Wedding Planning Tips: The First 10 Steps for a Stress-Free Wedding

Wedding planning can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure where to begin. With so many decisions to make, it’s easy to get caught up in the details. But don’t worry—we’ve broken down the first 10 essential steps to help you get started and stay on track. Whether you're a DIY bride or planning to hire a full team of vendors, these first steps will set you on the right path for your dream wedding!

1. Set Your Budget

Before you dive into venue hunting or dress shopping, it’s important to establish your wedding budget. Knowing what you can spend will shape every decision you make, from your guest list to the type of venue you book.

Tip: Make sure to account for hidden costs like gifts for the wedding party, wedding insurance, and extra décor or rentals. Use budgeting tools and spreadsheets to help track your expenses and keep everything within your limits.

2. Hire a Wedding Planner (Optional, but Highly Recommended!)

   
   

If wedding planning feels overwhelming, a wedding planner can help ease the stress and guide you through the process. Planners help with everything from designing the perfect day to coordinating vendors, and they often have great industry contacts that can save you time and money.

Tip: Hiring a wedding planner early on (even just for day-of coordination) can free you up to enjoy your engagement without worrying about the details. Contact us to see how we can help make your wedding stress-free!

A pair of wedding rings rests on a calendar, marking an important date, surrounded by elegant roses and a classic fountain pen, symbolizing the beautiful preparations for a special day.

3. Draft Your Guest List

   
   

The size of your guest list affects almost everything—from the venue size to the amount of food and drink you'll need. It’s important to start by figuring out how many guests you want to invite.

Tip: Make an A-list (must-haves) and a B-list (optional). This helps if you need to adjust as your budget or venue choice evolves.

4. Choose a Wedding Date

Picking your wedding date is often the first exciting step in wedding planning. Whether it’s a significant date for you and your partner or based on your dream venue’s availability, this decision is pivotal.

Tip: Consider factors like the season and the availability of key family members. Also, have a backup date in mind just in case your first choice is already booked!

5. Find Your Dream Venue

   
   

Once you have a date and a general idea of your guest list size, start searching for the perfect venue. Your venue will set the tone for your wedding, so take your time to choose wisely.

Tip: When touring venues, ask what’s included in the package (e.g., catering, décor, staff), what their policies are on decorations, and whether they provide the necessary licenses. Make sure to compare venues to get the best deal that fits your vision and budget.

Elegant wedding ceremony venue featuring an opulent chandelier, grand floral arrangements, and natural light streaming through tall windows with sheer curtains.

6. Pick a Wedding Theme & Style

   
   

Now comes the fun part: choosing your wedding theme and style! Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic garden wedding or a chic city celebration, defining your style will help guide all your other decisions.

Tip: Create a Pinterest board or a mood board to collect your favourite ideas. You’ll find that your theme influences everything—from the flowers and décor to your dress style and invitations.

Elegantly decorated wedding reception hall featuring tall floral centerpieces and gold chiavari chairs, bathed in natural light from large windows.

7. Research & Book Key Vendors

   
   

Vendors like photographers, florists, caterers, and entertainment are crucial to bringing your vision to life. Start by researching local vendors with great reviews, and begin reaching out to see their availability.

Tip: Prioritise the most important vendors for your wedding, such as photographers and catering, and book them as early as possible to ensure you secure your desired choices.

8. Start Dress Shopping

   
   

Once you’ve nailed down your theme and style, it’s time to think about what you’ll wear. Wedding dress shopping is an exciting experience, but it’s important to start early to give yourself time for fittings and alterations.

Tip: Keep in mind your venue, theme, and budget when choosing your dress. Consider scheduling fittings early on to ensure plenty of time for any needed alterations.

A joyful moment unfolds as a bride-to-be tries on a wedding dress, assisted by a friend, in a bright and elegant bridal boutique.

9. Send Out Save-the-Dates

   
   

Once you’ve locked in your date and venue, it’s time to let your guests know! Save-the-dates are typically sent 6-8 months before your wedding day.

Tip: Send save-the-dates as soon as possible so that guests can make travel arrangements and block off their schedules. Make sure the design matches your wedding theme and sets the tone for your celebration.

10. Plan the Legal Side of Things

Before you get swept up in all the fun wedding details, make sure you take care of the legal side. This includes applying for your marriage license and getting familiar with any local marriage laws.

Tip: Marriage license requirements can vary by location, so check with your local registry to make sure you have all the necessary documents in advance.

Conclusion: You’ve Got This!

Planning a wedding is a big undertaking, but with these first 10 steps, you’ll have a solid foundation to start building your dream day. Take things one step at a time, and remember to stay organised and focused on what matters most: celebrating your love!

For even more helpful wedding planning tips and tools, be sure to sign up to our mailing list to stay on track throughout your planning journey.

Happy wedding planning!