The First Steps to Wedding Planning: A Guide to Kickstart Your Dream Day

Planning your wedding can feel overwhelming at first. The checklist of things to do seems endless, and the pressure to create a perfect day is real. But before you dive into the deep end of wedding prep, there are five essential first steps that will lay a strong foundation for everything else to come. Starting here will help keep things organized, focused, and enjoyable.

1. Celebrate Your Engagement!

Pop something bubbly- you’re engaged! 🥂Before diving into the whirlwind of wedding planning, take a moment to celebrate the fact that you’re engaged! This is a special time in your life, and it’s important to savor it. Whether you’re planning an engagement party, a romantic dinner for two, or a casual celebration with close friends and family, take the time to enjoy the excitement. This is your opportunity to share your joy with loved ones, reflect on your relationship, and get excited about the journey ahead. Celebrating your engagement also helps set a positive tone for the wedding planning process—after all, this is just the beginning of your beautiful adventure together.

Tip: If you're not into big parties, consider marking the occasion with a small gesture—perhaps a weekend getaway or an intimate toast at home. The goal is to embrace the moment and let the excitement of your engagement fuel your planning energy!

2. Choose Priorities and Set a Budget

   
   

Before anything else, you need to get a clear idea of what you can spend. Setting a budget is critical because it determines almost everything else, from the venue to the guest list to the types of vendors you can hire.

Start by having a conversation with your partner and anyone else who may be contributing financially. Once you have a ballpark figure, break it down into categories: venue, catering, attire, décor, photography, entertainment, etc. Having a budget keeps you grounded and helps prioritize what matters most to you.

Tip:  We recommend each partner ranking vendors in order of most importance to least, then comparing. That way, you can have a better understanding of where one wants to splurge and where one might want to save.

3. Pick a (Few) Dates

   
   

Selecting a wedding date is one of the first steps in creating your wedding timeline. While you might have a dream date in mind, it’s important to be flexible. The best venues and vendors book up quickly, especially during peak wedding seasons. If you have your heart set on a specific location or vendor, be ready to adjust your date accordingly.

Don't forget to consider the time of year—weather, holidays, and availability of family and friends may influence your decision. And, in case your first choice doesn’t work out, have a backup date in mind.

Tip: Avoid setting your wedding date on a major holiday unless it holds special significance for you. Many people travel during holidays, so you might face difficulties with travel and availability.

4. Choose a Venue

   
   

The venue set the tone for your entire celebration. Whether you dream of a rustic barm, a grand ballroom, a beachfront ceremony, or an intimate garden- your venue choice will shape everything else. Start Researching venues early on, as popular locations will book up well in advance. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, schedule visits to get a feel for the space, ask about availability, and review what’s included (tables, chairs, linens, etc).

Tip: Consider logistics, like parking, availability for older guests, and overall aesthetic. Will the space accommodate your guest list comfortably? Choose a space that you are certain has the resources needed to bring your vision to life.

5. Hire a Planner

   
   

Okay we may be a little biased here, but wedding planners can be game-changers, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed. They offer expertise, experience, and invaluable guidance, taking care of the details so you can focus on enjoying your engagement. Basically, they are a built in planning bestie that is there for you when you’re feeling in over your head. If hiring a full-time planner is out of your budget, consider a day-of coordinator who will help things run smoothly on the big day.

Tip: If you’re not hiring a planner, be realistic about how much time you have to dedicate to wedding prep. It’s easy to underestimate how many moving parts are involved.

Starting your wedding planning journey can be daunting, but by taking these first five steps, you’ll set yourself up for success and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Budgeting, setting a date, booking your venue, and getting the right support early on will give you a solid foundation to plan your dream day, one step at a time.

Feeling like you need a little more support in your planning process? We’re here to help! Check out our website to inquire, we can’t wait to be your planning bestie 😉

Happy planning, and remember—the most important detail of any wedding is the love between you and your partner. Keep that in mind and we’re certain that your day will be magical! ✨

XO,

The Team at Élevé