It started with a simple swipe. Not the kind of cinematic meet-cute in a bookstore or crowded café: just two people scrolling through dating apps on an ordinary evening, hoping that maybe, you’ll finally find someone and click. Everything just flowed, and the casual hellos turned into late-night talks about dreams, favorite foods, and the things that make you feel at home. Fast forward through laughter-filled video calls, endless voice notes, and that meaningful first meeting, and you both knew that you had finally met your person.
Now, you both feel ready to step into a new chapter together, one filled with the promise that you’ll build a life side by side, through a love that only deepens with time. Only that …wedding planning isn’t fun. It requires lots of steps, from finding the right venue to choosing the wedding attire. But don’t worry; we’ve got your back. Below, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the journey from “Yes” to “I do” as smooth (and stress-free) as possible.
Start With the Budget
As awkward as money talks can feel, it will be a driving factor for most of the decisions you make, so obviously, it’s the thing you should start with when planning your wedding. A common pitfall is falling in love with a pricey dream dress, a stunning venue, and an over-the-top cake before budgeting. But since the cost of your big day can get out of hand quicker than you may think, you should have the money conversation first and start shopping afterwards. You do not want to end up breaking the bank, after all.
Figure out how much you can afford to spend on the wedding, whether it’s €2,000, €20,000, or €200,000. To do this, both you and your partner should review your savings account and determine how much you can save during the engagement period. Also, are both of your parents willing (and able) to contribute? Once you have an idea of the total amount of money, it’s essential to break down the budget by considering the wedding planning categories, including:
- Venue and catering;
- Wedding attire;
- Music and entertainment;
- Flowers;
- Décor;
- Cake;
- Photography;
- Stationery, etc.
Consider What Your Priorities Are
Okay, let’s talk about priorities. Going into wedding planning without knowing what your and your partner’s priorities are is never a good idea. So, make sure that you both sit down and discuss what matters most to you for the big day. While priorities are different for every couple, some of the most common ones include:
- Having a big wedding guest list that includes everyone;
- Your wedding location;
- Live music at the reception;
- A specific person doing the speech for the wedding;
- Children or not children at the wedding;
- Honoring loved ones who are no longer with you.
This isn’t a comprehensive list, but whatever your priorities may be as a couple, you want to decide them together and write them down, so you can refer back to them later as you’re saving money while planning or when you have to choose between two things.
Choose The Wedding Date
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing a wedding date, but a general rule is to do so at least one year in advance. Think about any meaningful dates when you’d like to get married, such as the anniversary of your first date, or maybe the date when you officially became a couple and also consider the dates when you don’t want to schedule your wedding on. For example, it’s a bad idea to marry too close to holidays like Christmas or Thanksgiving, as it could throw a wrench into the travel plans of many of your guests. Also, if you’re a little superstitious, you may want to choose a lucky date for the big day.
And don’t forget to choose a season with the weather you want. If you’re into that nostalgic vibe and rich colors, it makes total sense to get married in the fall. On the other hand, if you want a sun-dappled ceremony and tropical-inspired cocktails, a summer wedding may be ideal for you.
Draft Your Wedding Guest List
The guest-list-making task is probably one of the most daunting in wedding planning. But here’s the thing: you absolutely don’t have to invite everyone. For example, if there are relatives that you haven’t spoken to in years, you have no obligation to invite them to the wedding. The same goes for work friends: just because you eat lunch with these people five days a week doesn’t mean they have to make your guest list, especially if you’re envisioning a more intimate event.
Prioritize close loved ones and always keep your budget in mind and be mindful of plus-ones. Also, have a system in place to monitor RSPVs, special requests, and dietary requirements.
Research Venue Options
Choosing your venue is probably the biggest decision you’ll have to make in your wedding planning, and it should obviously fit the aesthetic you have in your mind. Maybe you’re planning a modern wedding, and in this case, you’ll want to look at well-designed restaurants or warehouse spaces. Or perhaps you’re envisioning a wedding that incorporates more natural elements, such as a ranch or a backyard.
Note, however, that you should look beyond beauty when checking venues. You also want to consider:
- Indoor/outdoor options for weather backup;
- Space available for your guest list;
- How far the venue is located;
- Available dates and whether they fit your timeframe;
- What’s included in the price vs what you’ll need to rent.
Begin Dress Hunting
Did you know it can take about six months for a made-to-measure dress to get delivered? And that doesn’t even include the final tweaks, which can take up to a month. To put it simply, make sure you give yourself enough time to search for the wedding dress of your dreams.
It’s helpful to have an idea of the style you prefer before going shopping, and Pinterest can be a great source of inspiration. But of course, that doesn’t mean you should base your wedding around those pictures – just use them to figure out a style and then try on different things within that style. Whether you prefer an A-line silhouette, a Mermaid dress, or a corseted gown, what matters in the end is to feel comfortable and confident.
Book Suppliers
Wedding suppliers are the nuts and bolts to ensure your wedding day goes as smoothly as possible, so you want to choose a team of people that you can trust. One of the most common mistakes when booking suppliers is not doing your research, so take the time to read testimonials and determine whether a supplier is truly a good fit for you. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions, because ultimately, you want to make sure you are compatible, especially as you’ll spend quite a bit of time with these people, especially your photographer.
And here’s a little piece of advice: don’t wait too long to choose your suppliers, because you may end up with fewer choices and higher costs, as they get booked months and even years in advance.
The Bottom Line
In the end, wedding planning isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating a day that truly reflects your love story. So, take things one step at a time, stay true to what matters most for both of you, and remember to enjoy the moment.
