Tips For a Beginners

Check out the planning link on this site. It is super helpful. It’s what I am using and tweaking as necessary.

Definitely don't be afraid to ask people to borrow stuff ahah I mean if you're on a budget that helps you not have to buy things. Also I learned at the tail end of my wedding planning that going simple would have been better. I think as brides we think more is better but when it comes to weddings at the end of the day people are there to celebrate you and they won't care that there weren't all these extra things we think would make for a good event.

I always recommend doing some research first on average vendor costs in your area to help you set a more realistic budget. And think about your guest list and venue for your wedding. Those 2 things are the biggest impact on budget!

Congratulations on your engagement Leena!! It’s so great to have you join the WeddingWire community!

You definitely shouldn’t worry about starting to plan your wedding! A lot of couples in the community are also planning a wedding for the first time so you are certainly not alone!

Have you and your SO discussed your budget? This is definitely the best place to start. There is a Budget Tool in the WeddingWire Planning Tools section that is super helpful. Once you decide upon the budget that you are both happy spending on your wedding, you can input it into the budget tool and it will help you break it down into different vendors and expenses.

Have you thought about what style of wedding you would like to plan?

Stick to your gut, have fun, and try and stick to your budget. If you need help, ask. Don't be afraid to tell others you do/don't need help.

Make your budget first, it's going to be one of the biggest factors in your planning.

Congrats!

Start with your budget and stick to it! Don't get caught up I what other people want.

I wish I would've known everything adds up even if you think you are making smart decisions on all your individual vendors. Obviously, that's just math but when everything is separate and you make all these separate decisions, once you put it together you are like well jeez that's a lot. I also wish I would've known in the beginning when I decided on decor and floral arrangements that when it comes down to closer to the wedding, you're not gonna want to do it. Lol I cut out many decor pieces because I just don't care and it's one less thing to buy/do. Additionally, I really would have wished FH and I were more strict to the guest list. He kind of let it run wild with military friends he hasn't seen in quite some time now that he got out... and now they're all getting girlfriends. I keep telling myself relax, people will certainly rsvp no. I just wish we kept it smaller still.

As far as where to start: pick a time of year/month you would prefer, start with the venues. Make sure you know all the costs and what they entail. Be sure you pick something you love but doesn't come with ridiculous extra costs.

Hey Leena! How has your wedding planning been coming along? Are you feeling more confident in how to approach it?