Just Engaged? What to Do First When Planning Your Wedding
Congratulations! Before the planning starts, take a minute to enjoy it. Call your family, celebrate with your friends and soak it in.
When you are ready, here is a simple order to work in, so the big decisions come first and the rest falls into place.
1. Talk about the big picture
Before looking at a single venue, talk with each other about what matters most. A huge party? A small, relaxed day? A great dance floor? Your answers make every other decision easier.
2. Set your budget
Decide what you are comfortable spending and who is contributing. Knowing your number early keeps the rest of the planning stress-free.
3. Draft a guest list
Your guest count shapes your venue, your budget and almost everything else. A rough list now is enough.
4. Pick a season, then a venue and date
Popular Saturdays from May through October often book 12 to 18 months out. If you are flexible, a Friday, Sunday or off-season date can open up more options.
5. Book the vendors who fill up first
Once you have a venue and date, lock in the vendors with the most demand:
Photographer and videographer
DJ/MC and entertainment
Caterer, if your venue does not provide one
Officiant
Your DJ covers more of the day than most couples expect: ceremony sound, cocktail hour, every introduction and the dance floor. Here is what to look for.
6. Then have fun with the details
Colors, flowers, attire and the extras come next. This is where add-ons like uplighting, a photo booth or dancing on the clouds come in.
Keep it fun
Wedding planning can feel like a second job. Take breaks, split up tasks and remember what the day is really about.
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