Engaged? Now what?
1. Set a budget and size!
Your budget needs to be set before anything else. Make time to sit down with your parents, family members, or just the two of you, figure out who is contributing, how much they can contribute, and what your total budget will be. Then set your guest list, knowing how many people you want to invite will help you with choosing a venue.
2. Decide on your wedding’s style
Vintage, modern, classic, eclectic, handmade, rustic… there are so many styles out there! Figuring out a theme or style early on will help you throughout the entire planning process. Don’t worry about designing your entire wedding at this point, just know what general look and feel that you are going for. Once you know that, it’ll be easier to choose your venue.
3. Select your venue
Now that you know your wedding’s budget, size, and style, you can start looking for the perfect venue. When you’re researching and find a venue that you like, contact them and ask if they have any of your possible dates available. Note that some venues book their summer weekends up to a year and a half out. If there is a certain date you want, it is never too early to book.
4. Catering and other vendors
Some venues will require that you use their caterer or chose from a list of preferred, so it’s a good idea to book the venue before finding your caterer. Most caterers will offer tastings so you can try the food before you hire them. For your other vendors, DJs, Florists, Photographers, etc. your venue may be able to offer you a list of people that they have worked with to help you get started.
5. Choose your wedding party
A wedding party can be very helpful in the wedding planning process. They can be there for you to bounce ideas off of, attended vendor meetings, or just offer an ear when you need to vent.
