So you have done the hard part by choosing the perfect engagement ring and getting to I do! Now that you have the most stunning engagement photos, it is time to learn how to plan a wedding.
Don’t know where to start? With this step-by-step guide, we’ll lead you through your wedding planning process. If you recently became engaged, your first thought might be to search for “how to plan a wedding” online. However, we understand you—planning your wedding is a significant task, and it’s unlike any other celebration you’ve ever hosted.
When you don’t know where to begin planning your wedding, narrowing down the first steps can be daunting… but that’s where we come in. We will show you how to plan a wedding so everyone will have a blast.
From a big picture perspective, we’ve outlined everything you need to know about how to plan a wedding. However, if you’re searching for detailed step-by-step guidelines, this thorough wedding planning checklist will help you out.
Many Questions Will Arise as You Learn How to Plan a Wedding
When you are wedding planning, there is much to cover.
When will be the wedding date?
Who will be in the bridal party?
Do we need a wedding website?
Do we need a wedding website?
Where will you get the wedding cake?
Where to get the wedding rings?
Will the bridal party all get along?
How long will the wedding ceremony be?
Where will you get a wedding dress?
Who will do the wedding invitations?
Where will you hold the rehearsal dinner?
Will you have any pre-wedding events?
Wedding planning can be stressful, and these, as well as many more issues, will arise as you learn how to plan a wedding. As you work through the guest list and decide on a reception venue, you will better understand what wedding planning will look like for your own wedding.
Also, make sure you take time to relax. Making time for appropriate self-care is critical. Whether that means getting a massage or facial, going to the gym, or even learning to fish make sure you make time for yourself.
Set a Wedding Budget
Setting a budget is the first thing to do in the wedding planning process. It’s crucial to plan this with your significant other, so they’re not left out.
It’s crucial to ensure you and your significant other are on the same page. Discuss whether you prefer a small wedding, a big wedding party, or want to have a destination wedding? The next thing to consider is your guest list; although relatives and friends may wish to contribute to your wedding, it’s necessary to find out what they’re willing to contribute. A little help while wedding planning can go a long way.
Remember, you don’t want to overspend. Your wedding is just one day, so you have to be wise about this decision. You also need to be disciplined because it’s very easy to move outside your budget while planning a wedding.
Determine Your Priorities and Expectations With Your Partner
Before taking any step further in the wedding planning process, you want to discuss your expectations and priorities with your partner. This way, the wedding pressures won’t crumble down on you both and ruin the magical moment this is.
Your partner may be a minimalist, but you may not be a fan of that form of living. This is already a conflict waiting to happen, especially when it’s time to pick the wedding decorations and overall wedding style.
Consider a Wedding Planner or Consultant
We recommend hiring a wedding planner or wedding planning coordinator early in the planning process if your wedding budget allows it. These professionals have been through these hundreds of times and know how to plan a wedding.
An expert can assist you in determining your wedding style in light of your unique circumstances and requirements. You may also hire a part-time consultant (as opposed to a full-service wedding planner) or planner to help you create a wedding blueprint—including a budget, a timetable, and a list of suitable vendor and venue options—before you go headfirst into the planning.
While you may certainly plan your wedding, having the help of a wedding planner or coordinator can make the process far more fun and stress-free. There’s a big difference between filling out a spreadsheet and browsing Pinterest for wedding inspiration and planning and executing a wedding. A wedding planner has worked on hundreds of weddings and brings a wealth of experience to the table. You can choose between hiring a local wedding planner or using a wedding planning app.
Choose a Wedding Venue and Date
You’ll be prepared to set your wedding date and reserve the venue after you have a vision for your wedding day. Your wedding ceremony and reception location will serve as the backdrop for nearly all of your wedding images. It has the most significant impact on your budget and the overall feel of your event. By scouring local listings, scheduling visits, and reserving early, you can ensure that you receive the look, pricing, and extras you like. Keep in mind that your wedding venue should be able to contain your guest count. You don’t want your guests to be uncomfortable or have nowhere to sit.
Prioritize Your Wedding Vendors
We recommend contacting your priority vendors first because wedding vendors’ schedules fill up rapidly. You may even do so if you’re deciding between a few wedding dates, as this will help you choose the best day depending on the availability of your must-have experts.
While there isn’t a specific order to book professionals, we recommend starting with a wedding photographer. Because the photographer creates your memories and the images eventually replace them, it’s critical to pick someone you’re comfortable with.
Organize All Wedding Material
When it comes to wedding planning, one thing stands out above all else: organization. You can save important documents in a virtual, sharable space so that you, your partner, and any family members can collaborate on them. A good, old-fashioned wedding notebook is always a fantastic choice for those who like real things. After all, you’ll need somewhere to keep physical receipts, brochures, and other vendor-supplied materials. You should have a master checklist.
Make a Wedding Registry and a Wedding Website
Your wedding website is a valuable resource for family and friends since it contains all pertinent information regarding your wedding days, such as the date, time, dress code, and any transportation arrangements you’ve made, such as hotel room blocks or shuttle services. It’s also a place to share your best proposal and engagement images, as well as local recommendations for guests attending your wedding.
Create your wedding websites as soon as possible, and keep them updated as additional details are finalized. Then, add the link on your save-the-dates and insert it in your formal invitations so guests know where to locate it.
You Should Insure Your Wedding
Regardless of how cautious you are, the peace of mind that wedding insurance will provide you and your partner is priceless, especially in light of the coronavirus pandemic’s consequences. We also advocate getting policies for your engagement ring and wedding rings in addition to your wedding event. You can get a jewelry protection policy as an add-on to your renter’s or homeowners insurance (which will reimburse you for a set amount of money if you lose the ring) or from a jewelry insurance company (which will replace a lost or stolen ring and may offer more coverage than a standard homeowner’s policy).
Choose Your Wedding Party
Now it’s your chance to ask your close pals to marry you. While a wedding party isn’t required, many couples want to be surrounded by their closest friends and family members as they celebrate their most important day.
It’s essential to keep in mind that the sooner you propose, the better. Inform everyone about your intentions, including fees for attire, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and more, to be courteous and friendly. Your wedding party has decided to spend money and time for you, so be respectful and considerate by notifying everyone about your plans, including fees for attire, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and more.
Choose a Stationery Suite
You will need to send out gorgeous wedding invites to let your guests be aware of your wedding. However, your stationery suite consists of more than simply save-the-date cards, formal invitations, and RSVP cards, believe it or not. Consider the design of all of your wedding paper items, including place cards, menus, ceremony programs, and wedding favor tags. Each has a job to perform on the big day, and having a similar design across the board will make your wedding look seamless.
Buy Your Wedding Attire
Shopping for wedding attire is one of the most fun aspects of learning how to plan a wedding. Start your search by looking for a wedding dress and suit ideas on the internet, and remember to save your favorites so you can bring them with you to your appointments. Then, before going into a store, study the terminology. If you’re looking for a wedding gown, research the styles, necklines, trains, and colors you want to try. Consider if you want a classic suit or a modern tuxedo while searching for a suit.
Start your search promptly when it comes to wedding attire. This is particularly crucial now, as the wedding industry faces the possibility of supply chain disruptions. Custom orders, like tailoring, might take months to complete. You’ll also need more time for touch-ups and adjustments.
Make a Pre-Wedding Self-Care Schedule
We believe that setting up a pre-wedding self-care program for the months leading up to the big day is essential. After all, preparing a wedding is no joke, and you deserve to be pampered. While cosmetic procedures aren’t required for your wedding, you might want to try teeth whitening kits, sunless tanners, facials, or hair coloring to see what works best for you. We advocate beginning any new procedures early to give yourself enough time to figure out what works best for you and helps you feel your best.
Have Fun With Pre-wedding Events
Don’t be too engrossed with wedding planning. This period deserves to be celebrated, so have a good time! There are a lot of extra wedding activities in the months leading up to the big day. Engagement parties, wedding showers, beach parties, and rehearsal dinners are frequently hosted by a couple’s close friends, family members, or bridal parties. Your loved ones will surround you as they assist you in celebrating this new life milestone, so be present and enjoy every moment of it.
Keep in Touch With Your Pros
According to the pros, there is no such thing as over-communicating with your vendors. The plan wants you to want and explain it to everyone. A planner or coordinator can help with this, especially if you need to simplify communication between everyone the last weeks before the wedding. Wedding planners understand precisely what you require and can alleviate the stress of dealing with vendors.
Obtain a Marriage License
Did you realize that getting married necessitates the completion of paperwork? You’ll need to file for a marriage license before the wedding date. After all, the marriage license is your ticket to becoming legally married, and it’s one step you shouldn’t put off until the last minute. Following that, you’ll need a marriage certificate to confirm that you’re legally married. You must notarize both documents. However, the exact timeframe varies by state and county.
It’s critical to examine the timeframes and requirements for the place or county where you’re getting married so you know what you’ll need and when you’ll need it. If you’re unsure, call the city or town clerk in the area where you’re getting married to confirm the timeframe and documents deadlines.
