Congratulations, bride-to-be! 💍 The excitement, the butterflies, the overwhelming joy—it’s all so beautiful! But then… reality sets in, right? The moment you start to think, “Wait, now what?” I get it, I really do. As a wedding planner, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly couples can feel overwhelmed by the what’s next. It’s not about diving headfirst into the deep end right away, though. It’s about taking that first step—one step at a time—and making the journey fun, organized, and most importantly- you. Let me share how to start the planning process, from someone who’s helped many couples turn their dreams into reality. Ready!? Let’s dive in!!
Tip #1: Define Your Wedding Vision Together
One of the first things you and your fiancé should do is dream together. This is your chance to think big—what’s your dream wedding look like? Do you envision a lavish ballroom or a rustic outdoor ceremony? Start by discussing your must-haves and non-negotiables. You don’t need to have every detail figured out just yet, but taking some time to visualize your big day together sets a solid foundation for all future planning. Trust me, getting on the same page early on will make the whole process a lot smoother.
I remember when my husband first proposed and we were freshly engaged, I gave him the low down of everything I envisioned. It was no surprise to him considering as a wedding planner myself, he heard me talk about it every single day since we met, but I wanted to give him the opportunity to give his input and have a say on HIS big day too. It was such a special and memorable time for the both of us! I encourage you to pause, dedicate a time to talk openly, pour that drink you’ve been craving and create a memory that will last a lifetime!
Pro Tip: Take this time to enjoy the excitement and daydream about what’s possible. This is your day, so make it uniquely yours—talk about the colors, the vibe, and the little touches that will make it unforgettable.
Tip #2: Start a Wedding Planning Binder (Or Digital Folder!)
Now, this is where things get organized—and trust me, you’ll thank me later. As someone who is probably the most Type-A person in the world, I recommend starting a wedding binder or a digital folder (I love Google Docs or Pinterest boards for this). You can also find all kinds of digital downloads to print on etsy! This will be your one-stop-shop for everything related to your wedding. From inspiration photos to vendor contacts, this folder will keep you sane when everything else starts feeling overwhelming. It’s the perfect place to collect ideas, organize thoughts, and keep track of the progress as you go. Bonus points if you get creative with it—add sticky notes, print out photos, or make fun mood boards!
Pro Tip: Use apps like Trello or Notion if you’re more of a digital planner—these tools are amazing for creating checklists, timelines, and tracking tasks seamlessly.
Tip 3: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Wedding planning can be a huge task, but here’s a secret: You don’t have to do it all yourself! I know, asking for help might feel like you’re giving up control, but trust me—it’s going to make everything run so much more smoothly. Whether it’s asking your bridesmaids to research vendors or getting your parents involved in managing the guest list, getting others involved not only makes it easier for you but also gives everyone a sense of excitement and ownership over your big day. And hey, if you’re really feeling overwhelmed, this is the perfect time to call in a wedding planner (like me!). I’m here to help take the stress off your shoulders so you can enjoy this special time.
Pro Tip: Make a list of things you feel comfortable handling and things you’d prefer to outsource to family, friends, or professionals. Getting this list out early on can keep everyone on the same page.
Tip 4: Use Pinterest (But Don’t Overwhelm Yourself)
Pinterest is a gift from the wedding gods, but it can also be a trap. It’s easy to fall down a rabbit hole of endless ideas, but that can leave you feeling more confused than inspired. Instead, set aside a few hours to pin the things that really resonate with you—whether it’s the style of the dress, floral arrangements, or venue ideas. Narrow it down to the elements that speak to your personality and wedding vision. This will help when it comes time to talk to your vendors, and it’ll give you a clear direction without getting lost in the overwhelm.
Pro Tip: Instead of trying to pin every beautiful picture you see, focus on creating a board for each wedding category (dress, décor, flowers, etc.) to keep things organized. It’ll help you stay focused and make decision-making easier down the road.
Tip 5: Set a Budget Early (But Keep It Flexible!)
Listen, I know—no one likes talking about money. But here’s the thing: if you don’t set a budget early on, you’re likely to find yourself in deep water when those venue deposits and vendor invoices start coming in. Start by discussing your ideal wedding day and determine what your non-negotiables are. Do you want to splurge on your photographer because you want breathtaking photos to last a lifetime? Or do you want a super intimate gathering with a more modest budget? Once you’ve established that, set a rough budget. Just remember, flexibility is key. It’s okay to adjust along the way as priorities shift.
Pro Tip: Allocate more of your budget to the things that matter most to you—whether that’s food, music, or venue. Then, get creative with other areas to make sure everything still comes together beautifully within your means.
Tip 6: Take It One Step at a Time
I can’t emphasize this one enough!! It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of tasks ahead, but here’s a little trick: take it one step at a time. Don’t try to plan your entire wedding in one sitting. Start by tackling one task at a time—maybe it’s locking down your venue, or perhaps it’s setting a date. Break big tasks into smaller chunks and give yourself a timeline. This will help keep you focused, reduce stress, and ensure you don’t miss anything important.
Pro Tip: Create a wedding planning checklist with deadlines for each task. Whether it’s booking a photographer or choosing your color scheme, putting dates on tasks can help you stay on track and prevent last-minute scrambling.
Tip 7: Celebrate the Little Moments
Wedding planning is a long road, so it’s important to celebrate the small victories along the way. Did you book your venue? Go out for a celebratory dinner! Did you choose your bridal party? Celebrate with a little toast! Planning a wedding isn’t just about the end result—it’s about enjoying the journey with your partner, your family, and your friends. These moments are just as important as the wedding day itself, so don’t forget to enjoy the ride!
Pro Tip: Turn your wedding-planning to-do list into a fun “celebration” list! Celebrate every completed task with a little mini-party, even if it’s just a treat at the end of a busy planning day.
Tip 8: Keep the Fun Alive
The best advice I can give you as a wedding planner is to make the planning process as enjoyable as possible. I’ve seen couples who turn wedding planning into a chore, and I promise that’s the last thing you want to do. Embrace the fun, even when things get stressful. Go on a cake-tasting date, enjoy the dress shopping experience, and laugh at all the little bumps along the way. This is the time to celebrate your love and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Pro Tip: Keep the excitement alive by planning small, fun activities with your fiancé throughout the planning process. Trust me, the more fun you have along the way, the more memorable your entire wedding journey will be.
Now that you have the tools to get started on your wedding planning journey, don’t let the stress overwhelm you! If you’re feeling like you could use a little help along the way, I’m here to make this process easy, fun, and stress-free. I specialize in taking the overwhelm out of planning and ensuring that everything comes together seamlessly. Let’s chat about how we can make your wedding day everything you’ve ever dreamed of. Click here to get started! 💍🎉
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