Planning A Wedding: A Beginner's Guide To Getting Started

Planning a wedding can be an exciting yet overwhelming task. The first step is to decide on a budget and a rough guest list, as these will determine the size of the venue and a large portion of the budget. It is also important to choose a date and venue, keeping in mind that some venues offer all-inclusive packages that may include food, drinks, and vendors. Once the date and venue are secured, other details such as sending out save the dates, hiring vendors, and choosing outfits can be finalized. It is recommended to use a binder or digital planner to keep track of contracts, agreements, and other important information.

Budgeting

Determine Your Budget:

Firstly, decide on the total amount you want to spend on your wedding. Consider your savings, how much you can put aside during the planning process, and any contributions from family or friends. Be realistic about what you can afford, taking into account your daily expenses and other financial goals.

Prioritize:

Discuss with your partner what aspects of the wedding are most important to both of you. This might be certain vendors, the venue, food, entertainment, or decorations. Prioritizing will help you allocate your budget effectively and ensure you spend money on the things that matter most to you.

Research and Compare:

Do your research to understand the typical costs associated with weddings. Look at sample wedding budgets and breakdowns to get an idea of the average costs for different categories, such as venue, catering, and attire. Compare prices before purchasing anything, as this can help you get the best deals and avoid overspending.

Create a Detailed Plan:

Break down your budget into categories such as venue, food, attire, decorations, and entertainment. Allocate funds to each category based on your priorities and the average costs you've researched. Be sure to leave some room for unexpected expenses, as they can always arise.

Regularly Review and Adjust:

Your budget isn't set in stone. Regularly review it and make adjustments as needed. For example, if you save money on one vendor, you can reallocate those funds to another category. Stay committed to your budget, and if you can't move money around to afford something, consider more affordable alternatives.

Save Early:

Start saving early for your wedding. The earlier you start, the more time you'll have to reach your savings goal. Consider opening a dedicated savings account specifically for your wedding funds.

Utilize Rewards and Discounts:

Take advantage of any rewards or cashback offers on your credit card for wedding-related purchases, but be disciplined about paying off the balance before interest accrues. Look for discounts, sales, and alternative options, such as rental gowns or student photographers, to reduce costs.

Keep It Simple:

Remember, a beautiful and memorable wedding doesn't have to be expensive. You can create a wonderful celebration within your means by being mindful of your spending, prioritizing, and getting creative with DIY decorations or alternative entertainment options.

Planning a wedding on a budget is entirely achievable, and it's important to keep in mind that the day is about you and your partner, not how much money you spend. With a clear budget and smart decisions, you can have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank.

Choosing a venue

Choosing a wedding venue is one of the most crucial and exciting parts of wedding planning. The venue sets the tone for the entire celebration, so it's important to choose one that feels right and aligns with your vision for the day. Here are some detailed steps to help you choose the perfect venue for your dream wedding:

Identify Your Wedding Style and Vision

Before starting your venue search, it's essential to identify your wedding style and vision. Discuss with your partner how big or intimate the ceremony will be and finalise your guest list early on. This will help you choose a venue that fits your guest count and desired atmosphere. Consider the theme or aesthetic you want to achieve, and look for inspiration online or create a vision board.

Determine Your Budget

Creating a clear budget for your wedding venue is crucial. Decide how much you want to allocate for the venue, taking into account that some venues include essentials like tables and chairs, while others charge extra. Consider the running rates of different venues and whether they align with your budget.

Research and Shortlist Venues

Begin your venue research by seeking recommendations from wedding planners or referring to online lists and local listings. Create a shortlist of venues that match your style, budget, and guest count. Consider the location and accessibility of the venue, including proximity to lodging and transportation options for your guests.

Communicate Your Must-Haves

When communicating with potential venues, be transparent about your must-haves and priorities. Inquire about available dates and how they align with your preferred timeline. Discuss any specific requirements, such as backup options for outdoor weddings or accessibility needs.

Schedule Site Visits and Viewings

Schedule site visits and viewings for your shortlisted venues. It's recommended to book your venue at least nine months to a year in advance to secure your preferred date. During the viewings, pay attention to the venue's atmosphere, aesthetics, and overall condition. Trust your instincts and choose a venue where you can envision celebrating your special day.

Consider Venue Logistics

When choosing a venue, consider the practical aspects such as the availability of an on-site coordinator who can guide you through the logistics. Review the responsibilities of the venue coordinator to ensure they meet your needs. Also, inquire about the venue's restrictions and limitations to avoid any disappointments later.

Guest list

One of the first jobs on your wedding checklist is to create a guest list. This will help you to determine your budget and choose a venue that's the right size.

Start by sitting down with your partner and compiling a list of every person you would invite if money and space were not an issue. Begin with immediate family and close friends, and work outwards to include colleagues, schoolmates, distant relatives, and acquaintances. This is your master list.

Now it's time to trim the list down. Highlight the non-negotiables—the people you simply wouldn't get married without. You can call this group whatever you like: the A-list, the must-haves, etc. No matter what, these people stay firmly on the list.

Then, everyone else gets an invite if space and budget allow. Don't be afraid to allocate some people as evening guests only. Based on your budget and venue, you can start refining the list and adding addresses in preparation for sending out invitations.

Etiquette dictates that you should send your wedding invitations at least eight weeks in advance (or ten if your ceremony is out of town). When you start sending them out and the RSVPs start coming in, you may get some "no"s. This is normal—life gets in the way. The silver lining is that now you have space to invite the people you would have loved to include if you'd had room. Consult your original master list and work with your partner to fill these spots, sending out the next round of invites as soon as possible.

There are many online tools and apps to help you manage your guest list and track RSVPs, which can be a great time-saver.

Wedding dress/attire

Wedding attire is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning. To start, browse wedding dress and suit ideas online, and save your favourites. When you're ready to try on outfits, be willing to try on a variety of styles to see what you feel most comfortable in. You might fall in love with a style completely different from what you expected!

Before you go shopping, learn the lingo. If you're shopping for a wedding dress, read up on silhouettes, necklines, trains and hues. For suits, consider whether you want a traditional suit or a sleek tuxedo, and whether you'll buy or rent. It's also important to start the process early. Custom orders and tailoring can take months, and you'll need additional time for touch-ups and alterations.

If you're working with a budget, make sure you communicate this to your consultant at the beginning of your shopping experience. Do some research on designer prices to avoid falling in love with a gown that's out of your price range. Remember, you can find a gorgeous gown on any budget! If you do decide to spend more than you initially planned, make sure you know how you will adjust your overall budget.

While shopping, wear minimal makeup and a strapless bra so that you can focus on the dress and how you feel in it. If you're considering an up-do for your wedding hair, try putting your hair in a low bun to see what that would look like with the dress neckline.

Vendors

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but creating a strategy can help you manage the stress. One of the first steps in wedding planning is to create a budget, which will help you stay within your financial limits and focus on what's most important to you and your partner. It's also a good idea to choose a few potential dates for your wedding, keeping in mind that certain dates may be more popular and therefore more expensive and scarce.

When it comes to vendors, it's essential to start researching and meeting with potential vendors early on. This includes caterers, florists, photographers, hair and makeup artists, and any other suppliers or service providers you may need. Having a clear vision of your wedding style and priorities will help you in choosing the right vendors.

Online directories like WeddingWire, The Knot, Yelp, and Google can be great resources for finding local vendors. It's also beneficial to establish long-term relationships with reliable vendors, as this can help you secure discounted prices for your clients and boost your reputation as a wedding planner. Attending bridal shows and expos, as well as networking with other wedding professionals, can also help you connect with vendors and get referrals.

When selecting vendors, it's important to prioritize quality and your working relationship with them. A vendor who provides excellent service and who you have a good rapport with can be worth the investment and may even enhance your reputation as a wedding planner.

To stay organized, create a finalized shot list and wedding agenda for your photographer and provide it to them about a month before the wedding. It's also a good idea to meet with your hair and makeup artists for a trial run during this time, taking photos to see how the styles look in action.

Don't forget to set aside tip money for your vendors ahead of time, usually about three weeks before the wedding. This will ensure you have plenty of time to save any additional money needed.

Frequently asked questions