The holidays have come and gone, and if you’ve just received a proposal to spend your lives together, let us be the first to say congratulations! Marriage is such a joyful milestone, but it often comes with a big question: “Where do I even begin?”
If you’re feeling that initial overwhelm, trust us, you’re not alone. Many brides-to-be feel the same way. To help you kick off your wedding planning with ease and confidence, we’ve compiled a quick guide to help you through the first stages of planning your special day. Planning a wedding can take months or even years, so setting a clear foundation early on is key. To keep things as hassle-free as possible, we suggest beginning the planning somewhere between twelve and a maximum of eighteen months before the wedding. So read on, take notes, and don’t forget to have fun!
Determine your budget and financial contributors
Before making any major decisions, sit down with your partner—preferably a little before twelve months—to discuss the overall wedding budget. Determine if family members will be contributing or if you’ll be financing everything yourselves. Having a clear understanding of your financial boundaries right from the start will shape your entire planning process. Don’t forget to allocate funds for the essentials, with some flexibility for unexpected costs. A clear budget will reduce stress, align everyone’s expectations, and ensure you start planning on the right foot.
Define your priorities
List all the elements you envision for your wedding, from the venue and photographer to décor, food, and music. Rank these items by importance to help you stay focused on what truly matters to you and your partner. Knowing what’s most meaningful will make budgeting easier, and it will help you decide where to splurge and where to save. This step keeps you centred on what will make your day uniquely special for you both.
Determine guest count and wedding theme
Decide on the size and feel of your wedding—intimate, casual, formal, or grand. Knowing your guest count impacts both the budget and the overall logistics, and it’s essential for choosing the right venue. If family members are contributing financially, they may want a say in the guest list, so involve them early in this decision to prevent misunderstandings. Once you have an estimated guest list, you can begin refining other details to suit the scale of your event.
Choose a date and book the venue
Now that you have an idea of your guest count and overall vision, it’s time to decide on a date and find the perfect venue. Some couples choose their date first and then look for available venues, while others prioritise finding their ideal venue and work with the dates it has open. Either way, these are two of the biggest decisions, as they’ll set the tone for your entire wedding. Try to visit venues in person to get a true sense of the ambience, size, and available amenities. Wedding venues tend to get booked early on, so try to start looking for the venue during the planning stage itself.
Consider hiring a wedding planner
A professional planner can be invaluable, especially for couples who have demanding schedules or are planning a larger event. Wedding planners handle all aspects, from budgeting and design to logistics, making the process smoother and allowing you to focus on enjoying your engagement. If a full-service planner is beyond your budget, consider a day-of coordinator who can ensure everything runs smoothly on the big day. A coordinator is especially helpful for managing vendors, timelines, and any last-minute issues, freeing you to be fully present.
Book core vendors early
Vendors like photographers, videographers, caterers, florists, and entertainers often book out well in advance, especially for popular dates. Begin researching and booking your essential vendors as soon as you have a date and venue secured. Look at portfolios, meet vendors in person if possible, and find those who align with your style and vision. Securing trusted vendors early reduces last-minute stress, but many services don’t accept bookings too early on. After the first meeting with them, divide the vendors into categories based on how early they take appointments, and contact them for bookings around half a month before they start scheduling. Finish this division by the end of the eleven-month mark.
Start planning invitations and guest communication
With your guest list, date, and venue locked in, it’s time to think about invitations. Invitations are usually sent six to eight weeks before the wedding, but you need to plan extra if you have out-of-town guests who need to make travel arrangements. Reserve the ten- to eight-month mark for designing the cards (if you are hiring a designer) and making arrangements for guests—flying them in, looking for accommodation, and extra experiences you might want to add for the guests, like a spa for the women before the wedding and reception. Additionally, consider creating a wedding website where guests can find details on travel, accommodation, schedules, and dress codes. Keeping guests (especially close ones) informed in advance will make them feel cared for and ease any last-minute questions.
Coordinate logistics and finalise details
As your wedding day approaches, it’s important to organise all logistics, including transportation, accommodation, the event timeline, and, most importantly, shopping. These will take up the remaining months leading to your wedding. First things first, contact a designer if you want a custom wedding dress made. Based on the scheduling list you have made before, meet with your vendors to confirm details, review your wedding day timeline, and create a schedule for the day to ensure smooth transitions. Consider any special touches, like personalised signage or welcome bags, that will make your guests feel at ease and appreciated.
Personalise and add special touches
This is where your unique love story shines. Consider ways to add meaningful touches that make your wedding feel uniquely yours. Custom elements like handwritten vows, curated playlists, unique décor, or personalised favours can add depth to your day. Think about what matters most to you as a couple, and let that guide your choices. These small, thoughtful details will make the day memorable for you and your guests, leaving everyone with beautiful memories of the celebration.
Lead image credit: Pulkit Samrat/ Instagram
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