Top Tips to Kickstart Your Wedding Planning
Just Engaged? Kickstart Your Wedding Planning with These Top Tips!"
Congratulations on your recent engagement! This exciting time is filled with love, dreams, and the promise of a beautiful future together. As you embark on your wedding planning journey, it's normal to feel a mix of excitement and perhaps a bit overwhelmed by the tasks ahead. Fear not! We've compiled a list of top things to do to kickstart your wedding planning and set the stage for the celebration of a lifetime.
1. Celebrate the Moment:
Before diving into the world of wedding planning, take a moment to savor your engagement. Share the news with family and friends, relish in the joy, and enjoy some quality time together. This is the beginning of a wonderful adventure, so bask in the happiness of the present.
2. Set a Budget:
Establishing a budget is a crucial first step. Discuss financial expectations and priorities with your partner and any contributing parties. Knowing your budget will guide your decisions throughout the planning process and help you allocate funds wisely.
3. Create a Rough Guest List:
Begin outlining your guest list to get an estimate of the number of attendees. This will be essential for selecting a suitable venue and managing other aspects of your wedding. Keep in mind that the guest list may evolve as you proceed with your plans. Start with a complete list of everyone and cut names if you need to based on budget and venue capacity.
4. Select a Date and Venue:
The availability of your dream venue may influence your wedding date, so start your search early. Consider the season, day of the week, and any significant dates that hold personal meaning to you. Once you have a date in mind, secure your venue to ensure you get the location you desire. Websites like Zola or Facebook wedding pages are a great place to search an array of wedding venues in your area.
5. Hire Key Vendors:
Some in-demand vendors, such as photographers, caterers, and florists, book up quickly. Once your date and venue are secured, start reaching out to and hiring key vendors to ensure you get the professionals you want for your big day. I would love to be considered for all your photography needs and hope we can talk more about a wedding package that works for YOU! This is also time to start planning your engagement photography session which will be great for when you get to step 9!
6. Establish a Timeline:
Create a rough timeline for your wedding planning journey. Break down tasks into manageable steps and set deadlines. Having a timeline will help you stay organized and alleviate stress as the big day approaches. This information will also be helpful if booking vendors.
7. Think About Your Vision:
Discuss your wedding vision with your partner. What style do you envision? Formal or casual? Traditional or modern? This will guide your decisions on everything from attire to decorations. Collect inspiration from magazines, social media, and wedding websites to help shape your vision. Buy decor second hand to help reuse and save some money!
8. Consider a Wedding Planner:
If the thought of handling all the details on your own is overwhelming, consider hiring a wedding planner. They can assist with everything from vendor selection to day-of coordination, allowing you to relax and enjoy the planning process. As someone who had a DIY wedding herself, this was my single biggest regret that I didnt invest in a wedding planner or coordinator.
9. Create a Wedding Website:
Share your love story, engagement photos, and important details on a wedding website. It's a convenient way to keep guests informed about your big day, including travel information, registries, and any updates as plans progress.
10. Have Fun with the Process:
Wedding planning is an exciting journey, so don't forget to have fun along the way. Enjoy the moments of choosing your attire, tasting delicious cake samples, dancing at your engagement session, and envisioning your dream day. Keep the focus on your love for each other and the joy of celebrating that love with friends and family.
Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to wedding planning. Tailor these tips to fit your unique style and preferences. Enjoy every step of the process, and here's to a wedding day that reflects the love and commitment you share. Happy planning and please reach out with any questions-- even non phytography related questions' are welcome!
