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Beginner October 2022

Newly Engaged

Tanea, on May 15, 2021 at 4:28 PM Posted in Planning 1 20
When is the perfect time to start planning? And what should I start with first? I’m kind of losing my mind (in a good way) lol.

20 Comments

Latest activity by Michelle, on May 20, 2021 at 9:36 AM
  • AJ
    Super October 2022
    AJ ·
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    RESEARCH EVERYTHING, lol but seriously pick a time frame and the first thing to find is a venue, make a deposit and lock in your date. Congrats!

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  • V
    Rockstar July 2019
    Veronica ·
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    Congratulations! I would say when you should start planning will really depend on timeline. We were engaged for less than a year so we started planning immediately. The first two thing you and your fiancé will want to do are discuss budget and create a guest list then you can start looking for venues. Venues/caterers generally charge per person hence why I recommend knowing how many people you will be inviting so that you don't go over budget. It is also a good idea to create a guest list in advance to make sure that your venue is large enough to accommodate the number of people you plan on inviting. Some venues also have guest list minimums or food/beverage limits. I would also recommend purchasing a wedding planning book. When we got engaged my mom got me The Knot wedding planning book. I found it very helpful. I also watched YouTube videos that were created by a wedding planner by the name of Jamie Wolfer. Since we got married she has released a wedding planning program you can purchase where she will walk you through the wedding planning process. If you don't want to purchase that program she has tons of free videos that are very helpful. Below I've linked The Knot wedding planning book my mom gave me and Jamie Wolfer's YouTube channel.

    The Knot Planning Book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Wedding-Planner-Organizer-binder/dp/0770433367/ref=asc_df_0770433367/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312132076760&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15935818405644321305&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007869&hvtargid=pla-434335069873&psc=1

    Jamie Wolfer's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JamieWolfer/videos

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  • T
    Beginner October 2022
    Tanea ·
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    Thank you! Our wedding is kind of “pre-planned”. We have the colors, bridal party, date, style, and half of the guest list. However, no budget so thank you! This is very helpful. I just brought a wedding planner as well.
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  • V
    Rockstar July 2019
    Veronica ·
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    Do you have a venue selected? Because without a venue secured you don't really have a date. Also having a budget is essential unless you have an unlimited amount of money to spend.

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  • Grace
    Super February 2022
    Grace ·
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    Pick the date and your budget now. 12 months is typically a good time to start REALLY planning the details but some people start 18 or 24 months out.
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  • T
    Beginner October 2022
    Tanea ·
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    Thank you!
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  • T
    Beginner October 2022
    Tanea ·
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    Looking into a venue. Hopefully, I can get all of the information Monday morning!
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  • T
    Beginner October 2022
    Tanea ·
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    Thank you! Our date is next year so following The Knot and Wedding Wire, we are far ahead!
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  • Christina
    Just Said Yes April 2022
    Christina ·
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    Start looking into venues. They get booked quickly. Be sure know your date or approx. Congrats on your engagement. I just booked my venue. Now it's the rest of the things. Lol.
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  • T
    Beginner October 2022
    Tanea ·
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    Thank you! Hopefully, I can get my fiancé (feels good to say that lol) to write the guest list for his side tonight.
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  • Sandra
    Just Said Yes May 2023
    Sandra ·
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    My FH and I are getting married in May 2023, but we are already planning. We have already started buying the crafts to make our centerpieces and decorations, have an idea for a venue, caterer, bakery, even our Honeymoon destination. We both have busy schedules with career and family. Not to mention, this is not a first marriage for either of us, but it will be our last. I know how stressful planning a wedding can be. So, we are taking our time and trying to make this as stress-free as possible.
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  • Erika
    Devoted August 2021
    Erika ·
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    Pick your date then start looking for a Venue.
    Florist, photographer and DJ were the other 3 that we booked rightvafter picking our venue.
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  • Pirate & 60s Bride
    Rockstar March 2017
    Pirate & 60s Bride ·
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    Woo hoo! 💍 It’s usually best to start with these three decisions with your partner: 1) budget, 2) estimated guest list, 3) venue.
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  • C
    Just Said Yes May 2022
    Cierah ·
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    I am newly engaged as well and have planning fever! My fiancé and I first talked budget and guest list. From there our number 1 was venue. We are currently now looking at catering and photographers as we know many people are booking and rebooking their weddings. So I would say do your catering next or whatever is next out of your most important or must haves for your wedding. If you don’t have your top must haves for your wedding think of that and it can help guide you on what you are willing to spend more or less on and what to book next.
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  • T
    Beginner October 2022
    Tanea ·
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    Thank you! I have planning fever too! However, I was reminded by my bridesmaid, who is also getting married next year, that I’m doing it right on time due to everyone booking and rebooking!
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  • T
    Beginner October 2022
    Tanea ·
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    Thank you! We have started on the guest list and found a venue. We normally like to start with pricing first and then budget.
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  • E
    Rockstar August 2023
    Elly ·
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    Congratulations!!!!

    I would say that maybe creating a list together of "essentials" and "non-negotiables" then on things your are willing to compromise on will be important. As you start planning, and the budget becomes more "real", reverting to this list will keep things in perspective.

    I would say get the venue secured first, but make a list of the cost, and what each venue offers and doesn't offer.

    Since your wedding is in October, I would say order your dress no later than early January of 2022 to avoid rush fees. Do shop around as much as you want now to get a better feel of what you want in a dress.


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  • T
    Beginner October 2022
    Tanea ·
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    Thank you! I definitely thought about my dress getting ordered in January. He says I can have the wedding how I want it so that’s good I guess lol. I should be getting a call today from a venue.
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  • J
    Just Said Yes October 2023
    Jacqueline-Hadyn ·
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    Start with BUDGET!
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  • M
    Just Said Yes August 2022
    Michelle ·
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    Congratulations on the engagement Tanea!!

    1.) START WITH THE BUDGET!!! (unless you have unlimited funds, then please ignore). 2.) get a rough estimate of how many people that you would invite to attend. If you have a budget, then you will know if a venue is realistic or not for the big day. If you blindly just start looking at venues, you may fall in love with a venue that does not fit your financial means, or guest count. Also some venues with packages will charge based on number of guest - so you'll need a good estimated count for a good quote. OR you may get overwhelmed with venue options, if you don't have any budgeting guidelines. Having a budget and headcount will narrow down what's realistic and obtainable for you and your partner's big day. 3.) Then you'll want to book the venue, so you have a date! Once you have a date, you can start ALL of the other planning Smiley smile Good luck!

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