designers, stationers, and niche entertainers, such as live painters or reception dancers. The key is to be organised and proactive, ensuring you don't miss out on your preferred vendors due to last-minute availability issues.

Throughout the vendor booking process, clear and timely communication is essential. Be transparent about your expectations, budget, and any specific requirements you may have. This will help you build a strong relationship with your vendors and ensure a seamless experience on your wedding day. Remember, booking vendors is a collaborative process, and they are experts in their field, so don't be afraid to ask for their input and guidance along the way.

Creating a wedding website

Planning your own wedding can be exciting but also overwhelming. To avoid unnecessary stress, it's important to stay organised. One way to do this is by creating a wedding website.

A wedding website is a great way to keep all your wedding details and gifts in one place. You can include your registry, so friends and family know what to get you, as well as information on accommodation and activities for guests who are travelling. It's a good idea to set up your website as soon as you have a date and location, so you can include this information on your save-the-date cards.

When creating your website, there are a few key things to consider. First, think about the design and layout. You can choose from a variety of templates or create your own custom design. Be sure to include all the important information, such as the date, time, and location of the wedding, as well as any other relevant details like dress code or transportation options. You might also want to include a section for guests to RSVP and a link to your registry.

Another thing to keep in mind is the domain name. Choose something that reflects you and your partner's personalities and is easy for guests to remember. You can also use this domain name for your email address, creating a cohesive online presence for your wedding.

Finally, don't forget to promote your website! Include the URL on your save-the-date cards, invitations, and any other wedding-related correspondence. You can also share it on social media to ensure all your guests have access to the information they need.

Frequently asked questions