How to Start Wedding Planning Without the Stress

Planning a wedding can feel like a lot — we totally get it. Between the excitement, the decisions, and all the little details, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before you even begin. But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be that way.

That’s why we created this guide on how to start wedding planning — to help you feel confident and supported as you step into this exciting new chapter. Whether you're setting your budget, building a checklist of to do's, or beginning the search for your dream venue and vendor team, we’re here to walk you through each step with helpful tips. ✨

Understanding the key first steps on how to start wedding planning

Planning a wedding can seem like an enormous task but breaking it down into manageable steps can make the process much more approachable. The first step in understanding the wedding planning process is to recognize that it involves a series of decisions, each of which builds upon the last.

Begin by envisioning what you want your wedding day to look like. This involves discussions with your partner about your shared vision, including the style, theme, and overall atmosphere you both envision. Whether you dream of a grand celebration in a luxurious ballroom or an intimate gathering on the beach, having a clear picture of your ideal wedding will guide all subsequent decisions. It’s important to be flexible and open to adjustments as you progress, but having this initial vision will serve as your guiding star.

Another crucial aspect of the wedding planning process is creating a checklist. Start by selecting your wedding date and work backward to outline key milestones and deadlines. This timeline should include booking your venue, sending save-the-dates, finalizing your guest list, securing vendors, planning your honeymoon, etc. By establishing a to do list early on, you can spread out tasks by month and avoid the stress and fees that comes with last-minute scrambling.

Keep in mind that some vendors and venues book up quickly, so prioritizing these decisions early can save you from potential headaches later on. Hiring your wedding planner first can be an essential step to not only help you create your overall vision but help by guiding you in venue and vendor selection as well as curating that checklist of key milestones for you!

How to start wedding planning and setting a realistic budget

One of the most critical elements when it comes to how to start wedding planning is setting a realistic budget. Don't get caught up in the Pinterest or Instagram world. Your budget will influence every other decision you make, from the venue and vendors to the guest list and décor. Start by having an open and honest conversation with your partner about how much you are both comfortable spending. Consider any contributions from family members and determine your total budget accordingly.

📝 Tip: Check out our Instagram Reel on the 3 main tips on how to set a realistic budget.

Once you have a total budget in mind, break it down into categories such as venue, catering, photography, attire, and entertainment. Allocate a specific percentage of your budget to each category based on its importance to you. For example, if having a stunning venue is a top priority, you may choose to allocate a larger portion of your budget to that category. Keep in mind that unexpected expenses can arise, so it’s wise to set aside a contingency fund to cover any surprises.

To stay on track, create a detailed spreadsheet to monitor your spending. Include estimates for each category and update it regularly as you make deposits and payments. This will help you keep a clear picture of where your money is going and ensure you don’t exceed your budget.

Assembling your wedding planning team

Your wedding planning team will play a pivotal role in bringing your vision to life, so it’s important to assemble a group of trusted individuals who can support and guide you throughout the process. Start by considering whether you want to hire a professional wedding planner. A wedding planner can provide invaluable expertise, handle logistics, and alleviate much of the stress associated with planning.

Start by researching vendors in your area and reading reviews from past clients. Create a shortlist of potential vendors for each category, such as catering, photography, floristry, and entertainment.

When meeting with potential vendors, come prepared with questions and a clear idea of what you’re looking for. Ask about their experience, style, pricing, and availability. Request to see portfolios or samples of their work to ensure their aesthetic aligns with your vision. Contracts are an essential part of securing your vendors. Carefully review all contracts and ensure that everything you discussed is documented, including services provided, payment schedules, and cancellation policies. You can lean on and ask your wedding planner to review all of your contracts prior to signing to ensure everything looks good.

💍 Top Wedding Vendors (Essential)

These vendors are the foundation of most weddings:

• Wedding Planner / Coordinator: Helps with logistics, timelines, vendor management, and day-of coordination.

• Venue: Often your biggest expense; includes ceremony and/or reception location.

• Caterer: If not included with the venue. Food and beverage are major crowd-pleasers!

• Photographer: Captures the big moments and all the in-betweens — highly worth the investment.

• Videographer: For a cinematic, emotional replay of your day. Many couples regret skipping this one.

• Florist: Designs bouquets, centerpieces, ceremony backdrops, and overall floral vibe.

• DJ / Band: Sets the tone for your celebration, from ceremony music to dance party.

• Hair & Makeup Artists: For the bride, bridal party, and sometimes family. Booking early is key.

• Officiant: Whether religious or secular, they guide the most important part of the day.

• Baker / Cake Designer: Custom wedding cakes or a dessert spread tailored to your style.

🌟 Optional / Specialty Vendors (Nice-to-Haves or High Impact)

These elevate the guest experience or help with aesthetics and logistics:

• Rentals Company (furniture, linens, tableware, tents, lighting)

• Signage Designer

• Transportation (shuttles, vintage cars, etc.)

• Live Painter / Sketch Artist

• Photo Booth Company

• Lighting & AV Specialists

• Luxury Restroom Trailers (for outdoor weddings)

• Childcare Services

• Security / Valet Service

• Dog Handler (for couples with pups in the ceremony!)

• Content Creator (social media-focused capture)

How to start wedding planning and choose the right venue

Selecting the right venue sets the stage for your entire wedding and is often one of the first major decisions you’ll make. The venue will influence the style, size, and overall feel of your celebration, so it’s essential to choose a location that aligns with your vision. Begin by narrowing down your options based on your budget, guest count, and preferred wedding date. Venues can sometimes book years in advance, so remember to start the process early!

When touring potential venues, take note of the ambiance, layout, and available amenities. Consider whether the venue offers both ceremony and reception spaces, or if you’ll need to arrange transportation between different locations. Ask about any restrictions or policies, such as noise ordinances, décor limitations, and preferred vendor lists. Do they require you to have venue insurance? Ask your planner for a list of questions or ask them to attend the site visits with you - you'd be surprised at how many logistical questions you won't think to ask! It’s also important to inquire about the venue’s availability and booking process to ensure it aligns with your timeline.

Don’t forget to consider the practical aspects of your venue choice. Think about the convenience and accessibility for your guests, including parking, accommodations, and transportation options. If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, have a backup plan in case of inclement weather. Selecting a venue that checks all the boxes and aligns with your vision will give you a solid foundation for the rest of your wedding planning.

Balancing wedding planning with everyday life

Wedding planning can easily take over your life if you let it — but it doesn’t have to feel that way. Finding balance is key to enjoying this season (and staying sane along the way!). One of the best things you can do is set aside specific times each week to focus on wedding tasks. Whether it’s a couple of hours on Sunday afternoons or a mid-week planning date night.

And don’t forget about you. Prioritize rest, self-care, and quality time with your partner that isn’t about color palettes or guest lists. Wedding planning stress is real (those memes exist for a reason!), but this time is also meant to be joyful and memorable. Savor the fun stuff — tasting cake, choosing your first dance song, or laughing through the times that feel tough.

Most importantly, trust your vendor team and know that perfection isn’t the goal — connection is. Let go of the pressure to have it all figured out and focus on creating a day that feels true to you two. When you have the right support and a clear plan, you can actually enjoy the ride and show up on your wedding day feeling calm, confident, and completely present.

Feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start? We'd love to help you feel grounded and excited again. If you're ready to reduce stress and stay on track, let's chat — you can schedule a complimentary consultation with our planning team here. 💛