No one ever said planning a wedding would be easy. Brides always tell others how much planning was involved before their big day, but what steps did they actually have to complete? Yes, there’s reserving venues and booking vendors, but what else is involved in the wedding-day process? Most couples plan at least a year in advance, but what are they doing that’s taking that long? Now that your wedding’s coming up, are you wondering how to start? Well fret no longer! In this article, we uncover all the major aspects of planning your perfect wedding.

Set Your Budget

Before reserving or buying anything, you first have to understand your budget. Your budget will be the driving factor for most (if not all) of your wedding-related decisions. It’s impossible to move forward with your plans without knowing how much you can/want to spend. Reserving a glamorous venue is most brides’ dream, but it will turn into a nightmare if you realize later on that you weren’t able to afford it. Your budget also determines your wedding size. A larger wedding is more expensive, since you have to accommodate a bigger group of guests.

Make sure to communicate with your partner to figure out your budget together. If your family members are contributing, make sure you talk to them as well. It might be uncomfortable discussing budgets with your parents or other relatives, but in order to properly set your budget, it’s a must. Make sure to also give yourself some wiggle room for any unexpected costs, such as any upgrades or last-minute changes.

Think about the Big Picture

You might already have an idea of what you want your perfect wedding to look like, but it’s much better to start with a general idea rather than a specific one. Rather than having your heart set on a specific venue or dress, and getting disappointed if they’re unavailable, you should have ideas of what you want so you have more options to choose from when the time comes. Things can also change as you continue your planning process, so it will be easier to accommodate. As you and your fiance are planning this “big picture,” make sure to consider a few questions:

What time of year do you want to host your wedding?

What wedding venue style do you like? (Outdoor/indoor, city/local, casual/formal, large/small)

How many guests do you want to invite?

If you don’t have an idea of what your perfect wedding will look like, try getting inspiration from apps like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok.

List Your Top Priorities

Now that you have a general idea of what you want your wedding to look like, it’s time to figure out your top priorities, such as venues and your wedding date. It’s best to focus on finalizing these details early so you can focus on the more “fun” part of planning your wedding, such as decorations and outfits. This is also the time you should be booking your priority wedding vendors, which include florists, rental companies, photographers/videographers, caterers, and hair/makeup stylists. Many of these in-demand vendors are hired more than a year in advance, and once they’re booked, they’re gone. So make sure you give yourself ample time to get the vendors you want.

Make sure to also communicate with your partner throughout this (and every) process. It’s their big day too!

Consider a Wedding Planner or Coordinator

Wedding planners and coordinators have planned hundreds of weddings before, so they have a depth of knowledge that is extremely beneficial for you and your partner. They can help you prepare the wedding of your dreams because they can best understand your wants and needs. They also help make the experience more enjoyable and stress-free since you don’t have to worry about every aspect of your big day. Instead, you have more time to relax and focus on things you can control. If a wedding planner isn’t in your budget, part-time consultants and day-of wedding coordinators are also fantastic options. Consultants help devise your wedding blueprint, such as helping with your budget, schedule, site choices, and list of goods and vendors. Coordinators make sure everything goes smoothly on your actual wedding.

Organize Everything

Organization is key to most aspects in life, especially when planning a wedding. Take advantage of tools such as spreadsheets (Excel or Google Sheets) and checklists. They help you visualize and prioritize your goals without feeling overwhelmed by everything at once. Checklists are also a great way to plan your goals for the day. You can’t complete everything at once (even though you might want to). It will be difficult to manage all your daily responsibilities while planning your big day, so make sure to set realistic goals for yourself. How much can you actually finish in the time period you’ve given yourself? Planning a wedding is already stressful enough as is, so don’t make it unnecessarily hard for yourself by trying to finish these tasks all at once. Wedding-planning books are also a great asset for anyone planning their perfect day. They give you information, advice, tips and tricks, and timelines, making it easier for you to manage and organize your goals. They can also help to minimize any stress you might be encountering as the day gets closer.

Make Your Wedding Registry

Your wedding registry is essentially your “wish-list” for your wedding. They help your friends and loved ones choose gifts you need or want. With your engagement party and wedding showers coming up in the future, your guests will appreciate having this list finalized early on so they can understand what to get you. No one wants to disappoint you with the gifts they give, so make it easier for you and your guests by completing your registry.

Get Wedding Insurance

Wedding insurance protects your wedding investments from circumstances beyond your control (such as damages or cancellations) by reimbursing your expenses. Although you don’t want anything bad to happen on your wedding day, anything can happen. Make sure you’re properly protected. Most wedding venues also require this insurance, so it’s best to get it early.

Shop for Wedding Attire

Now’s the fun part. Shopping! Browse wedding dress and suit ideas online so you have a good idea of your likes before going into stores. It’s also suggested to learn some of the fashion lingo so you can easily communicate these wants to the shop clerks and assistants. If you’re getting a wedding dress, what kind of silhouette, neckline, train, and hue are you looking for? For suits, do you want a traditional or sleek tuxedo? Another important question to ask yourself is if you want to buy or rent your outfits. This decision is based on your budget (which is why it’s essential to plan this out early!). Remember that custom orders, tailoring, and final touch-ups can take months to complete, so it’s best to shop as early as you can. This is also a great time to think about your wedding’s dress code. Do you want your wedding to be black tie, semi-formal, cocktail, or casual? Make sure to tell your guests the dress code as early as you can so they can also plan accordingly.

Set Your Prewedding Self-Care Routine

Everyone wants to look their best on their wedding day, and it’s always best to start at least a few months before your big day, especially if you’re trying out any new skincare products. Experimenting with different products early also helps you figure out how your skin reacts to them and to make any necessary changes. If you’re worried about having dry skin, try out different kinds of moisturizers to see what works best for you. Now’s also the time to buy teeth whitening kits and sunless tanners or to book facials and hair appointments. As your wedding day approaches, make sure to take the time to think about your mental health. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, try talking to a therapist or licensed professional who can offer the help you need.

Add Your Own Personalized Details

Your wedding day is all about you and your partner, and you want your big day to reflect both of your likes and interests! This is when you can really make your wedding day shine by personalizing it to fit you and your partner. If your first date was at a coffee shop, maybe consider having a little coffee stand to commemorate the start to your relationship. Or if you share a love of chess, think about adding chess pieces as parts of your decoration. Let your creativity and love for each other shine through these personalized details.

Apply for a Marriage License

Finally, it’s time to apply for a marriage license. A marriage license is a legal permit that states you and your partner are legally allowed to marry and is generally issued by a state authority such as the country court. Each state is different, so it’s important to do research on the timelines and deadlines for the location where you’re getting married. For example, a New York marriage license is only valid for 60 calendar days beginning the day after it’s issued, and the marriage ceremony may not take place within 24 hours after it was provided. If you’re not sure about your state’s policies, contact the city or town clerk to get confirmation on timelines and deadlines.

Planning any wedding takes a lot of time and effort. Make sure to take the time to organize your thoughts, and tackle your tasks one day at a time. Even when the day comes and things aren’t perfect, remember that you’re surrounded by all of your loved ones who are there to celebrate you and your partner. Take a deep breath, relax, and remember to enjoy the moment with them.

If you want to read more about makeup, beauty, and lifestyle tips, or if you want to learn about our bridal services, check out the rest of our website at cinderellabridez.com. Or if you want to learn about our founder’s business journey, visit her website at barbiepatel.com!