Don’t know where to start.

Typically I recommend starting with a guest list which it sounds like you have. The next step would be to create a detailed budget so you have an idea of what you can spend on different items. You are getting way ahead of yourself trying to do save the dates and invitations. First you need a venue. After you've created your guest list and budget finding the venue should be the next step. Just because you want to get married in February or March 2026 doesn't mean that will be what the venue has available. Venues often book a year plus in advance.

As for making the food yourself a lot of venues will require licensed caterers to make the food because there is a liability that comes with making food. It's not just we made food here you go. You have to make sure the food is cooked properly, kept at proper temps while being served, and served properly.

Hi! You’re doing great already starting a guest list and working on save-the-dates is a big step! You can totally pick your wedding date, but it’s also smart to check with venues to see what dates they have open. Sometimes that helps you decide faster! Also, remember to negotiate.

For a rustic country wedding on a small budget, DIY is your best friend. You can use mason jars, string lights, and wildflowers to make it feel cozy and cute. Thrift stores and Facebook Marketplace can be great for finding used decor too! Sometimes people rent their barns out to for a few hundred dollars. Just search barns on google maps.

Shop around for caterers on yelp or google. A buffet is a great idea—it saves money and keeps things simple. Ask friends or family if they can help cook or bring a dish!

If you want to add something fun and grown-up without spending a lot, think about hiring a cigar roller. I saw one at a wedding and it was such a cool extra touch. It felt special but not too fancy, and the guests loved it!

You’ve got this! One step at a time 💛

My SIL asked me to help plan her wedding in December two weeks ago. We started with a budget, the solid number they had to work with and worked backwards from there based on what was most important. Based on their theme, we were able to find an available low cost venue, which gave us an idea for what we had food & decor wise. We hammered out the non-negotiables and priced them first to build the rest of the budget for things they were willing to spend less or compromise on. Don't forget the cost of your marriage license!! Is it more important to have real flowers or to have a larger dress budget? Are you committed to your date or does a different date at a lower cost work best for you and your guests? Do you want a large bridal party or more money for the honeymoon? Some things are easy answers and others may be more difficult, but finding where you can reallocate will help solidify what parts of the wedding are most important to you and where to splurge (and where not to).

The venue is either going to be based on your wedding date OR your date will be based on your venue. That is up for you and your partner to decide. Barns, Farms, Parks, Community Centers and city facilities were the lowest cost venues, but since shabby-chic and rustic weddings got super popular, barns and farms may be pricier depending on your location. Many venues will either have a required preferred caterer list or require your own vendor to be licensed and insured. Research, research, research! I poured hours into venue hunting before I found the right one at the right price that met our needs.

Find out what your venue(s) require, do they require a day of coordinator or licensed planner? Do you have to use their preferred list of DJs, Photographers, Lighting, Rentals or Florists? What is included (tables and chairs?) and what isn't (linens and dishes?).

On a more fun note, since you already have a theme, it's a good idea to choose the general aesthetic and vibe - rustic can mean anything from elegant country to hoedown. Then start thinking about your colors. Start a Pinterest board and scour Social Media for all the Low Cost DIYs and decor that others have tried & recommend.

DIY buffets are a great option as long as you can find a venue that allows it & don't discount the functionality of a potluck (and recipe card) to help offset some of the food cost (and to make a wedding day cookbook of your family and friend's favorite recipes). A lot of the money usually goes into the food and venue, so if you can get those prices down you're off to a good start. Another thing to consider is the guest list, people cost money. Narrowing down the guest list is one of the most surefire ways to bring total spend down.

No or BYO alcohol can save a lot of money, too, but a lot of places are going to require a licensed and insured bartender to be present for any alcohol (even champagne). Some places won't allow alcohol at all. If you want a lower cost option but still want drinks, consider a cash bar for your guests or a mix of both open bar and cash bar (tickets and/or hour based).

Don't forget vendors like the officiant, photography (usually a big cost, but can be offset with Polaroid or disposable camera stations, depending on the quality you're after), florists (if you are using real flower or want professional silks), DJs, Hair and Makeup, Dress alterations etc;. Some vendors should be tipped (and some don't need to be) and factor that into your budget. (A good rule of thumb is that if your vendor sets their own prices [e.g. solo photographer] you generally don't need to tip, but if they are staff [e.g. server from a catering company] 10-20% is ideal. Some catering companies will add a gratuity, too, so be sure to read your contracts thoroughly).

It's a good idea to get a dress relatively soon so you have time for alterations. JJs House is an online retailer with a lot of beautiful dresses under $500 and a try before you buy option.

What about music? Does your venue have an AV setup or outdoor music limitations? Are you going to buy a speaker and make a Spotify playlist? You'll need a playlist for the ceremony & processional, maybe one for cocktail hour, and definitely one for the reception if you want to do a first dance, parent dances or anything specific.

Don't forget the cake (and the cake cutters!). Will mom make one, is there a baker in the family or do you want a traditional bakery cake? Do you want a large one for all guests or do you want a small cake for you and your partner with smaller desserts for the guests?

I would start a document, either digital or handwritten to keep everything in place. I prefer paper so I have boards and lists all over the place online but it's all amalgamated into a binder to keep the final plans organized.

A save the date is okay to send now if you know for sure what day you'll be wed. Don't send any invitations until you have a contract with a venue (never put a deposit down without a contract that, at a minimum, explains what the deposit is for and a refund, cancellation or rescheduling policy).

There are so many online resources to help with the little things, too. Timelines, playlist ideas, wedding traditions, procession orders, etc; If you're feeling stuck, forums like these who are reviewed by AMAZING planners who take their time to respond with tips and advice are great, TikTok and YouTube have some amazing creators who can help explain or walk you through things, sites like Instagram and Pinterest are teeming with ideas, hacks and DIYs and Facebook groups and thrift stores are great for getting decor and supplies on a budget.

I know this is all over the place, it's 2:30AM and I don't have my notes, but I hope you find something useful in it! Congratulations on your engagement, I hope you have the most beautiful day with your soon-to-be spouse!