Help I’m so new to this

I would sit down with your partner and discuss your budget and date or season you both like. From there you can start looking venues.

View Quoted Comment Thanks.. We are thinking of having a summer wedding since it will be an Alaskan wedding

Congratulations on your engagement!! So exciting!!

The first thing I would do is sit down with your partner to talk about budget and estimated guest count. From there, look up venues in the area that you want to get married in that are in your budget, and schedule some tours. Once you decide on and book a venue, start looking into any other vendors you'd like (photographer, DJ, etc), and setup meetings with them to determine which options would be the best fit for your wedding vision.

Also, be sure to look into using a checklist to help keep your planning on track! Both WeddingWire and The Knot have ones that will help guide you. Always feel free to ask questions on these forums as well, everyone here is happy to help! Happy wedding planning!

Congrats!

1. Figure out what type of wedding you want:
-Elope
-Simple Chapel wedding
-Microwedding
-Small wedding
-Backyard wedding
-Big wedding
-Destination wedding

2. Discuss budget with your FH

3. Find venue

4. Pick a date (this can go hand in hand in finding your venue depending on an available date)

5. Use wedding wire's check list

Additional notes and tips:
-A lot of couples are getting married next year so a lot of things are going to be booked and sold out (venues, vendors, alterations places, dress shops, etc)
-Real flowers are pretty pricey (Ling's Moments on Amazon has cheap, but nice fake flowers)
-Try to get a photographer and videographer within the same business to make it easier (if you can only afford one then choose photographer)
-Be mindful of when you choose your bridesmaids, make it clear on what your expectations are of them because some may not be willing to do what you ask them - at the end of the day their main role is to show up in their dress and stand by your side - there is not contract or actual role they need to play or do during your wedding process, if they help you then that's a bonus
-Unless someone else is going to pay, then they do not have a say (be careful on who you let pay for the wedding because they are definitely going to want to have a say)
-Do a trial for your hair and makeup if is within your budget

View Quoted Comment Thanks I’m the last one to get in my family

Sit down with fiancé and discuss your vision. Pick 3-5 areas to focus on and cut out everything else that is not important to you. Most couples go for the guest experience because that is what they remember..meaning good food, free drinks (don’t ask guests to open their wallets), and a great dj, as well as a great photographer for your own memories. Once you have that figured out, decide on your budget. What are you willing and able to spend without borrowing from anyone? That will determine how many people you can afford to host. Decide whom you cannot imagine the day without and send announcements to everyone else after the wedding. Do not invite anyone out of obligation to make other people happy. They can do their thing when it is their turn so don’t let anyone bully you. With all of that information, you can look at venues.


A blank slate venue will likely be your best bet with no surprise fees. Many venues owned by the parks department are very elegant and inexpensive. You just have to provide catering, photography, and dj. They have tables and chairs unless you want to rent higher grade for more money. All inclusive venues have many fees and restrictions that they never tell you about until you get the final bill. You are stuck with their catering because you are not allowed to sample until after your contract is signed and the rental fee does not include the 5-6 figure food and beverage minimum that breaks the bank for many. You can find many venues on the local parks department website as well as Instagram and eventective.com