Congratulations! Can you believe in just a short amount of time you are going full on wifey!? I bet the proposal was something so special. What a fun and exciting time in life! Now that you have that shiny new accessory I bet you are wondering “what’s next”? Maybe you are jumping out of your shoes to get the planning started or maybe you are wanting to take things nice and slow. We have a little list to help start your planning journey with smooth sails. It won’t be long before you are walking down that aisle so make sure to take things slow and enjoy every part of this season!
1. Celebrate the Moment 🎉
This is a huge milestone, so take some time to soak in the excitement and celebrate your engagement together! Whether it’s a quiet evening to enjoy the moment or a small gathering with close friends and family to share the news, celebrating will set the tone for the rest of the planning.
2. Set a Date (or a Timeframe) 📅
Choosing a wedding date—or at least a timeframe—is one of the first steps in the planning process. Think about the time of year that feels most comfortable for both of you. Do you dream of a cozy winter wedding, a breezy spring affair, or a sun-soaked summer celebration? Also, consider any significant family dates or holidays that might influence your decision. Setting a general timeframe (like a year or a season) can help narrow down venue availability and give you a better sense of when to start booking other vendors. It can also be a big factor that will help with your budget!
3. Hire a Wedding Planner 📝
A wedding planner can be an absolute lifesaver, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the crazy number of decisions and tasks that come with planning a wedding. Wedding planners are experts in navigating the many aspects of the wedding process, including managing timelines, finding non-sketchy vendors, dealing with all your contracts, doing venue research with you, attending meetings, creating budgets, thinking through issues that can arise and so much more! If you’re planning a large wedding or want help with coordination on the big day, hiring a planner could be a complete game-changer. Some planners offer full-service planning, while others specialize in day-of coordination, which is perfect for couples who want to handle the bulk of the planning but need help pulling everything together near the end of the planning journey. At Mayfield & Co Weddings we offer multiple packages and a la carte options to make a customized luxury wedding experience! Click here to find out more about our services.
4. Create a Budget 💰
Establishing a realistic budget is extremely important for managing your expectations and avoiding stress later in the planning process. Sit down with your partner and have an open discussion about how much you’re willing to spend, and what parts of the wedding are most important to you (a beautiful venue, amazing food, stunning photos). Don’t forget to factor in extra costs like tips, taxes, or any last-minute additions. Break the budget into categories, such as venue, attire, catering, décor, entertainment, etc. Being transparent about money will help prevent any surprises along the way. Hiring a wedding planner can massively help in this area. They can keep you on track and help you understand how much money typically goes to what areas.
5. Decide on the Type of Wedding You Want 💍
Could this be the very best part of planning a wedding? Why yes, yes it is. Before you dive into booking vendors, it’s helpful to dream up the kind of wedding you envision. Do you want a traditional formal event with all the classic touches, or do you prefer a more laid-back, casual vibe? This decision will guide your choices in venue selection, attire, and even guest list size. Consider the type of atmosphere you want to create—romantic, fun, whimsical, or elegant—and discuss it with your partner to ensure you’re both on the same page. You’ll also want to consider cultural or family traditions that could play a role in your ceremony and reception. Bringing in cultural elements to your wedding always heightens the guest experience. Your guests will love getting a little taste of your culture through food, dances or other traditions.
6. Start Looking at Venues 🏰
Your wedding venue will be one of the most significant decisions you’ll make, and it’s best to start looking as soon as possible. Popular venues often book up quickly, especially if you’re planning a wedding during peak season, so try to book your venue at least 9-12 months in advance. When choosing a venue, think about the atmosphere you want to create, the number of guests you’re inviting, and the location. Do you want a grand ballroom, a rustic barn, an outdoor garden, or an intimate beach setting? Consider whether the venue offers other services (catering, décor elements, etc.) or if you need to hire additional vendors. Some venues will offer full service which means they set up and clean up and they also have serving staff for food. Bundling up all of that in a venue could end up saving you money down the road. Also, check on policies like alcohol service, capacity limits, and booking fees.
7. Start a Wedding Planning Binder or Digital Folder 📂
Wedding planning can be overwhelming, and staying organized will save you a lot of time and stress. Consider starting a physical binder or a digital folder to keep track of important documents like contracts, invoices, guest lists, vendor contacts, and inspiration photos. You can categorize everything by topic—venues, dresses, decorations, etc.—so you’ll always have a go-to resource when you need to make decisions. We are big fans of checklists! Make a master checklist then divide it to what needs to get done when. You’ll thank yourself for it later, promise.
8. Choose Your Wedding Party 👯♀️
Selecting your bridal party is one of the fun and meaningful tasks in wedding planning. Whether you go with close friends, family members, or a mix of both, make sure to have a conversation with each person about their role and availability. Traditionally, this includes bridesmaids, groomsmen, a maid of honor, best man, flower girls, and ring bearers. But let’s be real tradition is what you make it so go ahead- send your hilarious brother down the aisle as the ring bearer. Maybe your flower girl is your best furry friend. You’ll want to ask them early on, so they have plenty of time to plan ahead, and to ensure they’re available on your chosen date. Just make sure you don’t ask too early that you would change your mind.. Give yourself a little bit to really think through who you want to stand next to you on the big day.
9. Create a Wedding Website 🌐
A wedding website is a great way to keep your guests informed and make things easier on your big day. On the website, you can include important details like the wedding schedule, venue directions, dress code, registry links, and hotel accommodation options. It’s also a great tool for collecting RSVPs electronically, which will save you time and help you manage your guest list more efficiently. A wedding website can be as simple or elaborate as you’d like, and there are many templates and platforms available to help you get started.
10. Enjoy the Process and Don’t Rush 🧘♀️
The wedding planning process can be stressful, but it’s also a time to enjoy and celebrate your love! Don’t feel pressured to have everything planned in a week or a month—give yourselves time to enjoy the process, and remember to check in with each other regularly about decisions. Try not to get bogged down by every little detail or comparison to others; it’s about creating a celebration that reflects you and your loved one. Also, take breaks from planning to relax, whether that means a weekend getaway, enjoying a fun date night, or just taking a moment for your favorite face mask.
Wedding planning can be stressful but it can also be a really fun experience! It’s all about perspective and not feeling rushed to do the next thing. A wedding planner can take a massive burden off of your shoulders in your planning experience. If you find yourself needing any help we’re just a click away! Happy Planning!
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