Planning

There are a million checklists, but if you're just getting started, the biggies are: budget, guest list, venue, in that order. You don't have a date till you have a venue, and you can't really plan any of your other vendors till you have a date. If you're having trouble figuring out what a realistic budget might be, try Googling "average cost of a wedding in _____" for wherever you want to get married. Then compare that $ amount with what you are willing/able to spend. If you need to save before you can spend, figure out how much you can save per month and multiply by how many months it will take to get to your budget target, and set your wedding date based on that timeline. Also, look up some wedding budget guidelines so you're clear on how much you can allot to the major categories based on your total budget. Generally, reception (venue/food/beverage) will take-up a MINIMUM of 50-60% of the total budget, so be careful not to overcommit in any category until you have a good idea how everything is going to fit into your total. (The reception shouldn't take up 90% of your budget, and neither should your dress be 75% -- everything needs to be proportional!) Most of all, have fun! Good luck!

Hey Landra! Congratulations on your engagement and welcome to the WeddingWire community!

What a day to get started with planning! Did you know today, March 1, is actually National Wedding Planning Day!? You're not alone in planning; many of our couples are just getting started with their planning journey and our team is here to help (along with the many amazing, fellow to-be-weds on the WeddingWire Forums!).

• • • • • • For getting started with wedding planning, I recommend checking out this fun video with our WeddingWire editor (and newlywed, herself!), Morgan, who shares her tips on getting started with wedding planning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1m7WvJKo8c

          • Our team also curated this article about what to do in wedding planning, step-by-step: https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-ideas/how-to-plan-a-wedding-step-by-step

        • Hope you find these links helpful! The checklist tool on WeddingWire is customizable, too. So, while it's filled with recommended "to-do's" you can also delete, add your own, and change the suggested due dates based on your personal preferences. And remember our community is here to help every step of the way! xx

Hello congrats
So ideal choices and what to start off with
1.Budget2.Both of you guys vision of your BIG DAY3.Venue Shopping
Everything else as far as ,wedding party,dress shopping,photographer,cake etc would come along once you set a budget and became planning. Happy planning and good luck!!!