So, you’re engaged—amazing! You’ve likely already taken a million ring selfies, had a celebratory toast (or three), and felt that first wave of excitement. Then suddenly… reality sets in: Oh wow, we actually have to plan a wedding.
But don’t stress! Wedding planning can be a total adventure if you kick things off the right way. Forget just pinning inspiration and rushing to book the first venue you find. Here’s a fresh, fun, and insightful guide to getting started—featuring tips most people don’t even think about!
1. Figure Out Your Wedding Style Before Setting a Budget
Most advice will tell you to start with a budget, but let’s back up—before you crunch numbers, you need to know what you’re budgeting for. Take some time with your partner to envision your wedding day. Is it an elegant castle affair? A chic city celebration? A relaxed outdoor festival? An elopement on a windswept cliff?
[Check out this guide on choosing a wedding style.](https://www.brides.com/wedding-planning-5205040)
PRO TIP: Instead of asking, “What’s our budget?”, ask: What’s most important to us? If photography is non-negotiable, plan accordingly. If flowers aren’t a big deal, skip the elaborate arrangements!
2. Make a Guest List Before Booking Anything
It’s tempting to invite everyone, but guest lists can spiral quickly. Before you get attached to a venue, draft a realistic list (not just a dream one). Many venues have strict capacity limits, and catering costs rise with every extra plate.
[Use this wedding guest list template to stay organized.](https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-guest-list-template)
PRO TIP: Make an A-list (must-invites) and a B-list (nice-to-haves). If spaces open up, you can move people from B to A without stress.
3. Choose a Venue With More Than Just Aesthetics in Mind
That castle might look breathtaking in photos—but is it actually practical for your wedding? When scouting venues, consider:
- Guest Comfort – Is it accessible? Will people need taxis at midnight? Are hotels nearby?
- Weather Contingency – Is there a solid backup plan in case of rain?
- Lighting – A venue with low lighting may look atmospheric but could impact your photos.
- Exclusivity – Will you have the venue to yourselves, or will you be sharing it with another event?
[Find top-rated wedding venues in your area.](https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-venues)
PRO TIP: Some venues have strict rules (no confetti, music cut-off times, limited decor options). Always check before committing!
4. Book Key Vendors Early (They Get Snapped Up Fast!)
Photographers, videographers, and planners get booked well over a year in advance—especially the good ones! Once you have a date and venue, prioritize locking in these suppliers.
[Use this vendor checklist to track your bookings.](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-vendor-checklist)
PRO TIP: If a photographer offers an engagement shoot, go for it! It’s a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day.
5. Sort Out the Legal Stuff Early
Not the most exciting part, but definitely crucial. Different locations have different rules, and some places require paperwork months in advance. If you’re getting married abroad, check local legal requirements ASAP.
[Learn about legal wedding requirements in different countries.](https://www.gov.uk/marriages-civil-partnerships)
PRO TIP: In Scotland, you can marry anywhere, but make sure your celebrant is legally authorized if you want the ceremony to be official.
6. Be Strategic With Dress & Suit Shopping
Wedding outfits take time—sometimes up to a year if custom-made. Start early, but keep an open mind!
[Check out this wedding dress shopping guide.](https://www.brides.com/story/wedding-dress-shopping-tips)
- Try a range of styles (what you think you’ll love might surprise you!).
- Consider comfort—will you be able to move, sit, and dance easily?
- Think about practicality—a dramatic train on a muddy field might not be ideal.
PRO TIP: If you’re planning an outfit change for the evening, make sure it’s easy to swap without needing an entire team.
7. Don’t Overlook the Flow of the Day
A fantastic wedding isn’t just about the details—it’s about the pacing. A common mistake? Packing in too much. Ask yourself:
- How long will hair & makeup actually take? (It’s always longer than you expect!)
- Will guests be waiting around between the ceremony and reception?
- Are the speeches short and engaging?
- Is there enough time for portraits without feeling rushed?
[Check out this wedding timeline template.](https://www.marthastewart.com/7934972/wedding-day-timeline)
PRO TIP: A planner or photographer can help create a timeline that keeps things smooth and stress-free.
8. Plan for Hidden Costs
Weddings often come with sneaky expenses. Keep these in mind:
- Service Charges & VAT – Some venues add extra fees.
- Marriage License Fees – A small but essential cost.
- Postage – Invitations (especially fancy ones) can be pricey to send.
- Alterations – Wedding attire rarely fits perfectly off the rack.
- Set-up Fees – Some venues charge extra for decor and teardown.
[Here’s a full breakdown of hidden wedding costs.](https://www.theknot.com/content/hidden-wedding-costs)
PRO TIP: Set aside at least 10% of your budget for unexpected costs. It’ll save a lot of stress later!
9. Add Personal Touches to Make It Your Wedding
The best weddings feel unique to the couple. Think about:
- Writing your own vows (even if they’re just a few lines!).
- A fun guestbook alternative (Polaroid station, audio recordings, etc.).
- Signature cocktails or unique food choices.
- Non-traditional entertainment—a live painter, a magician, a surprise musical act?
[Check out these unique wedding ideas for inspiration.](https://www.rockmywedding.co.uk/unique-wedding-ideas)
PRO TIP: The details people remember most aren’t the ones that cost the most—they’re the ones that feel the most you.
10. Remember: It’s Your Day
It’s easy to get caught up in trying to make everyone happy—family expectations, guest preferences, traditions. But at the end of the day, this is your wedding. Don’t be afraid to break traditions, skip things you don’t care about, and focus on what truly matters to you.
PRO TIP: If planning gets overwhelming, take a wedding-free date night. Step away from the spreadsheets and remind yourselves why you’re doing this in the first place!
---
Final Thoughts
Wedding planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it should be an exciting journey you take together. Start with the right mindset, prioritize what truly matters, and enjoy the process. The most unforgettable weddings aren’t just visually stunning; they’re personal, joyful, and full of love. [Happy planning!](https://www.weddingwire.com/) and if your ready to have a chat about booking your wedding photographer jump on over to my contact page and lets do this!! https://www.lewismacmichael.com/contact
Wedding Planning