The Ultimate Guide for Embarking on your Wedding Planning Journey
Updated 2023 Wedding Planning Guide
This guide will empower you to make informed decisions and ensure a smooth and joyful planning process
Congratulations on your engagement! The journey of planning your dream wedding is an exciting and memorable experience. As you start this remarkable journey, it's important to have a guide that helps you navigate through the process. In this comprehensive guide, we'll provide essential tips and insights for brides just beginning their wedding planning journey. From setting a budget and creating a timeline to selecting vendors and finding the perfect venue, this guide will empower you to make informed decisions and ensure a smooth and joyful planning process.
Financial Planning
Discuss with your partner and parents to determine the amount you're comfortable spending on different aspects of the wedding. Consider your priorities and allocate funds accordingly, keeping in mind any contributions from family members. Remember to account for hidden costs and unexpected expenses, allowing for flexibility within your budget. Wedding budgets can range from $1,000 to over $3million. It may come as a shock but in 2022, over 16,000 weddings in the United States had a budget of over $1 million. However, the average spend on weddings is just a little over $30,000 across the US . The inspirational weddings you see across Instagram and Pinterest are typically over $80,000 and the weddings featured on Vogue Weddings, Over the Moon, Wezoree are over $500,000. Please do not let this discourage you though. It is about planning and deciding from the start what are the priorities and non negotiables for your wedding. For me personally - dress, location, photography, honeymoon were non negotiables. I wanted an intimate wedding with my loved ones in a far away destination so our wedding could stretch over a number of days and include not so traditional wedding experiences.
Create a Wedding Planning Timeline
Establish a timeline that outlines the key milestones and deadlines for your wedding planning journey. Begin by setting your wedding date, and then work backward to determine when to book vendors, send out invitations, and schedule dress fittings. Having a clear timeline will help you stay organized and ensure that everything is done in a timely manner. Below is a sample timeline to help guide you. See below for more details according to the number of months before your wedding.
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Financial planning Create a guest list: harder than it sounds as you will have to compromise with your family on who to invite. I’ve heard from my clients that this stage has been very frustrating as it also dictates the location, size, and budget. I can say with confidence that a wedding of any size is magical.
Choose a wedding date: Some refer to numerology, anniversaries, and even fortune tellers to set a date. The most popular wedding months are September and October in the USA. June - September in Europe and November to January in Asia and Australia.
Book the venue: Secure your ceremony and reception locations.
Hire key vendors: Research and book your photographer, wedding planner and caterer. My couples book me up to 3 years in advance and in some cases without a wedding location yet.
Start dress shopping: Begin the search for your dream wedding gown. It takes up to a year for some dresses to be custom tailored including , multiple fittings. Send save-the-date cards: Inform guests of your wedding date to ensure they can attend.
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Finalize the guest list: Narrow down your guest list and gather contact information.
Book remaining vendors: Hire professionals such as florists, make up and hair, musicians, and videographers.
Plan the ceremony: Meet with your officiant and discuss the ceremony details.
Register for gifts: Create a wedding registry can be easily done now with online stores such as Over the Moon. You can also request non physical items such as donations to charity or for experiences such as spa date on your honeymoon.
Arrange transportation: Book transportation for you and your guests, if necessary. Be sure to remember about your own unique wedding car. I absolutely love classic cars at weddings and they are guaranteed to be photogenic and add to your unique wedding style.
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Plan the menu: Work with your caterer to create a delicious wedding menu.
Order wedding invitations: Choose and order your wedding invitation suite. Remember to keep an additional set for your photographer to create a beautiful flat lay that encapsulates your wedding styling.
Plan the honeymoon: Research and book your dream honeymoon destination. I am a huge fan of UNESCO Heritage Sites and the Michelin Guide to help plan unforgettable trips. I have travelled all over the world and always happy to send recommendations so feel free to get in touch.
Finalize ceremony details: Confirm readings, vows, and any special rituals.
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Send out wedding invitations: Mail your invitations with RSVP cards.
Plan rehearsal dinner: Organize the rehearsal dinner and make reservations.
Arrange accommodations: Secure hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.
Plan the wedding day timeline: Create a detailed schedule of events for the wedding day.
Choose wedding rings: Shop for and purchase your wedding bands.
Plan bridal shower and bachelor/bachelorette parties: Coordinate these pre-wedding celebrations.
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Finalize the menu: Confirm your catering choices and dietary requirements.
Organize wedding day logistics: Coordinate transportation, seating arrangements, and any special requests.
Purchase wedding favors and décor: Buy or create favors and decorative elements for the wedding.
Attend dress fittings: Ensure your gown fits perfectly and make any final alterations.
Plan hair and makeup: Schedule hair and makeup trials and book the best professionals your budget allows for the wedding day.
Apply for marriage license: Obtain the necessary legal documents for your marriage. In a number of States marriage licenses are valid for 90 days.
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Confirm details with vendors: Double-check all arrangements with your vendors.
Finalize seating plan
Confirm guest numbers
Plan the ceremony rehearsal: Coordinate a rehearsal with your bridal party and officiant.
Prepare final payments: Arrange the final payments for vendors.
Pack for the honeymoon: Begin packing for your honeymoon and ensure all necessary documents are in order.
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Relax and pamper yourself: Take some time for self-care and relaxation before the big day.
Reconfirm with vendors: Touch base with all vendors to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Delegate tasks: Assign specific responsibilities to trusted friends or family members.
Enjoy your rehearsal dinner: Celebrate with your loved ones at the rehearsal dinner.
Get a good night's rest before the big day!
your wedding vendors should be a team - your dream team
3. Gather Inspiration
Start collecting wedding inspiration from various sources, such as magazines, online platforms, and social media. Create a mood board or Pinterest board to compile your favorite ideas for themes, color schemes, floral arrangements, and décor. This will help you define your wedding style and communicate your vision to vendors.
4. Find the Perfect Venue
Choosing the right venue sets the tone for your entire wedding. Research different venues that align with your vision and accommodate your guest count. Consider factors such as location, ambiance, amenities, and availability. Schedule site visits to get a firsthand feel for each venue and ask detailed questions regarding packages, restrictions, and in-house services.
5. Select Trustworthy Vendors
Identify and book trusted professional wedding vendors who align with your style and preferences. Remember that your wedding vendors should be a team - your dream team. This includes photographers, caterers, florists, musicians, and planners. Read reviews, ask for recommendations, and schedule consultations to assess their professionalism, experience, and ability to bring your vision to life. Remember to review contracts carefully and secure all necessary agreements in writing. Many find that wedding planning can be overwhelming, so working with highest quality vendors especially a wedding planner is beneficial in so many ways.
Surround yourself with positive support and celebrate each milestone achieved along the way. Enjoy the journey and savor the moments leading up to your special day.
6. Plan Your Wedding Ceremony and Reception
Work closely with your partner to plan the details of your wedding ceremony and reception. Decide on important elements such as the order of events, readings, vows, music, and menu selections. Collaborate with your officiant to personalize your ceremony, and consult with your caterer to curate a delectable menu that suits your taste and accommodates any dietary restrictions.
7. Keep Track of Details
Maintain a comprehensive checklist and wedding binder to keep track of all the details. Include contact information, contracts, receipts, and notes to ensure nothing falls through the cracks. Regularly review and update your checklist as tasks are completed.
8. Take Care of Yourself
Amidst the wedding planning process, remember to prioritize self-care. Give priority to your wellness routine, eat well, stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. Delegate tasks to trusted friends or family members when needed. Surround yourself with positive support and celebrate each milestone achieved along the way. Enjoy the journey and savor the moments leading up to your special day.
Helpful Resources Online:
Wed Vibes (https://wedvibes.media/): Stylish, in-trend wedding inspiration and directory.
The Wed (https://thewed.com/): For the fashion forward and lovers of chic fashion, quiet luxury and on - trend wedding inspiration
The Lane (https://thelane.com/): In- trend, quiet luxury, beige, black and white color palettes, modern minimal aesthetics, fashion forward wedding inspo.
The Knot (www.theknot.com): The first comprehensive wedding planning website. Since it’s inception The Knot continues to provide a vast array of inspiration for weddings of all sizes.
WeddingWire (www.weddingwire.com): Explore wedding ideas, and access wedding planning tools such as checklists, budget trackers, and guest list managers. Wedding Wire is useful place to check out reviews if you have a vendor in mind.
Brides (www.brides.com): Discover advice, real wedding stories, and inspiration from the world of weddings to help you plan your perfect day.
Martha Stewart Weddings (www.marthastewartweddings.com): Find wedding planning tips, DIY projects, and elegant inspiration from the renowned lifestyle expert, Martha Stewart.
Style Me Pretty (www.stylemepretty.com): An influential wedding blog featuring light and airy beautiful real weddings, inspiring editorials, and a vendor directory to help you connect with top industry professionals. I’m happy to say I’m on their Little Black Book of trusted vendors.
Green Wedding Shoes (www.greenweddingshoes.com): Get inspired by unique and creative wedding ideas, trendsetting styles, and advice on planning an eco-friendly wedding.
Instagram Wedding Accounts to Follow for Inspiration:
@stylemepretty: Beautiful real weddings, editorial content, and trendsetting styles.
@overthemoon: Sophisticated and luxurious wedding inspiration for the modern bride and online gift registry.
@wezoree: Unique and artistic wedding ideas with a focus on luxury weddings and fashion forward weddings.
@vogueweddings: Glamorous, luxury weddings and high-fashion wedding inspiration from Vogue.
@martha_weddings: Inspiration from Martha Stewart Weddings, known for its refined style and DIY projects.
@Thewed: An online source of inspiration and magazine for style and fashion forward couples.
@wedvibes: elegant and stylish editorials for fashion savvy couples
@greenweddingshoes: Unique and creative wedding ideas with a focus on eco-friendly weddings.
@ruffledblog: Romantic and whimsical wedding inspiration with a vintage touch.
@weddingchicks: Real weddings, colorful wedding ideas, and DIY projects.
@oncewed: Ethereal and timeless wedding inspiration for the modern bride.
@snippetandink: Classic and elegant wedding inspiration with a refined aesthetic.
@caratsandcake: Real wedding features showcasing celebrations
@brides: Expert advice, trends, and beautiful weddings from the popular wedding magazine.
@wedding_style: Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine for luxury decor and bridal fashion editorials
@bridalmusings: Feminine, whimsical wedding inspiration
@junebugweddings: Weddings and editorial content that’s styled towards indie and adventurous couples
These Instagram accounts provide a wealth of ideas, trends, and vendor recommendations. Follow them to stay up to date with the latest wedding inspiration and gain valuable insights from industry experts. Remember to engage with the community, save your favorite posts, and use the inspiration to infuse your own unique style into your wedding planning journey. Remember, while these resources can provide valuable guidance, trust your instincts and personalize your wedding to reflect your unique love story. Enjoy the planning process and cherish the memories you'll create along the way.
Navigating the Wedding Planning Maze: Overcoming Pain Points for a Stress-Free Celebration
Planning a wedding is an exciting journey filled with anticipation and joy. However, it can also come with its fair share of challenges and pain points. Understanding these potential hurdles and knowing how to overcome them can help couples navigate the wedding planning process more smoothly. Here are some common pain points that couples may encounter and ways to negate them:
Financial Constraints: One of the most significant pain points in wedding planning is financial planning and not realizing that weddings are costly investments. To overcome this, start by establishing your wedding priorities and where your investments will matter most. Research tips, honestly relay your budget to your vendors and consider alternative options without compromising on your vision.
Time Management: Planning a wedding requires considerable time and effort, which can be overwhelming, especially for busy couples. Delegate responsibilities to trusted friends or family members and hire a wedding planner to alleviate the stress and ensure everything stays on track.
Guest List Challenges: Deciding on the guest list can be tricky, especially when dealing with limited venue capacity or budget constraints. Start by creating a rough estimate of your guest count based on your priorities. Consider having separate guest lists for different events, such as a smaller intimate ceremony and a larger reception. Be prepared for potential conflicts and have open communication with loved ones about your limitations.
Vendor Selection: Finding the right vendors who align with your vision and budget can be a daunting task. Do thorough research, read reviews, and go with your gut instinct. Schedule meetings or consultations to gauge their compatibility and ensure they understand your needs. Request detailed proposals and contracts to avoid any misunderstandings later on.
Stress and Emotional Overload: Wedding planning can be emotionally overwhelming, leading to stress and strain on relationships. Enjoy your engagement period, schedule date nights and find activities that help you relax and recharge. Communicate openly with your partner about your concerns and work together as a team.
Weather-Related Concerns: Outdoor weddings are susceptible to weather conditions, which can be a significant pain point. Have backup plans in place, such as renting tents or securing an indoor alternative. Consult with your venue and vendors regarding their policies on weather-related contingencies. Keep an eye on weather forecasts as the big day approaches and stay flexible to adapt if necessary.
Decision Overload: With so many options and choices available, decision fatigue can set in. Focus on your priorities and make decisions that align with your vision. Seek advice from trusted friends or family members, but ultimately trust your instincts. Limit the number of options you consider for each element to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Seeing constant wedding images on social media can overwhelm the process and taking time off wedding sites and pages will help limit decision fatigue.
Family and Interpersonal Dynamics: Family dynamics and differing opinions can add complexity to wedding planning. Maintain open and honest communication with all involved parties. Set clear boundaries and establish your vision early on. Consider involving a neutral third party, like a wedding planner, to mediate and ensure everyone's needs are taken into account.
By acknowledging these potential pain points and implementing strategies to negate them, you can navigate the wedding planning process with more ease and enjoyment. Remember to prioritize self-care, communication, and flexibility, as the ultimate goal is to create a memorable and joyous celebration of love that reflects your authentic selves.
