Planning your wedding is an exciting journey, but it can also feel overwhelming when you’re staring at a (what feels like) never ending to-do list! Where do you even begin? With so many details to consider - venue, guest list, dress, skincare, décor - it’s easy to get lost in the chaos. But don’t worry! By breaking the process down into manageable steps, you can create a wedding day that’s beautiful, stress-free, and uniquely yours. Continue reading for our easy wedding planning guide!
Step 1: Define Your Vision
Before diving into logistics, take a moment to dream! What do you want your wedding to feel like? Do you picture an intimate garden ceremony or a grand ballroom celebration? Think about colors, themes, and the overall atmosphere you want to create. Discuss your vision with your partner to ensure you're both aligned; this will make decision-making much smoother later on!
Step 2: Set a Realistic Budget
Your budget will shape every aspect of your wedding, from the venue and guest list to décor and entertainment, and beyond! Sit down with your partner (and any family members contributing financially!) to establish a realistic budget. Be sure to prioritize the elements that matter most to you, whether that’s an incredible venue, top-tier catering, the most experienced glam team (cough cough, hi!) or a live band! And don’t forget to factor in hidden costs like gratuities, dress alterations, set up or breakdown fees, and vendor travel fees.
Step 3: Create a Guest List
Your guest list plays a crucial role in determining your venue size, catering budget, and overall wedding atmosphere. Start with a rough list and refine it as needed! Consider factors like family, close friends, and work colleagues, but remember that every guest adds to your expenses. If you're struggling to keep numbers manageable, focus on inviting those who truly support and celebrate your love story!
Step 4: Find the Perfect Venue
Your venue sets the stage for your big day, so choose one that aligns with your vision and budget! The most popular venues book up quickly - sometimes a year or more in advance - so secure yours as soon as possible. Think about logistics such as guest capacity, accessibility, and included amenities. If your dream venue is out of budget, consider off-peak dates or a weekday wedding to cut costs!
Step 5: Hire Key Vendors
Once your venue is locked in, it’s time to book the next most essential vendors on your list. We typically recommend booking your wedding planner, photographer, hair and makeup team, and catering next! If you’re working with a planner, they’ll likely have recommendations for trusted professionals. When researching vendors, read reviews, ask for referrals, and schedule consultations to ensure they align with your vision and budget. Keep in mind that top-tier vendors book quickly, so prioritize securing those that are most important to you, such as your photographer and glam, as soon as possible!
Step 6: Choose Your Wedding Attire
Finding the perfect wedding attire can take time, so start early if you can! Wedding dresses, in particular, often require months for production and alterations. Whether you're going for a classic gown, a chic jumpsuit, or a custom-tailored suit, make sure your attire reflects your personality and comfort!
Step 7: Think About Your Wedding Day Beauty
Looking and feeling your best on your wedding day is just as important as the logistics. Schedule your hair and makeup trials to ensure you love your look, and secure your wedding date early. We especially recommend booking your glam far in advance if you’re getting married during peak wedding season, which typically runs March - June, and September - November! If you haven’t locked in your dream wedding hair and makeup team yet, let’s get the ball rolling! Click this link here!
Step 8: Plan the Ceremony & Reception Details
Now comes the fun part, personalizing your wedding day! Think about the ceremony structure, vows, music, and special traditions you want to include. For the reception, consider your seating chart, menu, décor, and entertainment. Whether you want a formal plated dinner or a casual buffet, work with your caterer to create a menu that suits your tastes and dietary needs!
(PS: menu and dessert tastings are our favorite part of wedding planning!)
Step 9: Send Invitations & Manage RSVPs
Once you have your guest list finalized and your venue booked, send out save-the-dates (typically 8+ months before your wedding) and formal invitations (about 12 weeks before)! Make RSVP tracking easy by using a wedding website where guests can respond digitally. This will help you finalize numbers for catering, seating arrangements, and other logistics! If you’re struggling to decide on which wedding website is right for you, check out our blog, Which Wedding Planning Website is the Best?
Step 10: Plan for the Unexpected
No matter how meticulously you plan, there will always be last-minute changes, and it will all be okay! Have a backup plan for outdoor weddings, ask a bridesmaid to prepare an emergency kit with essentials like safety pins and stain removers, and make sure your wedding planner is prepped to handle any and all last-minute hiccups! The more you prepare in advance, the smoother your day will go!
Step 11: Enjoy Your Wedding Day!
After months (or years!) of planning, your wedding day is finally here. Take a deep breath, soak in every moment, and enjoy the celebration with your partner and loved ones. The most important thing is that you’re marrying the love of your life, everything else is just details!
By following these steps and staying organized, you’ll create a wedding day that’s not only beautiful but also stress-free and forever memorable.
Happy wedding planning!
Cover Photo Credit: Hannah Mink Photography
