How to plan a wedding?

I would start with figuring out your budget with your fiance, then determine estimated guest count, then look at venues. Once you have those, then look at other vendors (photographer, DJ, etc). For the rest of the planning, I suggest using a checklist! The Knot and Wedding Wire both have online checklists that will guide you through the planning process. Happy planning!

Decide on a budget and ballpark guest count with your fiance. Secure your venue first. Then major vendors (caterer and photographer).


Utilize the forums here for advice, tips, etc

I agree with PPs. We figured out our estimated guest count and then toured a bunch of venues and booked that first. Knowing the venue helped us decide on the vibe for everything else. It is much easier to choose your dress style and colors based off the venue, than it will be to find a venue that matches your exact style and fits your budget.

It's a good idea to also figure out a realistic budget for your area and for what you can afford. The wedding wire average price tools are helpful for that but once we started planning there were always more fees, taxes, etc. that kept driving up the price, so try to leave a buffer for those things.

Once the venue was booked we did (in order, I think): photographer/videographer (and got engagement photos taken as part of the package- so I recommend doing this fairly early if you want engagement photos), DJ, florist. COVID hit at this point so we sent out Save the Dates and had to pause on everything else. Then I found a dress, officiant, and cake.

In general, I would say follow the checklist, but starting with venue and budget is very helpful. Also, your venue might dictate the need for other things. Some provide catering or have a required caterer. Some might have great partnerships with other vendors they recommend. The venue you love might have red carpets which sort of limit your color choices. Etc.

Don't stress, try to have fun. Happy planning!

Welcome and congrats! 🎉 🌹
1) Set a budget
2) Estimate your guest list3) Choose a venue
Then the other decisions (such as style & decor) become a lot easier!

Okie Dokie so breathe in and out! the first things are:

1) Choose a date

2) Budget

3) Venue

4) Dress

then you get into the finer things like catering, decor, bridal party, guests, invitations, flowers, cake, honeymoon, etc.

I honestly use that little checklist they have on this website that is awesome!!! That thing has kept me from going off the rails. The big-ticket things like dress, venue are good to look into sooner than later it'll help a lot when you go into the smaller details! Idk what type of person you are but for myself, I have a physical planner that keeps me on track then I use the checklist on this website to keep myself from freaking out!

I hope that helps! Also, enjoy this time!! Its fun and it gets a little crazy but keep going and roll with the punches and it'll be here in no time!!

I chose my venue and depending on their availability I chose my date.. I knew what month I wanted to get married prior, then I chose most of my vendors and I went dress shopping 10 months before my date.