Getting started

I always recommend starting with a budget, then going to your guest list, then a venue, THEN a date. Always check with your VIPs before you set a date!

I agree, budget should be first.

Yes budget first then do guest list then venue just get guest list before venue so you know what size venue you want.

Like others said, 1) budget, 2) estimated guest list, 3) venue type (or theme). A theme or venue style will help you so much with other decisions about decor, food, entertainment. For example, if you want rustic, a barn or winery are good venue options. If you want a classic wedding, a garden or hotel ballroom are great reception venues. Way easier and cheaper to decorate a venue that already matches the style you want.

Budget
Guest list
Venue

Budget. Budget. Budget.

Then move along to venue and guest list.

BUDGET. it's the most important. know what your bottom line is. from there make a list on what is most important to you so you know how much you're willing to allot to each area.

We did budget, date, estimated guest count, then venue. We didn't formalize a guest list before looking for a venue because each venue had different prices. We knew we had about 110 that for sure we wanted to be invited. We priced everything at 120 people.

I think the first thing you should do is figure out if you and your FH want a wedding and what type. Wedding, elopement, courthouse etc. Then you do your budget. You won't know yet what everything costs but go over what you can afford first and go from there. We are planning our wedding (this will be both our 2nd marriage) for around $5k and others are spending $50k. I don't feel like we have had to sacrifice anything with our small budget but it has kept us from overspending on things we didn't care about. The WW community is great but at the end of the day, always keep in mind that it is your wedding day and only you know your crowd and your FH so watch out for those with strong opinions lol. Happy Planning and Congrats!!

Budget, wedding date (or at least a few dates in mind), rough guest list (just an idea of the number of guests), and venue! I got all those done within a month of getting engaged and it really helped me to get excited and not stressed about those big decisions!

My favorite video that discusses the topic:

Jamie Wolfer:

My caveat to this video, if you're not having a wedding planner or coordinator, get yourself a comprehensive organization system started (or even if you are it's useful)! I used google sheets that included my budget with line items, wedding checklist, guest contact information, wedding song list, seating chart, etc.

View Quoted Comment Thank you.......

View Quoted Comment Thank you......

Venue so that way you can secure your date!

View Quoted Comment

How has your planning been coming along since, Briana? Where did you decide to start?