Engagement season is here, and if you’re newly engaged and about to start wedding planning, congratulations! We know how excited you must be to dive into planning your dream wedding. But with so much advice online, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially after the 10th photographer link appears in your Facebook group thread when you’re asking for advice on where to start….wow, overwhelm! Don’t worry, though—we’re here to help you navigate this exciting time with confidence and ease.
Here are 9 essential tips to kickstart your wedding planning journey!
1. Visualise Your Dream Wedding Day Before You Start Planning
Where do you even begin planning? Start by closing your eyes and visualising your wedding day. Imagine the details:
- What are you wearing?
- Where are you?
- Who’s there?
- Is it an intimate gathering or a grand celebration?
- Is the vibe formal or casual?
Once you have a clear picture in mind, discuss it with your partner. This step helps align your visions and ensures you’re both on the same page before diving into the planning process.
Pro tip: Create a digital or physical mood board. This will keep your ideas cohesive and make it easier to communicate your vision to suppliers. Once you’ve created this, ditch the Pinterest to stop you getting confused, overwhelmed and changing your mind!
2. Set Your Wedding Budget First
It’s tempting to jump straight into dress shopping or venue tours, but knowing your budget is the foundation of your planning. Sit down with your partner (and any family members contributing financially) to determine a comfortable range. This will save you time by narrowing down your choices early on. You can download a FREE PDF all about setting your budget here. I’ve seen so many couples jump into booking a venue without following this important stage when they start wedding planning, then end up with not enough budget left for everything else.
3. Choose Your Wedding Squad
Think about the people you want by your side throughout the planning journey. Your bridal party will not only stand next to you on the big day but also offer support and guidance during decision-making moments. Choose people you trust, who know your style, and who will keep you grounded during stressful times.
4. Stay Organised
Wedding planning involves a lot of moving parts, so staying organised is crucial. Here’s how:
- Create a dedicated wedding email address. This keeps all your correspondence in one place.
- Use a wedding website. You can start building this straight away, which will help to give you nudges on information you need to decide on. This will eventually (around 4-6 months prior) then go out to your guests for RSVP
- Shareable spreadsheets. A Google Sheet with your guest list, budget, to do list and supplier contacts can keep everyone on the same page.
- Group chats. Set up a WhatsApp or text group with your bridal party to share ideas and updates easily.
5. Find Your Wedding Planning Inspiration, But Limit Sources
Pinterest, Instagram, magazines, blogs—there’s endless inspiration out there! However, too much can lead to decision fatigue and a lot of overwhelm! Stick to one trusted source that align with your vision. Whether it’s a specific directory, your favourite wedding magazine, or a carefully curated Pinterest board, focus your energy where it counts. We live in a world where inspiration is at your fingertips (literally!) which can be great, but we also find that couples either find using social media for their planning either useful, or stressful! Posting questions in a Facebook group may seem a great idea, but can also be unhelpful.
6. Start Deciding on a Wedding Date or Timeframe
Do you dream of a summer soirée or a cosy winter wedding? While you don’t need to have a specific date right away, knowing the season or year you’re aiming for can help you narrow down your venue and vendor options.
Keep in mind: Popular venues and vendors book up quickly, especially for weekend dates, so flexibility can work in your favour, but also don’t feel pressured into booking somewhere because of this. There are plenty of options out there! When you know, you know….
7. Start Your Venue Search
Now that you’ve visualised your day, set your budget, and narrowed down a timeframe, it’s time to start the next step of wedding planning and explore venues! Look for spaces that align with your theme and style, whether that’s a rustic barn, a chic city hotel, or a historic house.
When reaching out to venues, ask for:
- Pricing and packages
- Available dates
- Capacity and layout options
Pro tip: If you’re drawn to historic venues, consider how they fit into your theme. (For instance, if you’ve imagined Aztec god-themed table names or a mariachi band like a recent wedding we worked on, a grand historic space can elevate your vision.)
8. Communicating To Your Guests
Once you’ve chosen a venue and decided on a date, send out a save the date to all of your full day guests. This then means they know a wedding is happening on that date, but it gives you time until you send out the full invites to secure all of the wedding day information. You don’t need to send a full invite out until 4-6 months prior to the day. For evening only guests, you can send a ‘save the evening’ if you wish, but most couples just wait until the full invite is sent and send a evening only invitation.
9. Consider Hiring a Wedding Planner
If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that having a professional on your side can be a game-changer. Hiring a wedding planner isn’t just about reducing stress—it’s about maximizing your time and budget. Planners often have access to trusted suppliers and exclusive deals, ensuring you get the best value.
When choosing your planner, focus on the connection you feel with them. You’ll be spending a lot of time together, so trust and chemistry are key. Whether you’re juggling a busy career or managing family commitments, a wedding planner can take the pressure off, letting you enjoy the process without the stress. The best time to hire a planner is when you start wedding planning, so we can be involved from the off, making sure you are making the right decisions on venue etc, but we can get involved from any point in the wedding planning process.
Feeling Overwhelmed? We’ve Got Your Back
If the thought of starting wedding planning yourself feels daunting, don’t hesitate to reach out. Wedding planning should be joyful, not stressful! With the right support system and a clear plan, your dream wedding is absolutely within reach.
As experienced wedding planners, we specialise in creating unforgettable days tailored to your vision. From managing logistics to recommending trusted suppliers, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Get in touch with us today to start planning the wedding of your dreams! Contact Us Here