How to get started with planning - and 10 things to avoid!
Before diving into wedding planning, take a moment to truly enjoy your engagement. Celebrate this milestone—pop a bottle of champagne, soak in the excitement, and embrace the journey ahead!
Once you’ve celebrated, it’s time to set your priorities. Have an open discussion about what matters most to each of you. Defining your priorities early on will help you navigate the many decisions ahead with confidence.
You’ll hear me talk a lot about priorities, but that’s because they are SO important! ;)
Once you get started you are advised to sit down and go over the key items. We tend to talk about it as the main things to understand and take decisions on to be able to continue forward.
So what does those key items include?
Well, here is your list:
1. Wedding size
Do you envision an intimate gathering or a grand affair?
Knowing your guest count will guide your budget, venue selection, and overall design.
2. Budget & Financial contributions
Are you covering expenses yourselves or receiving financial help? Set clear expectations early on to avoid misunderstandings later. You don’t necessarily have to have the budget done but understand what you are working with.
3. Planning involvement
Decide how involved you and your partner will be in planning. Will family and friends contribute, or will you hire professionals?
This is the moment when most couples come to us to book a Kick-off Planning Session which gives you a great idea of what is required from you during the planning process and how much help you actually may want to bring in.
4. Hiring professional help
Consider hiring a wedding planner, coordinator, or stylist to alleviate stress. Understanding their roles can help you decide which service best fits your needs:
Wedding Coordinator: Manages logistics on the day to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Wedding Planner: Handles the entire planning process, from vendor coordination to timeline management.
Wedding Stylist: Focuses on the aesthetic design, decor, and overall ambiance of your day.
Planning a wedding without the stress
Wedding planning should be fun, not overwhelming. To stay on track, schedule designated planning dates where you focus solely on wedding-related tasks. Break tasks into manageable steps—start with big-picture decisions like budget and venue before moving on to details like decor and seating arrangements.
Again, our Kick-off Planning Session is the best to get your started with calm and ease.
Defining your priorities
With endless inspiration available, it’s easy to get lost in the details. Instead, sit down together and list your must-haves. Walk through a traditional wedding structure and identify what resonates with you. Ask yourselves:
How many guests do we want?
What atmosphere do we want to create?
What are our top three non-negotiables?
How involved do we want to be in the planning?
Focusing on what truly matters will help you avoid unnecessary stress and ensure your wedding reflects your love story.
The Wedding Priority Planner will truly help you with this! And it’s completely free!
Final Thoughts
Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, but it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. By setting priorities, staying organised, and seeking professional help when needed, you can enjoy the process and create a wedding that truly reflects your love story.
So, then — what are the ten things to avoid when you get started with your planning?
1. Skipping the budget discussion
Not setting a clear budget early can lead to overspending and stress. Know your financial limits before making major decisions. This is NOT just about knowing the amount of money but also what you are comfortable with spending and seeing what brings value to you.
2. Booking the venue before finalising the guest list
Your venue should match your estimated guest count, so avoid choosing a space before knowing how many people you want to invite.
3. Underestimating hidden costs
Factor in extra costs like service fees, taxes/added VAT, rain plans, stamps and delivery fees to avoid last-minute surprises. You can always reach out to ask about if you are unsure.
4. Overloading the to-do list
Trying to do everything at once leads to burnout. Break planning into manageable steps and set realistic deadlines.
Book a Kick-off Planning Session with us to understand how you can best plan the planning.
5. Not hiring professional help when needed
Whether it’s a planner, coordinator, or stylist, having professional guidance can save time, money, and stress. Even if you want to do all the things by yourself it’s good to have someone to support you, and make sure you are on the right track.
6. Ignoring the weather
Oh this is a big no no no. If you're having an outdoor wedding, always have a backup plan in case of rain, wind, or extreme temperatures.
My saying is “plan for the worst and hope for the best!”
7. Micromanaging everything
Trying to control every tiny detail can be exhausting. Trust your vendors and delegate tasks when possible. It’s also the unexpected and slightly spontaneous things that happen which makes your day and will be remembered in the end — embrace it!
8. Leaving things to last minute
Procrastination leads to unnecessary stress. Secure key vendors, finalise details, and send invitations well in advance. Learn to prioritise and focus on what matters to you.
9. Not considering guest comfort
So many times I’ve heard about wedding were guests were almost forgotten. Please, if you do one thing, make sure guests have clear directions, enough seating, food options, and accommodations if needed. The easier you make it for the guests, the more comfortable they will be — and guess what, that equals HAPPY guests!
10. Forgetting to enjoy the process
Wedding planning should be exciting, not just a checklist. Take time to celebrate, enjoy the journey, and focus on what truly matters—your marriage and future life ahead!
Need expert guidance? We’re here to help! Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can help you!
