New Year, New Wedding Plans: How to Start Wedding Planning
So, you said YES (cue confetti and happy tears)! Now that a new year is here, it’s the perfect time to kickstart your wedding planning journey. But before you dive headfirst into Pinterest boards and dress fittings, let’s get you set up for success—without the stress.
The beginning of the year is actually an amazing time to start wedding planning. Vendors are gearing up for a fresh season, and you’ve got plenty of time to make your dream day a reality. Here’s how to start wedding planning the right way.
Dream First, Plan Second
Before you get lost in a sea of spreadsheets, take a moment with your fiancé(e) to envision your wedding. Do you picture an intimate garden ceremony or a grand ballroom affair? A cozy winter wedding or a sun-drenched summer celebration?
This is your time to dream big and align on the vibe before diving into logistics. Grab some coffee (or champagne, we won’t judge 🍾) and chat about:
The overall feel – Classic and elegant? Modern and bold? Boho and carefree?
Must-haves – A live band? A jaw-dropping venue? An epic dessert bar?
Non-negotiables – No buffet? No matching bridesmaid dresses? No awkward first dance?
Once you know what really matters to you, the rest of the planning will feel way easier.
Set a Budget Before You Fall in Love with a Venue
Let’s be real—weddings can get expensive fast. Before you book anything, get clear on your budget. Here’s how:
Figure out who’s contributing – Are parents helping? Are you covering it yourselves?
Prioritize your spending – Splurge on what matters most (maybe it’s the dress, the food, or the live band) and save where you can (DIY centerpieces, anyone?).
Use a budget tracker – A simple spreadsheet or a wedding budget app can be a lifesaver.
Pro tip: Be prepared for hidden costs (hello, cake-cutting fees and dress alterations). Always leave a little cushion in your budget.
Pick a Date—but Stay Flexible
Before you fall in love with a specific date, consider this: Some venues and vendors book up years in advance (yes, really!). To keep your options open:
Choose a season rather than a specific date.
Consider weekday or Sunday weddings—they’re often more affordable.
Look at off-peak months if you’re open to something outside peak wedding season.
Once you’ve got a general timeframe, you can start venue hunting with a little more confidence.
Pick a Date—but Stay Flexible
Before you fall in love with a specific date, consider this: Some venues and vendors book up years in advance (yes, really!). To keep your options open:
Choose a season rather than a specific date.
Consider weekday or Sunday weddings—they’re often more affordable.
Look at off-peak months if you’re open to something outside peak wedding season.
Once you’ve got a general timeframe, you can start venue hunting with a little more confidence.
Pick a Date—but Stay Flexible
Before you fall in love with a specific date, consider this: Some venues and vendors book up years in advance (yes, really!). To keep your options open:
Choose a season rather than a specific date.
Consider weekday or Sunday weddings—they’re often more affordable.
Look at off-peak months if you’re open to something outside peak wedding season.
Once you’ve got a general timeframe, you can start venue hunting with a little more confidence.
Lock in the Big Stuff First
Now for the fun part: securing the essentials! Start with these key bookings:
Venue – Everything else depends on this, so book it first.
Photographer/Videographer – The best ones go fast, so don’t wait.
Planner (if using one) – A lifesaver if you want a stress-free experience.
Catering & Entertainment – Food and music set the mood, so lock these in early.
Once those are secured, you can start thinking about details like florals, invitations, and your wedding attire.
Enjoy the Process!
Wedding planning is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be moments of stress (guest list debates, anyone?), but try to soak in every little part of this journey. Celebrate the milestones—like finding the dress or securing your dream venue—and remember, at the end of the day, it’s about marrying your person.
So take a deep breath, grab your planning notebook, and get excited. Your best day ever starts right now.