The Ultimate Guide for Brides: What to Do First When Planning Your Wedding

Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, filled with dreams, decisions, and details. As the bride, you're likely experiencing a whirlwind of emotions, from joy and anticipation to, perhaps, a bit of anxiety. The key to a successful wedding planning process is to start with a clear plan and a well-thought-out strategy. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the initial stages of planning your wedding, ensuring you set a solid foundation for what will undoubtedly be a memorable and special occasion.

1. Set YOUR Priorities and Vision

Define Your Vision

Remember- THIS IS YOU AND YOUR FIANCÉS WEDDING!! (nobody else) - Before diving into the specifics, take a moment to envision your ideal wedding day. Consider what’s most important to you and your partner. Are you dreaming of a grand celebration or an intimate gathering? Do you have a particular theme or style in mind, such as vintage, modern, or rustic? Understanding your vision will help guide your decisions and ensure that every element of your wedding aligns with your dreams.

Establish Priorities

Identify the elements of the wedding that are most important to you. For some, it might be the venue, while others might prioritize the dress, the food, or the entertainment. By establishing these priorities, you can allocate your budget and focus your efforts on the aspects that matter most to you.

2. Set a Budget

Determine Your Budget

Setting a realistic budget is one of the first and most crucial steps in wedding planning. Consider your financial situation and discuss it with your partner and any contributing family members. Create a detailed budget that includes all aspects of the wedding, such as:

- Venue

- Catering

- Attire

-Wedding Planner or Month-of Coordinator

- Photography and/or videography

-Wedding Content Creator

- Entertainment

- Decorations

- Flowers

- Invitations

- Transportation

- Miscellaneous costs (e.g., tips, wedding favors)

Allocate Funds

Once you have a total budget, break it down into categories. Allocate specific amounts to each category based on your priorities. For example, if you’re prioritizing the venue and catering, allocate a larger portion of your budget to these areas. Be realistic about what you can afford and be prepared to make adjustments as needed.

3. Create a Wedding Planning Timeline

Develop a Timeline

A wedding planning timeline helps you stay organized and ensures that you complete tasks in a logical order. Create a checklist with deadlines for each major task, such as booking the venue, selecting vendors, and sending out invitations. A typical wedding planning timeline might look like this:

- 12+ Months Before: Set your budget, choose a date, book the venue, book your photographer start planning your guest list.

- 9-12 Months Before: Book vendors (photographer, florist, etc.), shop for wedding attire, send out save-the-dates.

- 6-9 Months Before: Finalize the guest list, order invitations, plan the menu, start planning the ceremony and reception details.

- 3-6 Months Before: Confirm details with vendors, have dress fittings, organize transportation.

- 1-3 Months Before: Send out invitations, finalize seating arrangements, have a final dress fitting.

- 1 Month Before: Confirm details with all vendors, create a wedding day schedule, pack for the honeymoon.

- 1 Week Before: Finalize the guest count, confirm details with vendors, prepare an emergency kit for the wedding day.

Stay Flexible

While having a timeline is essential, it’s also important to stay flexible. Unexpected changes or challenges may arise, and being adaptable will help you manage any surprises that come your way.

4. Choose Your Wedding Date and Venue

Select a Date

Choosing your wedding date is one of the first major decisions you’ll make. Consider the time of year, any significant dates or anniversaries, and availability of key guests. Be aware that certain times of year, such as summer and early fall, are popular wedding seasons, so venues and vendors might be booked well in advance.

Book the Venue

Once you have a date in mind, start researching and visiting potential wedding venues. Consider the following factors when choosing a venue:

- Capacity: Ensure the venue can accommodate your guest list comfortably.

- Location: Choose a location that is convenient for you and your guests. Consider travel and accommodation options if necessary.

- Style: The venue should align with your wedding vision and theme.

- Cost: Ensure the venue fits within your budget and check for any additional fees or restrictions.

Once you’ve found a venue that fits your criteria, book it as soon as possible to secure your date.

5. Select Vendors

Research and Book Vendors

Research and book key vendors early in the planning process. Some vendors to include would be:

- **Photographer:  THIS SHOULD BE YOUR SECOND BOOKING! After booking your venue and setting a date, find a photographer whose style matches your vision and who can capture the moments you want to remember.

-Wedding Planner: Some venues will require you to book at least day-of coordinator. I would highly suggest this so you do not have to worry about a thing the day-of and to have someone there that is there to make your vision come to life and for your day to run smoothly.

- Caterer: Choose a caterer who offers a menu that fits your tastes and dietary needs.

- Florist: Select a florist who can create the floral arrangements you envision for your wedding.

- Entertainment: Decide whether you want a DJ, live band, or other entertainment options and book them accordingly.

-Rentals: This could be tents, a dance floor, tables, linen or anything your venue may not provide.

-Hair/Makeup: Looks through their portfolio to see if it is the style you're going for prior to booking!

Read Reviews, Get Recommendations and Make Sure They're Secure

Read reviews and seek recommendations from friends, family, or wedding planners. Personal referrals can be invaluable in finding reliable and reputable vendors. Make sure that all vendors come with a contract and carefully read the contract prior to booking.

5. Build Your Guest List

Create a Guest List

Start building your guest list early in the planning process. Decide on the number of guests you want to invite and create a list of potential attendees. This will help you with decisions related to venue size, catering, and invitations.

Organize the List

Organize your guest list into categories, such as immediate family, extended family, friends, and colleagues. This will make it easier to manage the invitation process and keep track of RSVPs.

Send Save-the-Dates

Once you have a confirmed date and venue, send out save-the-date cards to your guests. This will give them advance notice of the event and help them make travel and accommodation arrangements if necessary.

6. Plan Your Wedding Attire

Start Dress Shopping

Finding the perfect wedding dress is an exciting part of the planning process. Begin shopping early to give yourself plenty of time for fittings and alterations. Consider your personal style, the theme of your wedding, and what makes you feel most comfortable and beautiful.

Choose Bridesmaid Dresses

Once you’ve selected your wedding dress, start thinking about bridesmaid dresses. Choose styles that complement your dress and the overall theme of the wedding. Ensure the dresses are comfortable and flattering for your bridesmaids.

Consider Accessories

Don’t forget about accessories, such as veils, jewelry, and shoes. Choose accessories that enhance your overall look and complement your dress.

8. Plan Your Ceremony and Reception

Design the Ceremony

Work with your officiant to plan the details of the ceremony. This includes writing your vows, selecting readings or rituals, and choosing the music. Make sure the ceremony reflects your personal beliefs and preferences.

Plan the Reception

Decide on the details of the reception, including the layout, seating arrangements, and timeline. Plan the menu, decorations, and any special activities or traditions you want to include.

Create a Wedding Day Schedule

Develop a detailed schedule for the wedding day, including timings for the ceremony, reception, and any other activities. Share this schedule with your vendors and bridal party to ensure everyone is on the same page.

9. Handle Legal and Administrative Tasks

Obtain a Marriage License

Research the requirements for obtaining a marriage license in your area. This typically involves visiting a local government office and providing identification and other necessary documents. Ensure you complete this task well in advance of your wedding day.

Update Your Information

Consider any name changes or updates to your personal information that may be necessary after the wedding. This may include updating your driver’s license, social security information, and bank accounts.

10. Plan for the Unexpected

Prepare an Emergency Kit

Put together an emergency kit for the wedding day, including items like safety pins, a sewing kit, stain remover, and pain relievers. Having these items on hand can help you handle any minor issues that arise.

Have a Contingency Plan

Consider possible contingencies, such as bad weather for an outdoor wedding or vendor cancellations. Have backup plans in place to ensure that your wedding day goes smoothly even if things don’t go as planned.

Planning a wedding is a significant and rewarding endeavor, and starting with a clear strategy can make the process more enjoyable and less stressful. By setting your priorities, establishing a budget, creating a timeline, and focusing on key elements like your venue and attire, you’ll be well on your way to a beautifully orchestrated celebration. Remember to stay flexible, enjoy the process, and cherish every moment of this special journey. With thoughtful planning and attention to detail, you’re sure to create a wedding day that’s as unique and unforgettable as you are. Happy planning!