If you’re recently engaged, congratulations. You may have been waiting for this magical moment to happen and now you realise the magnitude of the task in front of you – don’t panic! The very first thing you need to do it celebrate and enjoy this special time, soak up the excitement before you get down to some serious wedding planning business.
When the time is right, it’s time to crack on with creating the day of your dreams and luckily for you we’ve got the five first important steps covered… good luck with you plans!
1. Set your budget
The very first step in planning your wedding is the most unromantic task, but an essential one. Begin by setting a rough guideline of the total amount you would like to spend. From that work backwards identifying the categories that are most important to you so you can decide how to spread out your budget. It’s so important to understand your priorities from the very beginning so you don’t get wrapped up in the tiny details.
2. Choose your date
Until you have a confirmed wedding date you can’t plan your day, and you won’t be able to choose a final date until you have chosen your venue. One good way to get around this is to choose three preferred dates and approach your preferred venue with them. Having a backup venue is a good idea unless you are really set on your first choice and will change your date to accommodate their availability.
You can view our extensive range of venue options here.
3. Draft up your guest list
With a budget and date set, it’s time to work out who will be sharing the day with you. Over time and during the planning process your guest list may fluctuate but it’s good to have a basic guideline to begin with – your budget and venue capacity will help with this. If you venue has a maximum capacity this will put a limit on your numbers. Your budget will also dictate how many guests you can realistically afford to invite.
4. Choose your dream team of suppliers
It’s it a great job you are here! WeddingsOnline have a fabulous variety of recommended and reviewed suppliers in all wedding day elements from bridal boutiques to photographers and florists to entertainers. The Service Finder is a brilliant resource to check availability with a number of suppliers at once – check it out here.
5. Ask your bridal party that important question
Another hugely exciting part of the initial wedding planning journey is choosing your bridal party and asking them that all important question! Chat to your partner about who you are planning to ask and have the best time gathering your I Do Crew together!
That’s it, you’re all set up to throw a great wedding celebration!
