Congratulations on your engagement! This is one of the most exciting times in your life, but let’s be honest—it can also feel a little overwhelming. You’re probably wondering, “Where do I even start when planning a wedding?” Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Every bride starts somewhere, and we’re here to make the process simple and stress-free.
Imagine your wedding day: the venue glowing with the perfect ambiance, your favorite people celebrating alongside you, and every detail falling seamlessly into place. That dream day starts here, with a solid plan and a little creativity. Whether it’s creating a Pinterest-perfect mood board, deciding on the time of year, or figuring out your budget, we’ll guide you through each step to get started.
You don’t need to be a professional wedding planner to create a stunning and unforgettable day. With a little organization and the right tools—like our free wedding budget spreadsheet—you’ll have everything you need to turn your vision into reality. Plus, you’ll have more time to enjoy the moments that matter, like cake tasting and dress shopping!
Ready to make wedding planning simple? Let’s dive in and discover how to start planning your dream day today. From picking your theme to booking your dream venue, this guide will help you feel confident and in control of the process.
I Just Got Engaged! Now Where Do I Start Planning My Wedding?
Congratulations, you’re engaged! This is one of the most exciting moments of your life, so before diving headfirst into wedding planning, take time to savor it truly. Think of this phase as the calm before the thrilling whirlwind. Celebrate your love, share the big news with family and friends, and let the joy of this milestone sink in—it is a moment worth cherishing.
You might be asking yourself, “What do I do next?” The answer is simple: breathe and dream. Planning your wedding is like setting out on a road trip—you’ll need a map, but for now, enjoy the scenery. Start by imagining your perfect day. Is it a big celebration in a grand ballroom, or an intimate gathering under the stars? These dreams will become the foundation for everything from your venue to your wedding budget.
Remember, there’s no rush to figure it all out right away. This is the start of an incredible journey, so take it one step at a time. The best weddings begin with a happy heart and an unclouded vision of what matters most. Grab a cozy spot with your partner, and let the dreaming begin!
Reality – Creating a Wedding Budget
Crafting a wedding budget is where dreams meet reality. It can feel overwhelming at first, but trust me, it’s worth it. When my husband, Jon, and I started planning our wedding, tackling or even talking about a budget amongst ourselves let alone our families was a task we wanted to pretend didn’t even exist; dreaming was more fun. Eventually, it started to feel like a mountain we didn’t know how to climb. We kept putting it off because it seemed so daunting and, honestly, a little scary.
Eventually, we realized we had to face it. One evening, we sat down together with some snacks, a notebook, and a good playlist. We listed everything we could think of—venue, food, photography, and even the small stuff like invitations. Slowly but surely, the numbers started to come together, and we could see where our priorities were. By the end, we felt relieved, even excited. Having a clear plan gave us so much peace of mind.
Looking back, creating that budget was one of the smartest things we did. It kept us from overspending and helped us focus on what really mattered to us, like wedding day fits and great food. So, take it from us: start your budget early, and you’ll thank yourself later. The mountain is smaller than it looks—here are a few things to consider when creating your wedding day budget:
Wedding Vendors
Vendors are the heart of your wedding team. From caterers crafting your dream menu to florists transforming your venue into a garden oasis, these experts bring your vision to life. Photographers and videographers capture every magical moment, so you can relive your big day for years to come. Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how your beauty team ties into not only your confidence walking into your wedding day but one of the things that will stand out when looking back on your photos and videos of your day. With all of that in mind, here’s the key: prioritize. Do you want a gourmet dinner, or is live music more important? Knowing what matters most will help you allocate your budget wisely.
Location
Your venue sets the stage for your wedding, but it also takes a big slice of the budget pie. Think about size, cost, and flexibility. A grand ballroom might offer elegance, but a charming barn could bring rustic romance for less. Ask yourself: Does this location fit my guest list and vision? Remember, some venues include extras like tables décor and catering, which can save money in other areas.
Wedding Planner/Day of Coordinator
Hiring a wedding planner or coordinator can feel like adding a superhero to your team. They handle details, smooth out the hiccups on the big day, and most importantly let you enjoy the journey. But does it fit into your wedding budget? If a full-service planner isn’t realistic, consider a “day-of” coordinator to keep things running smoothly on the big day. It’s an investment in peace of mind.
What Are Your Non-Negotiables?
Every couple has must-haves. What are yours? Is it a live band that keeps guests dancing all night, or jaw-dropping photography that captures every detail? Non-negotiables are the foundation of your budget. Identify what you can’t imagine your wedding without and adjust other expenses to make room for those priorities. After all, this day should reflect what’s most meaningful to you.
Creating your wedding budget might seem overwhelming but breaking it into these categories makes it manageable. With a clear plan, you’ll feel confident and excited as you bring your dream day to life. So, what’s at the top of your list?
Create a Wedding Planning Timeline
A wedding planning timeline is like a roadmap for your big day. Without it, you might feel lost or overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done. When I tell you I had everything on a complete timeline from almost the day I got engaged to the end of the wedding day. It gave everyone involved clear-cut actions items and definitive answers to just about everything. Even the the morning of, from waking up to breakfast, to bridesmaids at the venue then groomsmen. There was room for error but with the timeline in place, it set us up for a smooth running. With the right timeline, you can tackle each task step by step, making the process easy and enjoyable. So, where should you start?
12+ Months Before: Lay the Foundation
Think of this as planting the seeds for your wedding day. In this first stage, you should choose your date, book your venue, and set your wedding budget. This is also the time to sit down with your fiancé and create a rough guest list and start brainstorming themes. Big decisions like these set the stage for everything else.
8-12 Months Before: Build the Framework
Now it’s time to hire your dream team of vendors—caterers, photographers, hair and makeup artists, florists, and musicians. Make sure you target your must-have vendors and start making sure the availability is there. With the pressure of making sure planning is done way in advance vendors are booking faster than ever before. This is also when you should find your wedding dress (allow time for fittings!) and send out save-the-dates. Ask yourself: Does everything align with my vision? Checking these off your list now will give you peace of mind later.
3-7 Months Before: Fine-Tune the Details
This is where the magic comes together. Choose your décor, finalize your menu, and order your invitations. It’s also a great time to schedule hair and makeup trials to perfect your look. Think of this phase as polishing a gemstone—small details make the whole day shine.
1-2 Months Before: Countdown to the Big Day
Confirm final details with your vendors, create a seating chart, and prepare welcome bags for guests if needed. Don’t forget to write your vows and schedule a rehearsal. Enjoy all the celebrations in honor of you and your future spouse. This is the moment to reflect: Am I ready to soak in every moment of this day?
1 Week Before: Relax and Celebrate
It’s almost here! Pack an emergency kit (think safety pins, snacks, tissues, etc.). Now the emergency kit is something I cannot stress enough! Too often I have witnessed little things come up during wedding days that cause tiny fires that could have been easily fixed with a very thoughtful emergency kit put together ahead of time. Personally, I absolutely failed in that area. I had no speaker for music, no pins, no steamer but I had an amazing bridal party who had prepared just in case. Next, finalize the timeline with your wedding party, and spend time with loved ones. Let go of any last-minute stress—you’ve done the work, and now it’s time to enjoy your dream day.
With a wedding planning timeline in hand, you’ll feel confident and in control every step of the way. Think of it as your guide to making memories, not just plans. So, what’s the first step you’re excited to check off?
Check Out Our Wedding Budget Spreadsheet
Budgeting for a wedding doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Imagine trying to assemble a puzzle without the picture on the box—it’s a lot harder, right? That’s where our wedding budget spreadsheet comes in. It’s your step-by-step guide to piece everything together seamlessly, giving you a clear picture of your dream day and how to make it happen.
Our spreadsheet helps you track every detail, from big expenses like the venue and catering to smaller ones like favors and stationery. It’s organized, easy to use, and ensures nothing falls through the cracks. Wondering how much to spend on flowers or if you’ve covered all the vendor tips? This tool takes the guesswork out of budgeting for a wedding.
The best part? It’s completely customizable. You can adjust categories, add your priorities, and even mark non-negotiables. Think of it as your personal wedding planning assistant—minus the extra cost. So, why not take the first step toward a stress-free planning process? Check it out and start building a budget that works for you!
Let Us Help You!
Planning a wedding is like orchestrating a symphony—every detail needs to come together in harmony to create a beautiful experience. That’s where we come in. At Sabrina J Styles, we’re here to make your day as seamless and stunning as possible, from the way you look to the memories you’ll cherish forever.
Imagine walking down the aisle with flawless hair and makeup, feeling confident and radiant as all eyes are on you. Our expert team will work with you to create a look that’s uniquely yours, enhancing your natural beauty for one of the most photographed days of your life.
And speaking of photos —don’t let a single moment slip away. Our wedding photography and wedding videography services capture the laughter, happy tears, and magical details that make your day special. From your first look to your final dance, we’ll ensure every memory is preserved beautifully.
Why stress over finding multiple vendors when we can handle it all? Let us be your one-stop shop for creating a day that feels effortless and unforgettable. Ready to get started? Reach out today, and let’s bring your dream wedding to life!
