First, best wishes on your engagement! It's such an exciting time in your life, and there's no better way to start this new chapter than by celebrating with your loved ones and taking a moment just to soak up that newly engaged bliss before you jump in to start planning your wedding. Whether you are choosing to have an intimate gathering or can't wait for a giant party of family and friends, make sure to take the time to enjoy this special moment. Remember, this is just the beginning of your wedding planning journey!
Once you've thoroughly celebrated (and popped some champagne!), we have mapped out your first three months of wedding planning below. While we highly recommend our ultimate wedding planning checklist for a COMPLETE list of all the details (you really can't be too thorough when it comes to wedding planning), this article is designed to give you a good start! Some of the MOST important decisions are made in the first couple of months, so we wanted to make sure you get off to a strong start!
Book Your Wedding Planner
Because we are wedding planners, you were probably expecting this. In the first three months of wedding planning, one of the best decisions you can make during this time is hiring a wedding planner. The earlier the better! A wedding planner will be your go-to person, guiding you through every step of the way. They have the experience, knowledge, and connections to help you create the wedding of your dreams. From finding the perfect venue to coordinating with vendors, a wedding planner will take care of the details so you can focus more on enjoying your engagement.
Set Your Budget and Create Your Guest List
Whether you take our advice to hire a wedding planner or not, before you can start booking vendors and finalizing details, it's important to set a budget for your wedding. Sit down with your partner and discuss how much you're willing to spend on each aspect of your wedding (and if anyone else will be contributing). This will help you prioritize and make informed decisions throughout the planning process. Please don't gloss over this step! We also have a FREE wedding budget checklist to help!
Then, once you have a budget in place, it's time to create your guest list. Start by listing out all the people you want to invite, and then narrow it down based on your budget and venue capacity (we don't recommend you book your venue until you have your guest count in place, but if you have a venue in mind, it's worth considering their limit). Remember, it's your special day, so invite the people who mean the most to you – we have more advice on this here! While you're refining your guest list, consider choosing and inviting your family and friends to be a part of your wedding party too.
Book Your Ceremony and Reception Venue
Your wedding venue sets the tone for your entire celebration, so it's important to choose the perfect location. Start by researching different venues in your desired area and schedule tours to see them in person. Consider factors such as the size, style, and amenities of each venue. Once you've found the one that feels right, book it as soon as possible to secure your date. Keep in mind that popular venues tend to book up quickly, so don't delay!
Save The Date With Your Key Vendors
Now that your venue is locked in, it's time to start booking key vendors for your wedding day. When we say “key vendors”, we also want to stress that EVERY vendor you hire for your wedding day is important. We are only using “key vendors” as a qualifier for vendors that are most important to YOU (or take up a large portion of your budget), and, in our experience, typically include photographers, caterers, musicians, videographers, and florists.
These professionals play a crucial role in bringing your vision to life, and will work with you closely as you start planning your wedding, so it's important to choose wisely. Start by researching and reaching out to potential vendors. Ask for recommendations from friends and family, read reviews, and look at their portfolios. Once you've narrowed your options, schedule consultations to discuss your ideas and get a feel for their style and personality.
Not sure what to ask potential vendors? Grab our wedding planner approved email templates here!
Designing Your Wedding
Now comes the fun part – designing your wedding! Take some time to research different wedding trends and gather inspiration from magazines, blogs, and social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram. This will help you narrow down your style and create a cohesive look for your big day. From color schemes to decor elements, consider how everything will come together to create a memorable experience for you and your guests. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and add personal touches that reflect your personalities as a couple. We LOVE personal details here at Verve.
Not a professional designer and want something unique that still feels cohesive? Grab our wedding mood board template here to help!
Tips for Staying Organized and Managing Wedding Planning Stress
With so many details to keep track of, staying organized is incredibly important. Here are some tips to help you stay on top of your wedding planning:
- Create a wedding planning binder or use a digital planning tool to keep all your documents and inspiration in one place.
- Use a wedding planning checklist to stay organized and ensure you don't miss any important tasks.
- Set deadlines for yourself and create a timeline to ensure everything gets done on time.
- Delegate tasks to your partner, family members, or wedding party to lighten the load.
- Take breaks and prioritize self-care to manage stress and enjoy the process!
Want Help? Shop Our Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist
Best wishes again on your engagement and taking the first steps towards planning your dream wedding. Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the journey and cherish the moments along the way. By starting early, hiring a wedding planner, setting a budget, booking your venue and vendors, designing your theme, and staying organized, you'll be well on your way to creating the wedding of your dreams. And don't forget to check out our ultimate destination wedding planning checklist, created by REAL wedding planners (hi!), to ensure you don't miss any of the details. Happy planning!
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