How to plan your dream wedding

Just got the ring? Congrats! A beautiful chapter begins. It’s more than a party—it’s your union and the start of a story. To enjoy the journey, start with structure: here are the 3 key steps and a practical guide to move forward without stress.

The 3 steps to start on the right foot

1) Decide the wedding date

• Pick season and city; check weather and plan B if outdoors.
• Confirm availability of key people (immediate family, wedding party).
• Consider long weekends/holidays (affects flights and hotels).

2) Build the guest list

• Create A/B lists (high/medium priority) and define your kids policy and plus ones.
• Use a shared sheet (names, emails, city, RSVP, dietary needs).
• Expect attendance to vary by 10–20% depending on destination/city.

3) Set the budget

Money talk = peace of mind. With a target number it’s easier to prioritize. Suggested breakdown:

• Venue + catering/beverages: 40–50%
• Florals/decor + rentals + lighting: 10–15%
• Music/entertainment: 8–12%
• Photo + video: 10–15%
• Planner/coordination: 8–12%
• Attire/beauty: 5–8%
• Stationery/favors/transport/misc: 5–10%

Tweak based on priorities (e.g., if music is huge for you, push it to 12–15%).

The following week: what to decide

• Define style (elegant, rustic, urban) and a starter palette.
• Build a venue shortlist (3–5) and request comparable quotes.
• Schedule interviews with wedding planners and photographers.
• If religious ceremony, check dates and requirements (ceremony types).

Timeline (reference)

• 12–9 months: venue, planner, photo/video, save the date.
• 8–6 months: catering, music, dress / suit, guest lodging.
• 5–3 months: invitations, layout & seating, decor and florals.
• 2–1 months: hair/makeup trials, final menu, timeline.
• Week of: confirmations, final payments, playlist, emergency kit.
• Wedding day: eat breakfast, hydrate, delegate. Enjoy!

Helpful tools

• Shared folder with subfolders by category and consistent naming.
• Task board (To-Do / Doing / Done) and a calendar with reminders.
• Budget with versions and a forecast column.

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

• Booking a venue without understanding hidden costs (corkage, overtime, generator).
• Paying deposits without a contract and clear policies.
• Inviting “by feel” without a firm guest cap.
• Forgetting the weather plan or audio for outdoor ceremonies.

Quick checklist

• Pre-approved date with key people
• A/B guest list + kids/plus-one policy
• Budget by category and priorities
• Venue shortlist + site visits
• First interviews: planner and photo/video

Indicative guide. Adjust timing and requirements to your city and event type.