First 30 Days: Where to Begin with Wedding Planning?

As a wedding venue we know how stressful planning a wedding can be. Here we've compiled a list of things you should do in the first 30 days of planning your wedding.

Set a Budget

Before diving into wedding details, take a moment to establish a budget. Determine how much you and your partner can realistically allocate for your wedding expenses. Don’t forget to check if family members might also contribute financially.

Weddings can be expensive. For instance, couples spend an average of $28,000 on their wedding in the U.S., with major expenses typically going towards the venue (around 30% of the budget), catering (about 20%), and photography (approximately 10%). Create a list of priorities and allocate your budget accordingly. This will guide your decisions in the upcoming weeks.

Create a Guest List

The second essential task is creating an initial guest list. Knowing how many guests you’d like to invite will significantly influence your venue choice and catering plans.

Start with family, closest friends, and any other must-invite guests. According to recent surveys, couples on average invite about 130 guests, but some intimate weddings can have as few as 50 attendees. Remember that it is easier to cut down your list later than to add names, so compile a preliminary list and refine it as needed.

Choose a Wedding Date

Selecting the right date for your wedding is another important step. Think about your personal circumstances, any venue availability, and important dates in your life, like anniversaries or family birthdays.

Choose a date that matches your vision and consider off-peak wedding seasons for potential cost savings—couples who marry in January or February can save up to 20% compared to peak months like June or September.

Research Potential Venues

With your budget and guest list, it’s time to research wedding venues. Think about the style and atmosphere you envision—elegant, rustic, or modern—as you explore your options.

Visiting multiple venues is wise to gauge the space, capacity (most venues can accommodate between 100-300 guests), and available amenities. Inquire about any restrictions they might have, such as catering policies or noise limits. The right venue will make your wedding day even more memorable.

Assemble Your Wedding Planning Team

As you embark on the planning journey, consider who will support you through this exciting time. Your fiancé, family members, and close friends can lend a helping hand.

Assign specific tasks to your wedding team. This could be creating DIY decorations, managing RSVPs, or communicating with vendors. Sharing the responsibilities can reduce stress, and having a reliable support system makes planning enjoyable.

Research Vendors

The next step is to research key wedding vendors, including photographers, caterers, florists, and entertainers.

Seek recommendations from trusted friends, family, and online reviews. When narrowing down your choices, schedule consultations with your top selections to discuss packages and availability. A well-reviewed vendor can make a significant difference in your wedding experience.

Choose Your Wedding Party

Selecting your bridal party is a fun and essential part of the planning process. This typically includes a maid of honor, bridesmaids, best man, and groomsmen.

Consider choosing individuals who uplift you and support your decisions. Your bridal party will play crucial roles, both during the planning and on the big day itself.

Plan a Theme or Style

Defining a theme or style for your wedding will help inform many of your decisions. Focus on what reflects your relationship as a couple and allows both your tastes to shine.

Gather ideas from wedding magazines, blogs, or Pinterest. Creating a mood board can effectively visualize your preferences, including color schemes, floral arrangements, and decoration choices.

Start Gathering Inspiration

Begin compiling inspiration that represents your vision for the big day. Collect images, ideas, and themes that resonate with you.

You can create a physical or digital folder to keep everything organized. This collection of inspiration will be invaluable when discussing details with vendors and your planning team.

Stay Organized

In the first 30 days, tasks can pile up quickly. Staying organized is key. Use planners or digital tools to track deadlines, appointments, and to-do lists.

Consider using wedding planning apps or spreadsheets that keep everything in one place. Having a clear outline will help ensure that important deadlines are met and nothing important gets missed.

Wrapping Up Your First Month

The first 30 days of wedding planning can set a positive tone for the entire journey ahead. By establishing a budget, crafting a guest list, and researching venues and vendors, you will be well on the way to a successful planning experience.

Remember, take things one step at a time and lean on your support system for assistance. Enjoy the process, and before long, your wedding day will be just around the corner!

For more inspiration visit our website!