Simple Steps to Start Planning Your Wedding
First off, congratulations on your engagement! Now that you're ready to start planning, you might be feeling excited... and a little overwhelmed. Planning a wedding is no small feat, and it’s perfectly normal to feel unsure about where to begin. But don’t worrywe’ve got you covered with some simple steps to help you get started on your wedding journey.
Before you dive into the details, take a moment to enjoy being engaged. This time is special, so savour it! Once you’re ready to get into the planning, here’s how to start off on the right foot.
Photo Credit: Robin + Andie Photography
Step 1: Start with a Conversation
The very first step in planning your wedding is sitting down with your partner to discuss what you both want. It’s easy to get swept up in Pinterest boards and Instagram wedding inspo, but before you start making any decisions, have a conversation about your vision for the day.
What do you both envision for your wedding?
What’s your dream venue, the size of your wedding, the time of year, and how formal or casual do you want it to be?
This step will help you both understand each other’s expectations and ensure you’re on the same page before you start making any big decisions.
Photo Credit: Rachel Wybrow Photography
Step 2: Eliminate What You Don’t Want
Wedding planning is often a process of elimination. Sometimes it’s easier to figure out what you don’t want than to decide exactly what you do. Reflect on weddings you’ve been to, what elements did you love? What didn’t you like? You might realize you’re not a fan of certain themes or settings, like a beach wedding if you’re not the outdoorsy type.
By understanding what you don’t want, you’ll start to narrow down your choices and make the planning process feel more manageable.
Step 3: Consider Your Budget
At this stage, it’s also helpful to start thinking about your wedding budget. While the size of your budget will influence your decisions, it’s important to have a clear idea of your financial limits early on. Speak with your partner about what you both are comfortable spending and prioritise the areas that matter most to you.
Not sure how to get started with budgeting? We’ve written a helpful blog on how to create a wedding budget—take a look for some more guidance!
Step 4: Identify Your Wedding Priorities
Now that you’ve got a sense of what you both want and your budget, it’s time to identify your top priorities. What’s most important to you both?
Is it having a specific photographer?
Do you dream of an amazing band or DJ?
Is the food and catering a huge part of your wedding vision?
There’s no right or wrong number of priorities—it could be two or it could be ten. But having clear priorities helps direct your planning. These priorities will shape your decisions about the venue, vendors, and other key aspects of the wedding.
Photo Credit: Darren Burnett Film Photography
Step 5: Keep It Simple
Wedding planning can quickly become overwhelming, so one of the best pieces of advice is to keep it simple. While it’s tempting to say yes to every idea you come across, it’s important to focus on the essentials first.
You don’t need every trend, every detail, or every “must-have” item on your wedding day. Stick to your priorities and ensure they’re well-executed, and you’ll have a stunning wedding without all the unnecessary complexity.
Step 6: What to Include or Exclude
With all the wedding inspiration out there, it’s easy to get caught up in the endless possibilities. But when deciding what to include or exclude, refer back to your priorities.
Ask yourself if each idea will significantly enhance your day or if it’s something that may add unnecessary stress or costs. If you’re unsure, take your time and think it over. Your wedding day will be unforgettable if you focus on the things that truly matter.
Photo Credit: Grey Area Productions
Step 7: Take It One Step at a Time
Wedding planning can be a lot, but remember, you don’t have to do it all at once. When you start to feel overwhelmed, revisit your priorities and take a deep breath. Focus on one thing at a time—whether it’s booking your venue, securing a photographer, or finalising your guest list. This will help you stay grounded and keep the stress at bay.
Planning a wedding should be an exciting and joyful experience. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that the process stays enjoyable and that you create a day that reflects who you are as a couple. Remember, you don’t have to do it all; focus on what matters most to you both, and everything will fall into place.
Photo Credit: Paul Wilson Weddings
Need more help with your wedding planning? Check out our other blogs for tips and ideas, or download our wedding information to get started with planning your dream day at Waipuna Estate.