Where do I start when planning my own wedding?
Four step process to kick wedding planning overwhelm to the kerb.
You are likely to have never been engaged before, never been in this position and all of sudden you are surrounded by so much information, it is very overwhelming – this is completely normal and something we all go through. You may be thinking, where do I start with planning my wedding, what should I do first, I don’t know what I want. Questions, questions, questions – ahhh you’re thinking I don’t know the answers… HELP!!!
Well hopefully here I can share my years of wedding wisdom and break this down for you.
I have a four-step process for kicking that wedding overwhelm to the kerb, giving you foundations to refer back to when you are in the thick of planning your wedding. This hopefully will also make these next few weeks uplifting and above all else FUN.
STEP ONE – Breathe & Enjoy Your Engagement Bubble
Scream about it, tell everyone you know. Soak in the congratulations and the smiling faces surrounding you as all your family and friends share their happiness for you and your future. Book those meals and drinks out with the people you care the most about. Cheers countless times with your favourite tipple in hand. Book a few nights away just the two of you or a date night to spend time as a newly engaged couple. Relax before you start planning your dream wedding.
STEP TWO – Budget Setting
So now you’ve celebrated with your loved ones, have a discussion together about your budget. Not the fun part of starting your wedding planning journey, but it is very important. It will determine the type of venues & suppliers you research and book, it will keep you on track. I appreciate it is difficult to set a budget when you don’t know how much things cost however if you have an overall figure in mind you would like to keep within then make a note of this.
STEP THREE – Research Your Style
By having a good look at what others have done can help you work out what you like and don’t like - both are important.
Buy those wedding magazines, with everyone online nowadays it’s a nice feeling to have something tangible to look through. Seeing the glossy images of other weddings and ideas can help you pick out aspects you like. Grab a pen or highlighter and circle all those pictures and styles that grab your attention. You may see by the end of the magazine you have a pattern with the same sorts of things highlighted.
Pinterest is also another fab tool to use to get some inspiration, pins these to your own wedding board and you will start to see the similarities.
Different styles you may across could be – Elegant, Romantic, Dark & Gothic, Bright and Fun, Relaxed, Rustic, Chic, Luxury, Modern, Glamourous, Vintage, Boho, Beach, Autumnal, Floral. Having an idea as to the kind of wedding style you want will then help you to determine the type of venues and suppliers you prefer.
STEP FOUR – Your Priorities
Have a chat with your fiancé about what sort of wedding you would both like. Would you want to be married in a church with a reception elsewhere or have everything in one place. Do you love the look of a country house or perhaps a hotel as you have lots of guests travelling. Does a beach/destination wedding interest you? Has having live entertainment always been a dream.
Both of you make a list of your top three main priorities that are important to you and also three aspects that are less important or negotiable. Some of these could be:
Catering – all things food and drink related
Professional Photographer
Live band or musician
Saxophonist to play you down the aisle
A venue that has a late license to continue the party into the night
Accommodation on site
Flexibility to set up the venue exactly how you would like beforehand.
Are you already set on a particular location?
I can feel your feet itching to get out there and view venues but taking your time and going through the above steps first will reduce the overwhelm and uncertainty when it comes to venue viewing.
Now you’ve got your foundations - more of an idea on your style for the day. You’ve got your top priorities, those important aspects you won’t negotiate on. You also have an idea as to what you don’t want.
If you are still finding this initial brainstorm process overwhelming, do not fear I am here!! I offer tons of advice and support within my full planning package, you can ask me unlimited honest questions whenever you like.
Happy planning 😊
xx
P.S. Now take a look at my wedding venue search blog to help you find the perfect venue