Congrats on your engagement! 🎉💍 Planning a wedding is a lot of hard work, but it’s also a total blast. Think of it as your own entrepreneurial project where you get to be the badass CEO. This is your chance to celebrate, so turn it into a party. Step back, enjoy your friends and family, and don’t just get through it—embrace the sh*t out of it!
1. DEFINE YOUR VISION
The first step in planning your wedding is to define your vision. Think about the vibe you want to create and what elements are most important to you—whether it’s an unforgettable venue, a stunning dress, or making sure your guests have an amazing time! By establishing a clear vision early on, you’ll have a guide for all your decisions, ensuring that every detail aligns with your dream. To make this process even more fun, we recommend making Pinterest your new best friend — it’s an incredible place to find inspiration and organize your ideas!
2. PLAN NOW, PARTY LATER
Don’t let yourself stress by saving everything until the last minute! It usually takes 8-12 months to plan a wedding. Avoid pulling your hair out by keeping things organized with a planning tool like Withjoy.com or Zola.com.
3. DIVIDE AND CONQUER: DECIDE WHO'S INVITED
Wondering if your creepy drunk uncle should be on the guest list? 😅 That’s definitely a tough one! Start by setting your total guest count, then divide it between you, your parents, and in-laws. You can split it evenly in thirds or keep 50% for yourselves and give each set of parents 25%. If you're paying for the wedding, it's okay to allocate more to yourself. Create a clear rule for plus-ones, such as inviting significant others if they've been dating for six months or more, and stick to it. You will also need to set a rule for kids, like only inviting children over 14, or you can budget for a nanny on location to look after the little ones. If you make any exceptions, let the involved parents know in advance.
4. SO HOW MUCH IS THIS GOING TO COST?
Breaking news: Money doesn’t grow on trees! 🌳💸 So, what do you value the most in your wedding planning? Establishing a wedding budget is key to keeping everything on track and stress-free. Once you have a budget in mind, break it down into categories like venue, catering, attire, photography, and more. Remember, unexpected costs can pop up, so it’s a good idea to set aside a small contingency fund just in case.
5. ASSEMBLE THE DREAM TEAM
Let’s get real — finding the right vendors is crucial for a wedding that’ll blow everyone away, here’s how to make it happen. Think of it like dating and go through the wedding vendor bases. First base – vibe check: “Hey, we saw you from across my socials and I like your style.” Second base – let’s date: “Are you available…October 12?” Third base – heavy vetting: “Let’s make sure we have the same vision, the same goals, the same daunting desire for perfection.” Homerun – getting lucky: “You’re in my budget, let’s book it!”
- Vendor costs vary: on a budget? Skip the destination luxury wedding venue in their bio—your heart (and bank account) will thank you.
- Vendor priority order: there’s no one-size-fits-all, but I’d rank them as: venue, catering/bar, wedding looks, photographer/videographer, DJ, florals, and then additional decor and fun extras.
- Compliment first, then inquire: before diving into availability and rates, drop a compliment about their work. Nothing’s worse than starting a conversation with “what’s your rate?” Trust us, it’s a game-changer!
- Vibe check: can’t meet in person? Don’t skip the phone call or video chat. Finding the right vibe is essential!
- Unconventional paths: explore vendors through word-of-mouth and Facebook Groups. Sometimes the best finds are off the beaten path.
- Social media bonding: follow your vendors on Instagram. It’s a cool way to stay connected and build rapport. They would also love to see tagged posts of their goods featured on your big day!
6. KEEP YOUR SANITY INTACT WITH A WEDDING PLANNER
Not into DIY? Too swamped to plan your wedding? Then get yourself a wedding planner, pronto. They’re the pros who handle everything from wrangling vendors to nailing down logistics, making sure your big day goes off without a hitch. And here’s the kicker: they can actually save you more money overall than you’d spend on them. If planning feels like a hot mess, hiring a planner is a savvy move.
By following our steps, you'll make sure your big day screams your love story—passionate, unique, and totally unforgettable. 💕 Oh, and don’t forget to own the journey, darling! Every step is part of the magic, so savor it like the fabulous bride you are.
XOXO
