Just getting started

The first thing you should do is the venue. We found that it is almost impossible to plan anything else before having a venue and a date. We were very lucky that our venue had preferred vendors that some were required to be chosen from, some were just recommended. Once you have the venue you know what vibe you will have, when you pick flowers you can picture them on the tables, you can imagine the dance floor and where the dj will be set up in the corner. Venue first girl! Everything else comes easier! Don’t stress yourself out too much this is a happy time in your life!! Once you hire one vendor ask who they recommend. It’s great to hear honest opinions good and bad of vendors from other vendors.

View Quoted Comment Thank you so much!!!

If your budget is limited, I would suggest an elopement style wedding. When I got married the first time, we were married at Sandals Royal Bahamian in the Bahamas. You get a free wedding w a 5 night stay. We got the pictures and the video. When we got back did a small reception with cake, played video, and had our pictures for everyone to view. It was stress free and wonderful! I’d do it again but want to include my children this time. Good luck!

I agree with Laura. My fiance and I are funding our own wedding and do not want to break the budget nor save for years. We are doing an all inclusive at a resort in the Caribbean and doing our ceremony there. Most have wedding packages that include cake, photos and more. 2 birds 1 stone. Another option we looked into is to have an officiant marry you in a venue you want. Some officiants have wedding packages that include them decorating and handling your marriage certificate and all so check that out for your area. I suggest starting a pinterest board or googling budget wedding ideas. There are blogs with people that have waved money. The most expensive part is the reception...not the wedding itself pending the venue. A friend of mine just got married and did a small wedding in a park (some may let you have it there for a small fee but may not be fully private) then at her clubhouse did some grocery store trays and a cake. I thought it would be tacky but it was much nicer than I expected. Here is hopefully some inspiration https://simplelifeofafrugalwife.com/inexpensive-wedding-ideas-for-a-shoestring-budget/

Once you have a date, make sure you hunt down a photographer. Those suckers are like the second hardest thing to find, at least it was when we were planning. Generally you want to go budget -> venue -> date. Make sure to use the checklists on here too!

View Quoted Comment That sounds amazing! Do you have information on how to get it started?

Definitely Venue first!


For the budget aspect, think about what matters most to you for your wedding? Are you foodies who want to serve an amazing meal? Plan to dance all night? Is decoration and creating a vibe most important?
Whatever that is, plan to spend more on that than other categories. But beyond that, you can really plan on a budget by thowing everything you expect a wedding to look like out the window! Maybe you options for a park and pavillion instead of a fancy venue, serve a BBQ style buffet instead of a caterer, go byo instead of formal open bar! We are having a garden party with a simple menu and only signature cocktails at a museum I used to work at and saving a lot while still enjoying planning!
Also consider sourcing vendors from University students! Our photographer is a senior in the media Dept at Temple University and is really excited and talented, but not that costly! Try emailing the relevant University depts for photography, DJs, maybe even event planning and culinary services!
Good luck, try not to stress, and remember you are loved - that's what it's all about!

View Quoted Comment Check out the Sandals website if you are considering destination. You can do everything through there. The other idea of a park is great and very affordable. Good luck!

We have done budget, then venue/date and then photographer and last our DJ( DJ companies are running sales for services for Black Friday). The hardest part of the wedding is done lol now we relax until March!