Planning A Wedding: First Steps To Take

Planning a wedding can be an overwhelming and daunting task, but it doesn't have to be! The first steps to take are agreeing on a budget and a rough guest count with your partner, which will inform your choice of date and venue. It's also important to discuss and decide on the type of wedding you want, whether that's a big or small celebration, a DIY backyard party, or a destination wedding. Having a clear vision and a list of must-haves will help you allocate your budget effectively and ensure you're on the same page.

Budgeting and financing

Wedding planning can be an overwhelming process, but it's important to remember that it's also a very exciting time! To ensure you stay on track, it's a good idea to create a comprehensive wedding-day schedule that covers everything from hair and makeup appointments to transportation and arrival times.

One of the first steps in wedding planning is setting a realistic budget and deciding how you will finance the wedding. This is arguably the most important aspect of your wedding plan as it will influence every decision you make, from the venue and guest list to the food and entertainment.

To start, you and your partner should review your savings and determine how much you can afford to spend. Be sure to factor in daily expenses and other costs such as rent, mortgage, car payments, or debt repayment. If you're comfortable, you can also reach out to family members to see if they're willing and able to contribute financially. It's important to have open and honest conversations about expectations and how the money should be spent to avoid any misunderstandings later on.

Once you have a clear understanding of your budget, you can begin allocating funds to different categories. According to wedding planner Chanda Daniels, the guest experience is a top priority, so you'll want to ensure you have enough for venue hire, food, beverages, and transportation. Other costs to consider include vendors such as photographers, florists, caterers, rental companies, videographers, and hair and makeup artists.

To stay organized, consider using a budgeting system or tool that can help you track your spending and make adjustments as needed. This will ensure you don't exceed your budget and help you identify areas where you may need to cut back. Remember, it's important to be realistic about what you can afford and be prepared to make sacrifices if necessary.

Finally, don't forget to include your honeymoon in your budget! You'll want to enjoy some relaxation after the big day, so factor in costs for flights, accommodation, and any other activities you plan to do.

Guest list and vendors

Wedding planning can be a daunting task, but creating a comprehensive schedule and keeping track of your budget will help ensure the day's events run smoothly. One of the first steps is to set a realistic wedding budget, which will impact many of your decisions, including the guest list and vendors.

Guest List

The guest list can be one of the most challenging aspects of wedding planning, as it often involves navigating the expectations of parents and other family members. To create your guest list, start by writing down the names of everyone you and your partner want to be there, keeping in mind that each guest will require an extra chair, dinner, slice of cake, and favour. Be prepared to trim down the list based on venue capacity, budget, or other restrictions.

Consider using a guest list tool, such as WeddingWire, to keep track of guest attendance, RSVPs, meal choices, and more. These tools can help you create a bespoke list with only the columns you need and export it in a format that works best for you.

Vendors

Once you have an idea of your guest count and budget, you can start reaching out to vendors. In-demand wedding vendors, such as photographers, venues, florists, caterers, rental companies, videographers, and hair/makeup stylists, are often booked more than a year in advance, so it's important to act fast.

Keep careful track of when and how much you pay each vendor, and consider giving a trusted friend or relative the task of handling any day-of payments or tips. Communicate with your vendors regularly and provide them with a comprehensive wedding-day schedule, including timing for their arrivals, the couple's arrival, speeches, the first dance, and when the cake will be cut.

By staying organized and keeping open lines of communication, you can ensure that your wedding planning process is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Venue and date

Wedding planning can be a daunting task, but prioritising the venue and date is a great place to start.

Venue

The venue is often the first thing to be decided when planning a wedding. It is important to start looking at venues early on in the planning process, as they can get booked up quickly, especially if you are planning a wedding during a busy period, such as October. When choosing a venue, it is a good idea to have a general idea of your guest list and budget, as this will help you decide on the size and type of venue you require.

Date

The date of your wedding will often be dictated by the availability of your chosen venue, so it is a good idea to have a few potential dates in mind when you start your search. Consider the popularity of certain dates, which can make availability scarce and prices higher, and whether your chosen date will be convenient for your guests. If you are planning a destination wedding, you may need to consider sending out 'save the date' cards earlier than you would for a local wedding.

Other considerations

When planning your wedding, it is also important to keep in mind the other elements that will contribute to your big day. These include the caterers, photographers, florists, rental companies, videographers, hair and makeup stylists, and entertainment. Many in-demand wedding vendors are hired more than a year in advance, so it is a good idea to reach out to your priority vendors early on in the planning process.

Budget

Your budget will be a driving factor in many of your decisions, so it is important to set a realistic wedding budget early on in the planning process. This will help you to stay within your means and make informed choices about where to allocate your funds. It is also a good idea to have a small amount of wiggle room in your budget for any unexpected additional costs or last-minute changes.

Honeymoon planning

Planning a honeymoon can be stressful, especially since it is usually the most expensive trip a couple takes together. However, with the right approach, you can create the trip of a lifetime. Here are some tips to help you plan your honeymoon:

Start Planning Early

It is recommended to start planning your honeymoon six to eight months in advance, or even eight to twelve months if you want to ensure ample time for preparation. This will allow you to settle on a destination, book travel and accommodations, and ensure you can get on the schedule of a travel agent if you choose to use one.

Set a Budget

The average cost of a honeymoon is $5,100, and it is often one of the most expensive trips a couple takes together. Therefore, it is important to set a realistic budget that you are comfortable with. Discuss with your families if they will be contributing financially and how much they are willing to spend. Be clear about your savings goal and how you plan to achieve it.

Choose a Destination

Deciding on a destination can be daunting, especially if the world feels like your oyster. Consider choosing a place neither of you has been to, offering activities you both enjoy. If you want to truly relax, a beach destination might be ideal. If you're looking for a more immersive experience, consider travelling during the shoulder seasons when there are fewer tourists and better prices.

Book Accommodations

When booking your accommodations, opt for a resort that caters to couples and offers romantic amenities. Check school schedules to avoid travelling during busy family times. Reviewers on websites like TripAdvisor can provide valuable insights into specific rooms and views. If you want a private dinner on the beach, for example, you'll need to reserve it as early as possible.

Use a Travel Agent

If planning your honeymoon feels overwhelming, consider using a travel agent. They have insider knowledge of deals and discounts and can help you craft an itinerary that suits your budget and interests. A travel agent can also provide personalized recommendations based on their own experiences and relationships with hoteliers.

Be Flexible

Remember that you don't have to leave for your honeymoon the day after your wedding. Waiting a few days or even months can give you something to look forward to after the wedding high. Being flexible with your travel dates and destination can also help you save money and create a more relaxed planning process.

Happy planning, and enjoy your honeymoon!

Wedding cake and photographer

Wedding planning can be a stressful process, but there are many resources and guidelines to help you through it. One of the first steps is to set a realistic wedding budget. This will help you make decisions about what you can afford and how to allocate your spending.

Wedding Cake

The wedding cake is a key part of the celebration, and there are many options to consider. Firstly, how much cake do you need? The number of guests will be a factor, but it's unlikely that all guests will have a slice. You could also have a smaller, elaborately decorated "show cake" and a cheaper sheet cake for guests. The type of cake is also important: do you want a traditional tiered cake, or something more unusual like a "naked cake", cupcakes, or doughnuts? There are many flavours to choose from, such as lemon, chocolate, summer fruits, or vanilla. You might also want to consider any decorations or toppings.

Once you have an idea of what you want, start looking for a baker. It's recommended to start this process at least 12 months in advance, especially if you're getting married during the busy summer season. Ask the baker about their availability and whether they can create your dream design within your budget. Remember that some cakes need time to age and mature, and that an in-demand baker may have multiple orders to prepare for your chosen date.

Wedding Photographer

After setting a date and choosing a venue, one of the next steps is to book a wedding photographer. Many in-demand photographers are hired more than a year in advance, so it's important to act quickly. The photographer will capture the memories of your special day, so it's worth investing time in finding someone whose work you love and who you trust.

When choosing a photographer, ask to see examples of their work and consider whether their style matches your vision. Discuss the key moments you want to be captured, such as the cake-cutting ceremony, and find out how they plan to approach this. You could also ask about their equipment and lighting techniques to ensure they can deliver the results you want.

On the day, it's helpful to provide the photographer with a comprehensive schedule so they know where to be and when. This includes key moments like the cake-cutting, the couple's entrance, and the first dance.

Frequently asked questions