Where to start

I felt the exact same as you! So much research and planning goes into this that it definitely feels overwhelming. I personally bought a wedding planner off Amazon which has helped me as a guide. We chose to lock in our venue and date first (usually about a year out from your ideal date) and then get engagement photos and bridesmaid/groomsmen proposals ready. Take it one step at a time and definitely recommend a planner, whether that’s a hired one or a book you get online!

I think I did it in this order :


Budget,Guest list, Venue, Date, Florist, DJ, Photographer, Dress,Decor, Invitations,Transportation, Favors

Then Hair/Mua

Budget date/venue then caterer then dj then hair and makeup is I think how I did it

I put tasks in an excel spreadsheet. Start with your guest list, then choose a date, then look at venues. Your # of guests will eliminate some venues if smaller.

View Quoted Comment Okay try that ! Thank you

View Quoted Comment Thanks that definitely helps

View Quoted Comment That's a great idea I'll definitely be looking into one, thank you!

Budget is the most important thing. If you have time before you set the date and really get rolling have fun! Create a board on Pinterest

There are a lot of websites, binders, books that you can purchase that will help with organizing and definitely on here has helped me!!! Congratulations! Have fun

The fist thing I did was find a venue. There is a wedding boom right now and all those poor people who had to cancel their wedding plans last year are booking venues as well. I called around and a lot of places are already booked or double booked through the end of 2022.


Normally you would book a year in advance, but I booked a year & 8 mo in advance and surprisingly at the venue where I booked, they had a booking even further out than mine! I thought I was crazy for booking so far in advance but 1 other thing to note is you need to have a venue and a set date before you book any other vendors. Because with any vendors the first thing they will ask you is what is your wedding date and where will the ceremony/reception be held? Some vendors will charge you a fee to change your date so it is best to ensure you have a set date with a venue so you can avoid possible change of date fees.
The second vendor I looked at was photography because depending on which photographer you go with, they don't do just weddings. They have weddings, graduations, family gatherings, quincieras, etc. So you are potentially competing with all of them as well. Surprisingly even at 1.5 yrs out, 4 of the photographers I contacted were already booked/unavailable for my date.
For the other things I would say check out a bridal show. They have a bunch of vendors there you can check out in 1 place. It is free to get in. There is 1 on Sept 18 at Thanksgiving Point.

First thing I did was talk to my Parish, since there are requirements (pre-cana marriage preparation) for us to be able to get married through Catholic Church. Got married legally. Picked a date, location (destination wedding), found a chapel, found a venue, had to make sure the Father was available on that date, booked those. Sent out save the dates. Booked flights and airbnb. Then I started working on photographer, videographer, attire (myself, husband, our 3 kids), catering, rentals, DJ, florist, invitations, hair/makeup, transportation for guests/us on day of wedding. 8 weeks out and starting alterations next week! I will say that I don't have bridesmaids/groomsmen though!