Ready to start planning your big day but don’t quite know where to start?
Here’s our list of the first 6 things to do when planning your wedding 💍
🔹THE VISION. Sit down with your partner and write your own lists of what’s important for your wedding. Based on your lists, come together and prioritize what matters the most. This is how you start creating your ultimate vision for your big day!
🔹THE GUESTS. Start making your guest list. Some people know exactly who they want to attend their wedding and others might have a hard time keeping their list to a minimum. If the latter sounds like you, prioritize your guests on a scale of 1-3. One | They absolutely must attend, Two | I would like to have them there, Three | It’s okay if they miss out. Also, think about your guests’ experience. What do you want them to feel at your wedding? This could look like ensuring there are heaters if it’s an outside venue, a buffet vs. plated dinner service, etc. Envisioning your day through the perspective of a guest will add to your overall vision and priority list.
🔹THE BUDGET. Based on your vision, start putting together your budget. Your budget depends largely on your ideal guest count. Keep in mind that your venue, food + beverage, and florals + decor will likely be your 3 largest expenses. This can change depending on the things you value most – like if you want a specific band to perform or a full scale video production team. Also expect that you will go over budget. With that in mind, throw an emergency fund into your budget so that the “overdraft” amount isn’t too overwhelming.
🔹THE ESSENTIALS. Focus on your 2-3 big ticket items. 1. Venue and date 2. Wedding Planner/ Coordinator. Your wedding planner can give you a list of vendors to choose from and help you stick to your overall budget. They’ll keep you on track and will help take away a lot from your to-do list. Your 3rd big to-do should be based on that list of priorities you made. Maybe it’s the catering or the photographer. Securing your top 3 is the biggest step you can take in the planning process.
🔹THE DREAM TEAM. Now it’s time to reach out to your favorite vendors. If you have a family photographer that you love, send an inquiry. Friends that provide specific services, ask if they’re available. You really like the vendors your planner recommended? Let your planner know that you’re ready to move forward. If you know what you want and you have the place, date, and time, get those vendors SECURED! They are the people that make all the magic happen on your big day!
🔹THE DETAILS. Now that you have the large tasks done, it’s time to have fun with the details. Picking colors, designs, fonts. Sending invites, trying on different suits + dresses, making a registry. The details are often what can be the most overwhelming and seemingly most important, but they can also be the most fun if you work together with your partner and involve your favorite people.
Hopefully this list has broken down the basics and gotten you excited for your big day. The most important thing to do along the way is take your time and enjoy the journey! Feel good about every decision that you make together, celebrate the wins, and make memories throughout your planning adventure! And if you need some help, we’re here to take the stress away.