Planning a wedding is a significant undertaking, but like any big task, it becomes more manageable when you start with clear first steps. Initial steps will naturally lead to further actions and help set the tone for the entire process.
Remember, though—the wedding isn’t a report you’re submitting to someone, there’s no need to prove anything, aim for perfection, or prioritize pleasing others. Your wedding is your story. It should reflect you and your partner, crafted from the heart, and be as authentic as possible.
Here are the first key steps to take as you begin planning your wedding:
Yes, there is no need to rush before you define what the wedding means to you. Depending on what you think about the wedding, your wedding story and concepts will also be shaped. The unnecessary questions will fall away.
Ask yourself:
Who is the wedding important to – the two of us or the whole family?
Is what we want different from what our families expect?
Do we want a small and intimate wedding or a large party with a large group of guests?
Do we want to get married abroad, in an exotic setting, or a sentimental atmosphere with family?
What is it that we definitely want to experience at our wedding?
If you see the wedding as a very intimate moment and ritual, it may be that it is most appropriate to celebrate it with close family members and friends and involve guests in the ritual, for example, everyone holds a candle during the ceremony. But it may also be that you want a classic, traditional, and large wedding, with all the people important to you, relatives, friends, and colleagues.
Many couples get engaged but delay setting a wedding date, causing their plans to stretch out for a year or even longer. Setting a wedding date is crucial—just like setting any goal—because it gives you a clear timeline to work with.
There are also practical reasons for locking in your date early. Once you’ve decided on a wedding date, you can begin making major reservations, such as securing your celebration venue. Popular venues often get booked a year or more in advance, so if you’re dreaming of a sought-after location, reserving it should be your first priority.
After finalizing the date, you can create a wedding planning schedule with deadlines for different tasks. Hiring a professional wedding planner is highly recommended. However, if you plan to organize everything yourself, consider at least scheduling a consultation with a wedding planner. Spending money on expert advice can save you from costly mistakes and help you make the most of your budget.
The wedding date is set, and now it’s time to get creative—time to envision your dream wedding! Will it be an intimate gathering or a grand celebration? A destination wedding or a cozy event in your parents’ garden? A magical winter affair or a sunny summer soirée? Will the festivities take place indoors or outdoors?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the endless possibilities, don’t worry. Here are some key themes and styles to help guide your vision and find the perfect wedding style for you:
Rustic Wedding: Earthy tones, wood accents, string lights, wildflower arrangements. For couples who love the outdoors and want a relaxed, charming vibe.
Boho Wedding: Dreamcatchers, macramé, pampas grass, rich colors, and laid-back settings like beaches or meadows. For couples who embrace creativity and non-conventional styles.
Destination Wedding: A wedding held in a dream location, often combining the ceremony and honeymoon. Beaches, castles, vineyards, or mountain resorts. Focuses on an intimate guest list and local elements from the destination. For couples who love travel and want an unforgettable location.
Vintage Wedding: Antique furniture, lace accents, pastel colors, and retro details like typewriters or gramophones. For couples who appreciate history and romantic charm.
Garden Wedding: Floral arches, natural lighting, pastel or earthy tones, and whimsical décor. For couples who love nature and outdoor elegance.
Glamorous Wedding: Sparkling chandeliers, metallic accents, dramatic floral arrangements, and designer outfits. For couples who want to make a statement and wow their guests.
Themed Wedding: A wedding centered around a specific theme, such as a movie, era, or shared hobby. Customized décor, attire, and entertainment to match the theme. For couples who want a highly personalized and playful celebration.
Micro Wedding: A limited guest list, cozy venues, and a greater focus on guest experience. For couples who prioritize close connections over grand celebrations.
4. Set Your Budget
Your wedding budget will significantly influence your choices, from the ceremony and celebration venues to service providers, decorations, and outfits. When creating a wedding budget, it’s important to keep one key fact in mind—it almost always gets overspent.
Why does this happen? Because it’s nearly impossible to anticipate every expense unless you’re a professional wedding planner. Even with smaller events, like birthday parties, unexpected costs for little details can add up. Now, think about how complex a wedding is! Consider the numerous people involved—service providers, guests, and vendors—as well as the need for chairs, lighting, sound equipment, napkins in just the right color and texture, and so much more.
Given the scale of a wedding, it’s completely normal to underestimate expenses at first. That’s why it’s wise to set a budget that includes a buffer for unforeseen costs. If you’re determined to stick strictly to your budget, identify areas where you can cut back to save. This proactive approach can help you avoid financial stress and focus on enjoying your special day.
It often seems that if you invite fewer guests, you will save more. This is not always the case. You can, of course, save on catering costs and accommodation if you plan to finance accommodation for your guests. However, you can look at your wedding budget differently – by allocating the same amount that you would spend on a large wedding to a small one, you can make more exclusive choices – for example, celebrate your wedding in a luxury hotel or go to a destination wedding. Or, you can allocate the saved money for your honeymoon.
As mentioned earlier, one of the first practical steps in wedding planning—aside from budgeting—is booking a venue. If you’ve decided to outsource the main organizational tasks to a wedding planner, also it is the first priority. Once you meet with your wedding planner, they will help you map out the next steps and streamline the planning process.
Next, you and your wedding planner will collaborate to select other service providers. While it’s essential to choose vendors that align with your taste, it’s also wise to trust your planner’s expertise. Wedding planners often have established relationships with vendors, which can lead to more favorable pricing and packages. They can also recommend the most suitable decorator, florist, caterer, and other professionals who will perfectly complement the unique details of your wedding.
Don’t try to do it all yourself! The wedding, as well as the planning and anticipation leading up to it, is meant to be a joyful experience for you. Enlist the help of vendors, friends, family, coordinators, and other supporters who can help bring your wedding vision to life.
Embrace the special status of being the bride and groom, and take time to pamper yourselves during this magical phase of your lives. Enjoy it!
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