Planning A Wedding: When To Start And What To Do First

Planning a wedding can be an exciting but daunting task. While it can be tempting to jump straight into the details, it's important to take some time to enjoy being engaged before diving into the planning process. When you're ready, there are many aspects to consider, from creating a budget and guest list to choosing a venue and selecting vendors. Staying organized and using tools like wedding planning apps or hiring a wedding planner or coordinator can help ensure the process is as stress-free as possible.

Budgeting

Determine your budget:

Firstly, figure out how much you and your partner can afford to spend on the wedding. Consider your savings account and how much you can save during your engagement. You may also want to discuss with your parents or other family members if they are willing and able to contribute financially. It is important to understand what you can realistically afford, taking into account your daily expenses, such as rent or mortgage, and any other debts or upcoming costs.

Create a budget breakdown:

Once you have a total budget, it's time to allocate that money to different aspects of the wedding. This can be tricky, as there are many costs involved in a wedding. It is helpful to use a sample wedding budget breakdown as a guide and to consider what is most important to you and your partner. For example, you might want to focus on aspects such as food, transportation, and music, or you may have a dream venue or dress that is non-negotiable. Be prepared to spend a significant portion of your budget on guest needs, including the venue, food, and beverages.

Research and compare:

Do your research on the typical costs of weddings and compare prices from different vendors. This will help you understand the market and identify any priorities or areas where you can compromise. Websites like The Knot offer budget tools that can provide valuable insights and estimates based on data from real couples.

Choose vendors carefully:

When selecting vendors, don't rush into any decisions. Consider multiple options to ensure you find vendors who understand your vision and can work within your budget. Pay attention to their communication style and reliability. Review contracts closely, including dates, locations, times, deposits, additional fees, and other details. A good vendor team that fits your budget will ensure your day runs smoothly and memorably.

Consider a wedding planner:

Hiring a wedding planner or coordinator can be beneficial, even though it is an additional cost. They can help you save money in the long run by leveraging their relationships with vendors to get better prices. They can also guide you in understanding which details will have a significant impact on your day, preventing overspending on unnecessary items.

Remember, creating a wedding budget is an essential step to ensure you can bring your vision to life without financial strain. It is a process that requires careful consideration and research, but it will be well worth it when you celebrate your special day.

Guest list

Wedding planning can be overwhelming, but staying organized from the beginning is key. One of the first steps is to create a guest list. This can be tricky, but who you invite says a lot about you and your future spouse's taste, so choose wisely!

Consider the size of your wedding and your budget. The number of guests will dictate the type of venue you choose and impact the cost of the wedding. Think about the people who are most important to you and your partner and make a list of must-have guests. This might include close family members and friends. Be mindful of plus-ones and whether you will allow children to attend.

Next, consider any additional guests you would like to invite, such as extended family, coworkers, and friends you see less frequently. You may also want to include a B-list of guests—people you would like to invite if your budget and venue capacity allow. This can be useful if you receive declines from your initial guest list.

When creating your guest list, be thoughtful about the comfort and enjoyment of your guests. For example, if you have guests travelling from out of town, consider setting up a hotel block to ensure they are in the same general vicinity and to potentially take advantage of discounted rates. Also, consider the floor plan of your venue and whether there will be enough space for all your guests to comfortably enjoy the celebration.

Finally, don't forget to request RSVPs no later than one month before the wedding to avoid last-minute hiccups and to finalize your guest list and headcount.

Venue

The venue is one of the most important decisions in the wedding planning process, so it's crucial to be thoughtful and strategic about where you choose to host your big day. It's usually the biggest expense, especially if it includes catering and an open bar, so it will take up a large chunk of your budget.

Before you start viewing venues, it's a good idea to have a rough guest list and budget in place. Knowing how many people you're inviting will help you choose a venue that's the right size, and having a budget will help you narrow down your options. It's also worth considering the location and how easy it will be for your guests to get to. If you're inviting a lot of out-of-town guests, choosing a venue near a hotel might be a good idea.

When it comes to booking a venue, it's recommended to do so around 12 to 18 months in advance. However, if you're planning a last-minute wedding, you might be able to get a discount, as venues often offer lower prices for bookings made two months before the desired date. It's also worth noting that Friday and Sunday weddings are typically cheaper than Saturdays.

When you're viewing venues, it's essential to see the space in person to decide if it's right for you. You can also read reviews from couples who have held their weddings there to get an idea of other people's experiences. Some other things to consider when choosing a venue are whether it fits the aesthetic you have in mind, whether it includes essentials like tables and chairs, and whether it allows outside vendors or has a no-outside-vendors policy.

Finally, don't forget to read the contract carefully before signing, and consider enlisting the help of a wedding planner if you feel overwhelmed. They can provide valuable insight and help ensure your big day runs smoothly.

Vendors

Wedding vendors are the people who will ensure your day is memorable and runs smoothly, so it's important to choose them carefully. There are many vendors to consider, from caterers to florists, photographers, entertainment, and more.

Before selecting your vendors, it's a good idea to determine your wedding budget. This will help you understand what you can afford and allocate your budget accordingly. It is also important to consider your wedding vision and style, as well as the number of guests, as these factors will influence your vendor choices.

When choosing vendors, it is recommended to consider several options and communicate your vision and budget to ensure they are the right fit. Take note of how they communicate and whether they seem reliable and interested. Review contracts thoroughly, including dates, locations, times, deposits, additional fees, and other details.

Some popular vendors to consider are:

• Florists: Choose a florist who can deliver your vision and stay within your budget. You can ask friends for recommendations, scroll through Instagram for inspiration, or ask your wedding planner or venue coordinator for suggestions.
• Caterers: Consider your budget and the type of food you want to serve. If you have a venue that allows external caterers, research and taste-test different options.
• Photographers: Select a photographer whose style you admire and who understands the moments you want to capture.
• Entertainment: Decide on the type of entertainment you want, such as a band, DJ, or other performers, and research options that fit your style and budget.
• Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Consider hiring a full-service wedding planner or a month-of/day-of coordinator to guide you through the process and save you time and stress.

Remember to keep track of payments to vendors and be mindful of any vendors who must be paid on the day. You can assign a trusted friend or relative to handle these payments and envelopes on your wedding day.

Timing

One of the first steps in wedding planning is determining your budget, which will guide many of your choices, such as the venue, vendors, and attire. It is also crucial to decide on a wedding date and send out save-the-date cards, typically nine months before the wedding for a destination wedding and four to six months in advance for local celebrations. This early stage of planning is also a good time to choose a wedding planner or coordinator, who can guide you through the process and save you time and money.

The next phase of planning typically involves selecting the wedding venue, which sets the tone for the entire event. This decision should be made with careful consideration, taking into account factors such as the number of guests, parking availability, and any additional costs. Once the venue is confirmed, other details can fall into place, such as choosing a wedding gown, planning the honeymoon, and selecting vendors, including florists and caterers.

As the wedding date approaches, focus on the smaller details to ensure a smooth and enjoyable celebration. This includes finalising the guest list, creating a seating chart, and sending out invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. In the final weeks, the bride should have her final dress fitting, confirm travel arrangements, and chase any outstanding RSVPs.

Frequently asked questions