Your ultimate wedding planning guide

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Congratulations on getting engaged! Now that you’ve celebrated your engagement with family and friends, it’s time to set a wedding date and get planning. Planning a wedding can be overwhelming -there are so many decisions to be made, from cake flavors to event coordinators. Whether you’re having an intimate elopement or a gala-style soiree, follow these 14 steps to make your wedding day one to remember.

1. Decide on a budget.
2. Brainstorm your guest list.
3. Create a moodboard of your bridal style.
4. Choose a venue and set a date.
5. Start booking your vendors.
6. Create a wedding website and registry.
7. Send save the dates.
8. Prepare for pre-wedding events.
9. Send formal invitations.
10. Plan your honeymoon.
11. Make it personal.
12. Get creative.
13. Say “I do.”

1. Decide on a budget.

Your budget will dictate nearly all of your wedding decisions -so before you start touring venues or tasting cakes, you and your partner should discuss how much you’re looking to spend on your wedding day. Do some research ahead oftime, like requesting pricing from venues and vendors, to make sure your number aligns with your vision for your day. Think about what’s non-negotiable in your budget, and what you can live without. Let’s say a videographer is on your must-have list, but you need to find more room in your budget to hire someone…so, maybe skip the open bar or the wedding favors.

2. Brainstorm your guest list.

Before you settle on a venue, make a list of everyone you (and your parents)plan on inviting to your wedding day. Decide whether you’re inviting children and if you’re giving all guests a plus one. From there, research venues that can accommodate your guest list, and get a better idea of what the per-person cost will be. Expect to make some cuts to your guest list based on your wedding budget and venue capacity limits.

3. Create a moodboard of your wedding style.

What vision do you have for your wedding day? Will the vibe be rustic or romantic? Do you see yourself celebrating in a ballroom or a backyard? Do you prefer a black-and-white color scheme or something more vibrant? Will it be more casual or a black-tie affair? Create a dedicated board on Pinterest or an inspired collage of magazine cut-outs to convey your vision. You can come back to this visual tool when you’re making decisions about details or want to share your vision with your vendors. And if you’re looking for a little inspiration, check out our wedding shop.

4. Choose a venue and set a date.

Now that you have an overall vision for your wedding, narrow down venues to the ones that capture the feel you’re going for. Venues often book up quickly for weekends and prime dates, so if you find one you like, book it. Or, if you’re looking to save money, consider getting married in the off-peak season or on a weekday -many venues offer discounted rates for these less popular time slots.

5. Start booking your vendors.

Now that you have a time and location for your wedding, you can start booking vendors -you’ll probably need a photographer, florist, band or DJ, caterer, makeup artist, transportation and more. Like venues, popular wedding vendors will book quickly…so be prepared to sign a contract and pay a deposit when you find someone you like. It’s also a good idea to book vendors who are familiar with your area or your venue -they’ll have an advantage when it comes to planning and set-up time, and you’ll be supporting small businesses in your area. You can also consider hiring a wedding planner or coordinator. They’ll probably provide you with a list of their preferred vendors, and as your wedding date gets closer, handle any last-minute details.

6. Create a wedding website and registry.

Whether you design your own website or use a third-party service, your wedding website will be the place your guests go to for critical information. In addition to details about the date and time of your celebration, your website can have a link to your registry, answers to FAQs, hotel information and more. Choose a website theme that ties back to your moodboard, and make it personal by sharing the story of how you met or photos from the proposal.

7. Send save the dates.

It’s good practice to send save the dates for your wedding 6-9 months before your wedding day. If you’re having a destination wedding, anticipate a lot of out-of-town guests or plan to hold your wedding on a holiday weekend, aim for closer to 9 months -you want to give people plenty of notice. If your wedding is local, with mostly local guests, you don’t need to give as much notice. Choose a theme and colors for your save the dates that reflect your wedding inspiration board, and make sure to include your date, your venue and your wedding website. Want to send out save the dates that won’t be forgotten about? Print them on a magnet.

8. Prepare for pre-wedding events.

There are plenty of events that lead up to your wedding day, from bridal showers to bachelorette parties to rehearsal dinners. For these events, you’ll need to make guest lists, send invitations and secure a venue. Turn to your wedding party or your parents for help planning these smaller-scale events.

9. Send formal invitations.

As your wedding day gets closer, it’s time to send your formal invitations -aim to get them in the mail 6-8 weeks before the event. Your invitations should have the location and time of your ceremony and reception, and a deadline for guests to respond -either through your wedding website or with an RSVP card. Short on time? Consider sending evites if you’re less than 4 weeks out from your wedding day.

10. Plan your honeymoon.

Once all of the “big stuff” is taken care of, take some time to plan a honeymoon -you deserve a vacation from all the wedding planning. Whether you want to do a low-key getaway nearby or an exotic extended adventure, talk to your partner about where you want to go and start booking hotels, flights and activities. If you received contributions to a honeymoon fund at your bridal shower, think about how you’ll use those funds.

11. Make it personal.

Make your wedding day extra-memorable with details that reflect who you are as a couple. Maybe your signature cocktail could be named after your pet, or your dessert course a nod to your first vacation together. Could your first dance be to a song from your favorite movie? These small details can go a long way in making your wedding day feel completely “you”…without breaking your budget.

12. Get creative.

If you’re looking to cut down on costs for your wedding, think about things you can create on your own…or with a little help. You’ll probably need things like seating charts, place cards, programs and menus -start with a template, or upload your own design to create customized decor. Welcome signs are another (affordable!) way to set the tone for your special day, whether you go for a hand-painted mirror or a printed acrylic sign. Did you think of a unique hashtag for your wedding? Display it on your signage to encourage guests to use it when they share photos on social media. Some other things you can DIY before your wedding day are welcome bags, favors or table numbers.

13. Say “I do.”

Congratulations…you made it to your wedding day! Now, it’s time to admire all of your hard work, and, most importantly, celebrate with the most important people in your life. (There’ll be plenty of time for thank-you cards when you get back from your honeymoon.)