You’ve got the ring, the butterflies, and maybe even a Pinterest board full of dreams—so now what? Before you start booking vendors or trying on dresses, these four steps will give your planning the strong (and stress-free) start it deserves.
Whether you’re diving in solo or sitting down with your fiancé to start making decisions together, these tips will help you turn “Where do we even start?” into “We’ve got this.”
1. Set a Budget & Talk Priorities
Before anything else, sit down with your fiancé and discuss two major things:
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What kind of wedding you want, and
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What kind of budget you realistically have.
Are you dreaming of a big celebration or something intimate? What are your non-negotiables—photography, music, guest experience, food? Being honest about your priorities now will help guide every decision moving forward.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t forget to leave room in your budget for tips, attire alterations, and unexpected expenses.
2. Draft a Guest List Estimate
You don’t need a final count yet, but start creating a rough list with your fiancé and families. Guest count affects nearly everything—venue capacity, catering costs, even invitation pricing—so having a ballpark number will help you narrow down your options faster and avoid surprises later.
3. Choose a Date or Season
Rather than locking yourself into one specific day, pick a few preferred dates or a general season that fits your vision. This makes it easier to find a venue and vendors with availability—and gives you some flexibility in case your dream team is already booked.
🌸 Spring garden vibes? ✨ Winter glam? Let your style and schedule guide you.
4. Get Inspired IRL at the Elegant Wedding Expo
Once you’ve got your basics in place, attending a local wedding show is one of the easiest (and most fun!) ways to move your planning forward. At the Elegant Wedding Expo, you can:
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Meet trusted local vendors face-to-face
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Discover new ideas and trends
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Ask questions and compare options
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Often score discounts and booking bonuses
🎟️ Think of it as a planning shortcut + girls’ day out, all in one.
Final Thought:
Planning a wedding can feel like a lot—but it doesn’t have to start that way. By taking these first four steps, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth and intentional planning journey.
