Congratulations, You just got engaged!
Within minutes of announcing your engagement, you will get suggestions on how to plan a wedding once engaged. You likely will start getting questions from friends and family. When are you both getting married? Do you have a date set yet? Where are you planning to get married? What will you be wearing? Moreover, you will get many suggestions, bridal magazines, invites to different wedding-related Facebook groups, etc. If you or any of your family members don’t have experience planning a wedding, you are left wondering how to plan a wedding once you get engaged. Here are some helpful tips to make your wedding planning process a little easier.
Firstly, before starting to plan the wedding, take some time to enjoy being engaged! Consider taking a trip together or having a small celebration with close friends and family. This can help you feel more relaxed and confident about the planning process. You will never get back those first days and weeks after you get engaged. Share your happiness with friends and family before you worry about how to plan a wedding.
So how to plan a wedding once engaged?
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but I think taking it step by step is the way to go. First things first, have you thought about how long you want to be engaged? That’ll help figure out a timeline for the planning process. Oh, and don’t forget that a longer engagement means more flexibility and time for planning.
Do you already have some wedding vendors in mind? If so, it’s a good idea to reach out to them and see if they’re available during your wedding month. If not, pick a few potential dates and start researching and contacting vendors together. Stay organized and make sure your dream wedding becomes a reality!
Being organized is key to planning a wedding.
There are many creative ways to be organized when planning a wedding. Moving beyond the traditional methods of using pen and paper or digital tools, you can get creative and find what works best for you.
One helpful option is Microsoft Planner, which can assist in delegating tasks and establishing deadlines for a successful wedding. Alternatively, a wedding binder or book can also be effective in keeping all important information in one place, whether it be vendor contracts, seating charts, or guest lists. The biggest disadvantage of a wedding binder is that you have to carry it everywhere you go whereas a software-based planning tool helps you to access the information from anywhere. Ultimately, finding the right organizational tool for your wedding planning process can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.
Start a Wedding Checklist to plan a Wedding
Firstly, we highly recommend that you either print out or refer to the comprehensive Wedding checklist provided. This wedding checklist will serve as an excellent guide through the entire planning process.
Secondly, it would be beneficial to customize your version of the wedding checklist according to your Wedding date. This will ensure that you stay on track and don’t miss any crucial deadlines.
Additionally, we suggest that you mark off completed tasks and take detailed notes following any discussions with vendors. This will help you keep track of important information and ensure that you are always up-to-date with any changes or updates. Remember, planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but with the right tools and resources, you can make it a stress-free and enjoyable experience!
Wedding Priorities
Let’s start our second conversation by discussing your dream wedding. We all have different priorities. So it is essential to create a list of what matters the most to each of you. It will help you make a decision that you’re both happy with. It will also ensure that you don’t overlook the details. What do you care about the most? Best Venue? A beautiful dress? décor, throwing the best party, spending time with friends and family? Do you want to have a big wedding or a small intimate one? Take the time to ask yourselves all of these questions and prioritize accordingly.
Wedding budgets
It is one of the questions or concerns we always get from couples. One practical and effective method to control costs is to limit the number of guests on your invitee list. Additionally, take the time to reflect on your values and priorities as a couple. It can help you determine which aspects of the wedding day are meaningful to you both. This process can guide you in directing your financial resources toward the elements of the wedding that bring you the most joy and satisfaction. If you require further guidance or support, don’t hesitate to reach out or comment below.
How to Plan a Wedding on a Budget?
One way to approach budgeting for your wedding is to first clarify your priorities, as they will greatly impact your spending. From there, you can explore different ways to save money, such as DIY decor or having a weekday wedding instead of a weekend. To better understand where your money is going, consider breaking down the average cost of a wedding into categories such as venue rental, catering, or photography. Ultimately, the amount you spend on your wedding will depend on your own financial situation and priorities.
On average, couples spend around $50000-$80000 for 150 guests at their wedding. Here are some cost breakdowns that might help you in your Wedding planning. The below pricing has changed drastically because of inflation this year. So please reach out to vendors to get a rough estimate based on the current market.
$6,000- $12000 Wedding Venue Rental
$6,750 for $45- $65 /plate x 150 people ( this is the lower-end cost per plate) ⠀⠀⠀⠀
$2,000 -$3000 for your drinks⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
$750 – $1200 for Bartenders⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
$350- $800 Officiant⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
$3,000 – $7000 Photographer⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
$3000 -$7000 Videographer⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
$1000-$2000 DJ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
$450 Insurance, Liquor License + Marriage License⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
$800-$1,200 Hair + Makeup⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
$1500-$5,000 Florals⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
$3,500 Rentals + Decor⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
$3,000- $7000 Wedding Planner⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
$1000- $1,500 Limo/Limo Bus/ Transportation⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
$1,000- $2000 Stationery + Signage⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
$3,000- $5000 Couples Wedding Attire + Alterations⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
$750- $1000 Cake/Dessert⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
$500 Gifts⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
$3000 Any misc costs
Task Lists & Communication
Collaboration is key when it comes to accomplishing tasks efficiently. Working together with your partner every step of the way and attending wedding vendor consultations together can help ensure a smooth planning process. It’s important to communicate tasks and deadlines, even if you have a wedding checklist, and discuss progress after completing each item on the list. This ensures both of you are on the same page and working towards the same goals.
In addition, it’s helpful to take a break or switch to a different activity when wedding planning becomes overwhelming. Consider engaging in activities like creating websites or writing bio descriptions to alleviate stress. Remember to prioritize having fun, making memories, and cherishing the planning process.
We hope this article helped you on how to plan a wedding once engaged. If you have any further questions or ideas to share with other couples on how to plan a wedding, please feel free to leave a comment below.
Lastly, here are a few more articles that should help you with wedding planning.
Outdoor wedding venues in Edmonton, Alberta
Wedding Checklist to keep your wedding planning organized.
5 tips on how to find a wedding photographer
A detailed guide to creating a perfect timeline for your Wedding day
We hope this helped you answer some questions on how to plan a wedding. If you are looking for a Wedding Photographer, you can contact us to schedule a consultation call with us.
You are correct; everyone should create their wedding checklist. Wedding planning begins immediately after the engagement party with determining venue, reception site, date, flowers, etc. So make sure you create a wedding checklist of the list of things that need to be done, such as the budget, the venue location, & the number of people attending your wedding. Thank you for uploading this blog.
Thank you Frank. I am glad it was helpful.