Ok, you are engaged and what to do now? How to start planning your wedding? No idea? Then today’s roundup is for you! We are going to share the most indispensable planning secrets!
Set A Budget
You shouldn’t be doing anything before deciding on your budget. Sit down with your parents, family members, or just the two of you, figure out who is contributing, how much they can contribute, and what your total budget will be.
Choose 2-3 Possible Dates
To be safe, choose 2-3 possible dates to have your wedding. Think of the time of year you prefer, the weather, work schedules/vacation time, holidays. Then choose your #1 preferred date and have a #2 and #3 available in case your preferred date isn’t available. Because venues book up fast – some even book up to a year and half in advance!
Make Your Guest List
This is another tough one because yes, of course you want to invite everyone you know to your wedding but remember that the more people you have, the more you have to spend. Know your estimated maximum guest count is important to consider your budget. Don’t worry too much: guest counts usually go down by the time your wedding day comes around.
Make a guest list using such a simple instruction.
Find out if you should add a plus one or not using this simple chart.
Remember that the more guests you have, the more money you'll spend.
Decide On Your Wedding Style/Theme
Your wedding style or theme will define the whole event. Rustic, minimalist, boho chic, vintage – there are many more styles you may go for! If you are a geek, think of Harry Potter, Star Wars or other themes you love. You should know the general look and feel of how you want your wedding to be. It will help with finding various decor details and choosing venues and attire.
A rustic wedding reception space filled with light, greenery and with airy curtains.
A minimalist wedding ceremony space indoors done with pampas grass and dried herbs and leaves.
A luxurious Gothic wedding arch with lush blooms and slate grey curtains.
A boho chic triangular wedding arch decorated with pampas grass, greenery and lush florals.
An enchanted forest wedding reception space looks very charming.
A magical reception space with candles and lights for a Harry Potter themed wedding.
Find A Venue
Once you are done with 4 tips above, it’s time to research and tour venues. Give yourself a few weeks to tour all of your possibilities depending on how long you have before your wedding date. Crunch numbers, envision your wedding there (or not), and then book your venue! Make a deposit and sign a contract and voila, you are on your way to get married!
Choose A Wedding Planner And Vendors
A wedding planner is a person who will help you with a lot of stuff, so you’ll be less stressed. Your planner will also help you finding vendors – there are many amazing professionals out there now and you’ll spend much time choosing yourself. If you decided to do that yourself, check out professional’s portfolio, pricing and blog, it works for any kind of professional from a vendor to a photographer, videographer and caterer. Continue the same with decorators, rentals, makeup and hair stylists and other specialists.
After your research, contact the professionals and find out if they’re available for your date, check on their pricing, and schedule a consultation. After your consultations, try to let vendors know your decision a week or two from when they provide you with an estimate/proposal. Once you’ve hired someone, please let the other vendors that you met with know that you won’t be going with them.
Choose Your Wedding Dress
This is perhaps the most exciting part of this guide – I know you’ve been dreaming a lot about this moment and have some ideas! Do your research! Find out what types of dresses you like, what stores have them and make some appointments to try some gowns on.
If you want a black wedding gown, why not rock one.
A super romantic boho lace wedding gown with a train and long sleeves.
A fantastic minimalist white jumpsuit with a deep V-neckline, cape sleeves and statement earrings.
A boho bridal separate with a plain skirt and a lace crop top with long sleeves plus a high neckline.
A beautiful gold lace wedding gown with a train, long sleeves and a V-neckline.
A gorgeous lace mermaid wedding gown with a bustier top and a train for a sophisticated bride.
A black lace top with an illusion plunging neckline and a layered black and grey full skirt.
A chic vintage-inspired wedding dress with an embellished bodice, a V-neckline and a layered skirt.
A chic sheath wedding dress with a lace bodice on spaghetti straps and a plain skirt with a lace trim.
A stylish sheath wedding dress with a lace high neckline bodice and long sleeves and a plain skirt with a slit.
A boho lace wedding dress with a halter neckline and a lace skirt for a beach boho wedding.
Design And Detail Inspiration
Now you are going to meet hired vendors (florals, decor, invitations, rentals, cake) and you’ll need to have a good idea of what you want your wedding to be like, so it’s time to focus on design and details! I’m sure many of you have probably already started saving photos of things that you like and are Pinning away for your dream wedding.