Congratulations on your engagement! If you are here, you are probably asking yourself, “Where do I even start?” This is one of the most common questions I hear from brides. While the excitement of planning your big day is undeniable, take a deep breath because there’s a lot to tackle in a short amount of time.

Photo by Pictures with Ariel

Start with the Basics

First, take a moment to soak it all in. Enjoy the excitement and admire that new bling! Being engaged is a special time, so don’t rush past it.

When you’re ready to start planning, remember to take it one step at a time. The process may feel overwhelming, but starting with the basics can help you stay grounded. Begin by determining your budget, deciding whether you’ll need a full or partial wedding planner, and selecting a few venues to tour.

Picture by San Angel Photo

Laying the Foundation

Your budget is the foundation of your entire wedding planning process. Start by determining the maximum amount you’re comfortable spending on each aspect of your big day, such as the venue, photographer, catering, decor, etc. While you don’t have to spend the maximum on every category, having clear limits gives you a realistic framework.

Photo by Charmi Modi

Photo by Parker Grey Photo

With the budget, you will also want to determine your guest list. Now weddings are basically a big party! So who’s going to be invited to yours? Your guest list makes the world of difference when determining not only the vibe but the size of the venue or how many people you might have to buy food for. Discuss with your partner and parents if they’re involved in narrowing down your guest list.

Photo by Parker Grey Photo

Photo by Charmi Modi

Finding the Perfect Space

With your budget and estimated guest count in hand, it’s time to start researching venues! This step requires a bit of homework, as every venue offers something different. From packages to pricing to vendor rules, no two venues are the same. If you’ve hired a wedding planner, they can help narrow down options that align with your budget, style, and must-have requirements. If not, visiting the venue’s website is a great way to gather initial information before booking a tour.

Once you’ve done some research, schedule tours of the venues that catch your eye. During the tour, the venue staff will typically walk you through the logistics, including packages, pricing, and other details you may have seen online. They may also share information you won’t find on their website, such as payment play options or specific policies.

While the staff will cover a lot, you’ll likely have additional questions. For a booking, check out my blog post featuring a comprehensive venue checklist. It’s a great resource to ensure you’re fully prepared before making your final decision.

Defining Your Color Scheme and Wedding Theme

Now that you’ve booked your venue and secured your date, it’s time to dive into the fun part: choosing your color scheme and wedding theme! Do you envision a glamorous, chic vibe or something with rustic charm? Your wedding style will set the tone for your day and shape every detail from decor to music to food.

Photo by Love and Light Wedding Planning

A well-defined wedding aesthetic not only reflects your personality but also creates an experience for your guests. Want a relaxed, romantic atmosphere? Incorporate soft lighting with candles and neutral tones. Want an upbeat, lively party? Bright, bold colors can help bring that energy to life. Sticking to a cohesive theme will make planning easier by guiding your decisions for everything.

Not sure where to start? Browse Instagram, Pinterest, or even your wedding planner’s website. As you explore, take note of what you like and dislike. Remember, just because something is trendy doesn’t mean you have to include it. Your wedding should feel authentic to you, so draw inspiration from what excited you whether it’s specific colors, a favorite movie, or a beloved destination.

When selecting your theme, also consider the season. A spring-inspired aesthetic with soft pastels and greenery may not feel as fitting for a winter wedding, where richer, deeper colors can add warmth and elegance. The season can also influence details like dress codes and floral availability.

Photo by Pictures with Ariel

Finally, don’t forget to honor traditions. If your wedding incorporates cultural or religious significance, reflect those traditions in your style. For example, in South Asian weddings, red symbolizes purity, courage, and sensuality. South Asian brides often wear red, and you might extend that significance into your decor to create a meaningful connection.

Photo by Charmi Modi

Photo by Love and Light Wedding Planning

Hiring Vendors

As mentioned earlier, if you hire a wedding planner, they can help you narrow down vendors and handle so much more! From developing your theme and keeping you on a budget to reviewing contracts, negotiating, managing timelines, and ensuring your day runs smoothly, planners are a valuable resource throughout the process.

Photo by San Angel Photo

Photo by San Angel Photo

Photo by Parker Grey Photo

To get started, make lists of all the vendors you’ll need for your wedding. Once you’ve identified them, prioritize your list. Vendors in high demand, such as photographers, celebrants, and wedding planners, should be researched and booked first. Lock them in by paying the deposit and signing a contract so they don’t take on another event for your date.

Photo by Charmi Modi

If you’re unsure where to start, consider your overall wedding vision. For example, I’m prioritizing caterers for my wedding because I’m vegetarian and want an extensive selection of food options. For each vendor, create a list of specific needs and wants that reflect your priorities. This will help guide your search and narrow down options.

When researching vendors, check their websites, read reviews, and browse their galleries to see examples of their work. If you have questions about specific services, don’t hesitate to call and ask. Most vendors want to collaborate and can often tailor their services to meet your needs. If they cannot accommodate something, many will happily recommend another vendor who can!

Photo by Love and Light Wedding Planning

Conclusion

Based on everything I’ve shared, I hope this helps you on your wedding planning journey. Remember to make the process fun! Turn tasks into special moments like creating vision boards over dinner or turning tastings into date nights with your partner.

When faced with tough decisions, revisit your vision and notes to focus on what truly matters to you. Invest in the elements that align with your vision and skip anything unnecessary if it doesn’t fit your budget. This is your wedding, and it should reflect your unique love story.

You’ve got this! Need extra support? Don’t hesitate to reach out! Love and Light Wedding Planning is always here to guide you every step of the way.