Planning A Wedding: A Step-By-Step Guide To Your Big Day

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and mindset, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. Before diving into the details, it's important to have a clear vision and set a realistic budget. This budget will guide many of your decisions, so it's crucial to involve anyone who will be contributing financially. Once you have a budget, you can start creating a guest list, which will impact your choice of venue. Research venues on sites like The Knot and Wedding Wire, and don't forget to read contracts thoroughly before signing. From there, you can start thinking about vendors, entertainment, and all the little details that will make your wedding unique and memorable. Remember, the most important thing is that you're marrying the love of your life, so try to enjoy the process and don't stress too much about the small stuff!

Budgeting and financing

Planning a wedding can be expensive, with the average wedding costing around $33,000. However, there are many ways to save money and keep costs down. The first step in budgeting and financing a wedding is to set a realistic budget. This involves sitting down with your partner and discussing how much you can afford to spend. It is important to be realistic and honest about your financial situation and what you are willing to spend.

Once you have set a budget, the next step is to break it down into categories such as venue, catering, attire, etc. This will help you allocate your funds effectively and ensure you are not spending too much in one area. It is also a good idea to prioritize the aspects of the wedding that are most important to you and your partner, such as food or music, and allocate larger portions of the budget to these areas.

There are many ways to save money when planning a wedding. One way is to choose a destination wedding, which can be more cost-effective due to smaller guest lists and reception sizes. Another way to save money is on decorations. DIY decorations can be made well in advance of the wedding, and you can also take advantage of second-hand items from Facebook groups or thrift stores. When it comes to florals, being flexible and allowing your florist to use seasonal flowers can also keep costs down.

Another tip for saving money is to choose a DJ instead of a band, which can be significantly cheaper. You can also save on alcohol costs by sticking to beer and wine, or creating a few signature cocktails, rather than offering a full bar. Using a cash registry or honeymoon fund on your wedding registry can also help to crowdsource extra cash for your honeymoon. Finally, it is important to monitor your spending and schedule regular check-ins with your partner to ensure you are staying on track with your budget.

Choosing a venue

Budget

Before you begin your search, it's important to establish a budget. Having a certain number in mind will help you stay reasonable and adamant about finding a space that has all the important features included at a price you can afford. It's more than just how much renting the space will cost, as venues with in-house catering (like hotels) will charge a price-per-plate, and decor and floral design will also drive the cost up. You should expect to spend about half of your wedding budget on the venue and catering, and be sure to round up.

Guest list

Knowing how many guests you're expecting to invite before you go looking at venues will help save you from headaches and heartaches down the road. You don't want to squeeze 200 guests into a space meant for 20, and vice versa. There should be ample room for the table layout, seating arrangements, and a dance floor, but also for guests to move comfortably about. Having an estimate of your guest count before you begin venue shopping can make it easier to narrow down your options.

Location

The location of your venue will influence whether or not you will host your celebration outdoors, and even if you and your guests need passports to attend the ceremony. It's important to choose a venue with good accessibility and nearby parking. If you're planning an outdoor wedding, always prepare a contingency plan: it's a good idea to have access to an inside space or a tent in case of bad weather.

Aesthetic

Seek out venues that fit the aesthetic you have in mind. If you're planning a modern wedding, look at art galleries, well-designed restaurants, or warehouse spaces. On the flip side, a wedding incorporating more natural elements works well with outdoor venues such as parks, backyards, and ranches. Choosing a venue that fits in with (and enhances) your theme will enable your wedding to feel more connected to the space.

Wedding planner

Hiring a wedding planner isn't necessary, but it can really make a difference when choosing a venue. Wedding planners are professionals with extensive experience, and they will immediately know if the venue that you seem to love will be the perfect one or if you should keep looking. They can also picture the possibilities of a blank space and give you an idea of how your wedding design and layout could look.

Guest lists

Creating a guest list is one of the most essential parts of the wedding planning process. The number of guests will dictate everything from the venue to the cost to the overall vibe of the day. It's important to create your guest list early to help you navigate conversations with friends or co-workers who might not make the cut.

Firstly, you and your partner should decide on a total guest count. Lizzie Post, president of the Emily Post Institute, suggests splitting the total number of guests into thirds: one-third for the couple, one-third for the bride's parents, and one-third for the groom's parents. Alternatively, you could keep 50% of the invites for the couple and assign 25% to each set of parents.

Next, write down the names of everyone you want to be with you on your wedding day, and disregard the rest. Be honest with yourself and your partner about who you truly want to invite. You don't have to invite co-workers or acquaintances just because you feel obligated. If you're having a small wedding, you can let friends know that you're planning an intimate affair for close friends and family only.

Finally, it's a good idea to create a backup list of potential guests to invite if those on your original list are unable to make it. However, be mindful that some people may be offended by being on the "B-list".

To keep track of your guest list, you can use Excel or Google Sheets to record RSVPs, meal selections, gifts received, and more.

Wedding vendors

The next step is to determine your wedding budget. Your budget will be the driving factor for many of your decisions, so it's important to tackle this early on. Discuss with family members who may be contributing and be sure to take a hard look at your finances and prepare for any life changes you may need to make. It's also a good idea to have a 10-15% cushion for unforeseen fees.

With your budget in mind, you can start to think about the other vendors you will need to hire. A wedding planner can be a lifesaver throughout the planning process, and a wedding photographer and/or videographer will capture precious memories of your special day. Begin searching for these vendors about nine to twelve months in advance to secure the best talent in your area.

Other vendors to consider include a florist, entertainment (such as a band or DJ), a hair stylist and makeup artist, an officiant, a jeweler, and a rentals company for items such as tables, chairs, and dinnerware.

Wedding timeline

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but creating a timeline can help ensure the day runs smoothly. Here is a suggested wedding planning timeline, which can be adjusted to suit your preferences and cultural or religious requirements.

12-14 months before

• Determine your budget and who is contributing.
• Research and consider a wedding planner or venue stylist.
• Start planning the guest list and decide on an approximate number of guests.
• Pick potential wedding dates and check with important guests to avoid clashes.
• Research and book your wedding venue and ceremony location.
• Research and book your wedding photographer, caterer, florist, musicians, hair and makeup artists.
• Research and order your wedding dress, as some boutiques may consider under six months a 'rush order' and will apply a fee.
• Send 'Save the Date' cards, especially important if you're getting married abroad or during a busy time of year.
• Organise the legalities—giving notice to your registrar, priest, or religious celebrant.
• Start planning hen and/or stag parties.
• Decide on prayers, readings, and music for the ceremony.

6-11 months before

• Buy your wedding rings.
• Create a gift registry and wedding website.
• Research and book your honeymoon.
• Finalise your guest list and collect guest addresses.
• Plan and send out invitations, including RSVP details.
• Order decorations, including a guest book, and any other finishing touches for the venue.
• Order wedding stationery, such as place cards, menus, and wedding favours.
• Plan and purchase wedding party outfits, including suits or tuxedos for the groom and groomsmen.

2-3 months before

• Host pre-wedding celebrations, such as a bridal shower or joint party.
• Finalise the timeline for the wedding day, including photo opportunities.
• Purchase any remaining decor or extra pieces for the venue.
• Write your vows and finalise the ceremony details.
• Confirm all vendors and create a schedule for the wedding day, introducing your reception coordinator to your wedding planner or bridal party.
• Plan the return or cleaning of any rented or purchased outfits.
• Assign a family member or attendant to be the photographer's contact.

1 month before

• Confirm final guest numbers with your venue and vendors.
• Finalise seating arrangements and create place cards.
• Enjoy your hen and stag parties!

2 weeks before

• Confirm all details with your vendors and bridal party.
• Finalise the shot list with your photographer.
• Plan a farewell exit, such as a sparkler exit, and communicate the timing to your bridal party and immediate family.

On the day

• Stick to your timeline to ensure the day runs smoothly and you get all the photos you want.
• Enjoy your special day!

Frequently asked questions