How to start planning your wedding
First of all — congratulations! You’re officially fiancéd, and that deserves at least one celebratory toast (or three 🥂). Once the confetti has settled and you’ve told all your nearest and dearest the big news, the inevitable next thought hits: where do we even start?
Take a deep breath. You don’t have to plan the entire wedding in one sitting — but there are a few key steps worth tackling first. Think of these as your “power trio” that will shape every other decision you make.
Pick a Date (Or a Season)
It sounds simple, but locking in a date — or at least narrowing down a month or season — is the foundation of everything. Venues, photographers, planners… they all need a date before they can check availability.
A few tips:
- Be flexible: If you’re set on a particular venue or vendor, having a few date options can make booking easier.
- Consider the vibe: Dreaming of golden sunsets and balmy evenings? A late-summer wedding might be perfect. Want moody, romantic candlelight? Winter weddings can be absolute magic.
- Think about logistics: School holidays, public holidays, and even major events in your area can impact travel and accommodation for guests.
Set Your Budget (and Your Priorities)
Before you fall in love with venues or get swept up on Pinterest, sit down and have an honest chat about numbers. Your budget is the roadmap for the entire planning process — and it’s also how you decide what matters most to you both.
Some couples splurge on photography and keep the guest list small. Others prioritise a statement venue or a live band. There’s no right or wrong answer — but knowing what you’re comfortable spending and what deserves the biggest slice of the pie will make every other decision so much easier.
Pro tip: build in a little wiggle room for unexpected extras (they always pop up!)
Secure Your Venue
Once you know your date and your budget, the next big milestone is booking your venue. This is the anchor around which everything else revolves — and popular venues can book up 12–18 months in advance, so it’s worth getting this one sorted early.
When you visit or enquire, think beyond the aesthetics. Ask about:
- Capacity and layout (does it suit your guest list and vision?)
- Backup options for weather
- What’s included (tables, chairs, coordination, etc.)
- Noise or timing restrictions
Once your venue is booked… cue the happy dance. 💃 It’s all very real now!
Book Your Core Vendors (Early)
With your date and venue locked in, you’re ready to build your dream team. The vendors that tend to book out the fastest — and make the biggest impact on your day — should be next on your list:
- Photographer: (👋 hi, that’s me!) We’re usually booked 12–18 months ahead, so reach out sooner rather than later.
- Planner/Coordinator: If you’re working with one, get them on board early to guide the process.
- Caterer: If your venue doesn’t include catering, start tastings and enquiries soon.
- Videographer: If you want moving memories to go with your photos, book them early too.
After that, you can layer in the rest — makeup, florists, music, stationery, attire, cake, décor… the fun details that bring it all to life.
A Final Thought
Remember: this is your wedding. It doesn’t have to follow anyone else’s checklist or timeline. What matters most is creating a day that feels like you — the atmosphere, the moments, the memories.
And if you ever feel overwhelmed? Come back to these three steps: date, budget, venue. Nail those, and you’ve built the strongest foundation for everything else to fall beautifully into place.