You’ve said “yes” to the proposal, and now you’re officially engaged – congratulations!
Before you dive into Pinterest boards, cake tastings, and colour schemes, take a breath. There’s no need to rush straight into planning mode. This is such a special moment in your story together, give yourselves a little time to simply enjoy being engaged before the logistics take over.
When you’re ready, the best place to start is with a few big-picture decisions. Think of it like a chain: each link connects to the next, and getting these first ones in place will make the rest of your planning so much smoother (and far less stressful).
First steps to planning a memorable wedding
What kind of wedding do you want?
Before you book anything, decide together what sort of celebration feels most “you.” Have you always imagined having a big white wedding with all the traditional trimmings? A weekend packed full of celebrations in a countryside manor? Or a relaxed party in the city where you can let your hair down with your friends and family?
Remember: it’s your wedding. Don’t be swayed by what you think you “should” do or what others expect. This is about creating something personal, memorable, and a true reflection of you as a couple. Once you know the style and tone you’re aiming for, every other decision becomes easier.
For more questions to ask yourselves when deciding what kind of wedding you want, head to my “How to plan a meaningful wedding” blog post.
What’s your budget?
The money conversation isn’t the most romantic, but it’s one of the most important. Look at your finances honestly, how much can you comfortably spend without getting into debt? Will you need to save, or do you already have funds set aside?
If family members offer to contribute, talk openly about whether that comes with expectations. Is it a gift with no strings attached, or will they want a say in how it’s spent? If it’s the latter, think about whether that might compromise your vision. One way to keep everyone happy is to use gifted money for a specific area (flowers, music, or drinks, for example) and give them some say in that part only.
When do you want to get married?
Is there a time of year that feels special to you both? The anniversary of your first date or a favourite season? Your budget might influence this decision too; out-of-season dates (like autumn or winter) and midweek weddings can be more cost-effective than peak summer Saturdays.
Also think about how long you’ll realistically need to save and plan, especially if you’re both busy. A longer lead time means you can secure the suppliers you really want without scrambling.
That’s not to say a short-lead wedding isn’t possible, I’ve planned plenty. It just means you’ll need to adjust your expectations, be decisive, and accept that some suppliers may charge express or rush fees. On the plus side, you might also find some fantastic last-minute deals if you’re flexible.
Who will you invite?
A rough guest list is essential before you start venue hunting. There’s no point falling in love with a venue that’s the wrong size for your numbers. Start by grouping guests into categories: family, friends (school, university, work), and then split each into “close” and “not so close.”
This is also a good time to decide who you want to play key roles such the best man and chief bridesmaid. And check with them if they’re going to be around for the date or time of year you have in mind.
Once you’ve answered these first questions, you’ll have the foundations for your wedding in place. From there, the fun really begins and with the right help, it can stay fun all the way to the last dance.
Bonus tip: Consider booking a wedding planner!
If you already know your schedules are packed and the thought of coordinating suppliers, timelines, and budgets makes you break out in a cold sweat, this is the time to bring in a professional.
A wedding planner will help you translate your ideas into a clear, achievable plan, keep everything on track, and handle the details behind the scenes so you can actually enjoy the process. They’ll also introduce you to trusted suppliers, suggest ideas you may not have thought of, and make sure your wedding day feels just right for you.
If you’d love a celebration that’s stylish, personal, and stress-free from day one, get in touch, I’d love to help you create a wedding that feels like yours, in every detail.
