You’re engaged, now what? After all of the excitement of the engagement, it’s hard to know where to begin with wedding planning. There is just so much to do, consider, and plan!

Narrowing down the first steps to planning your dream wedding is essential so you can stay on track and not miss a detail. So before you head straight to Pinterest, read on to see where to start planning your wedding and some answers to common wedding planning questions.

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How long before a wedding should you start planning?
What is the first thing you do when planning a wedding?
How much money should I have saved before planning a wedding?
How does a wedding work step by step?
What is the basic budget for a wedding?
What should you not do when planning a wedding?

How long before a wedding should you start planning?

Most brides plan their wedding a year in advance, some even planning a year and a half out. Having at least a year to plan all of the details of your special day will give you ample time to find the necessary vendors, venue, wedding dress, and more without being stressed about time frame.

What is the first thing you do when planning a wedding?

The first things to do when you start wedding planning are:

1. Set your budget. This is crucial as it will dictate all of your decisions going forward. You don’t want to set unrealistic expectations then are disappointed with what you can afford.
2. Determine your vision. Peruse Pinterest and the web to see what kind of atmosphere and style fits the vision you have. Think mostly about venue spaces to start, then move on to florals, centerpieces, color palette, and bridesmaid dresses.
3. Search for wedding venues that fit your style and budget, and schedule visits.
4. Pick your date and book your venue. Once you’ve shopped around for the perfect wedding venue and you’ve found one you love, see which dates are available and select one.
5. Make your guest list. This will also impact budget as most venues and vendors for food/beverage charge by head.
6. Search for wedding vendors, you’ll need:
   1. Photographer
   2. Officiant
   3. Catering (if not offered at the venue)
   4. Bartenders
   5. DJ/music/entertainment
   6. Chair or decor rentals
7. Hire a wedding planner if you are going to use one. If you’re DIY planning your wedding, it can be helpful to grab a wedding planning checklist to simplify the process and keep you organized. We love this digital wedding planner on Etsy!
8. Form your wedding party
9. Go wedding dress shopping
10. Explore honeymoon options & plan one

How much money should I have saved before planning a wedding?

According to The Ascent by Motley Fool, the average cost of a wedding in 2022 was around $27,000. Saving the full amount or knowing which family members will be helping pay is important to know up front so you can plan a wedding within your means.

Always begin with your budget, then find wedding venues and vendors that fit into that budget and stick to it. You don’t want to overspend on your wedding.

How does a wedding work step by step?

While weddings can have some variation, the most common format is the following:

Ceremony:

1. Processional. Beginning with the bridesmaids and groomsmen walking down the aisle, followed by the bride.
2. Readings. Some people opt for the officiant or a family member to read bible verses, love or marriage related readings, or personal letters from family members. 
3. Officiant addresses the couple & usually says a few words about the importance and responsibilities of marriage, as well as the significance of the vows to follow.
4. Exchange of Vows
5. Ring Echange
6. Pronouncement of Marriage
7. The first kiss as a married couple
8. Optional: Unity ceremony
9. Closing Remarks
10. The Recessional

What is the basic budget for a wedding?

As we mentioned above, according to The Ascent by Motley Fool, the average cost of a wedding in 2022 was around $27,000.

What should you not do when planning a wedding?

There are quite a few wedding planning mistakes many couples make, including:

• Shopping for venues or dresses before setting a budget
• Setting a date before picking a venue
• Not reading through venue or vendor contracts
• Assuming 10% of guests will RSVP “No”
• Blowing your budget on just the wedding dress
• Trying to do everything yourself
• Not setting boundaries with friends or family
• Not making a plan in case of rain or in climate weather (outdoor ceremonies or receptions)
• Trying to DIY everything or in large quantities
• Not feeding your vendors
• Forgetting the marriage license or applying for it ahead of time
• Being overly specific and not flexible on what choices are actually available or feasible
• Skipping a hair or makeup trial
• Not prepping tip envelopes for vendors in advance (yes, you have to tip!)
• Trying to please everyone