If you’ve recently got engaged – congratulations! Now the fun begins of planning your dream day.
There’s a lot to think about when it comes to planning your wedding, so it can feel a little overwhelming at first. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the first five steps you should follow to get started – so you’re planning can get off without a hitch!
Set a budget
First things first, you need to set yourself a budget. A realistic budget. It’s no secret that weddings can be expensive, with the average couple spending £18,400 in the UK in 2022, according to a recent survey.
You don’t want your married life to get off to a rocky start with financial worries, so it’s important to set yourself a budget and do your best to stick to it throughout your planning.
Do your guest list
The next thing you should do is think about who you want to invite. The number of guests will dictate the size of the venue you need – so think about this before you start looking at places to tie the knot.
It’s worth setting up an Excel sheet for your guest list so you can make any changes to it along the way. Start by writing down the family members you’d like to invite from both sides, then move on to friends and anyone else you’d like to be a part of the day. Don’t forget to include both of you in the numbers, too!
Pick your venue
Next up – your venue! Whether you’re dreaming of a destination wedding on a white sandy beach, or you’d love to get hitched in your local castle, you’re sure to find the perfect place.
While you can get swept up in the fun of venue hunting, it’s important to think of the practicalities and logistics too. Ask the venue about costs, nearby accommodation, any restrictions, catering options, and the capacity they can hold. Once you’ve said ‘I do’ to your venue, you can pick a date and the rest of the planning can begin!
Assign your bridesmaids and groomsmen
After you’ve got a venue and date lined up, you can ask your nearest and dearest to be a part of your big day. You may already have in mind who you’d like to ask to be your bridesmaids and groomsmen, but have you thought about how to ask them?
There are many fun ideas for this, from bridesmaid proposal boxes packed full of goodies to hidden message mugs. You could invite everyone round for a cuppa and once they finish their drink, they’ll see a hidden message at the bottom of their mug asking them to be in your wedding party!
Choose your wedding rings
Once you’ve picked your venue, you can head out shopping for your wedding rings. It’s wise to try on a few different styles to see what you both like, including plain bands, curved rings, and diamond-studded styles.
Why not make a day of it and head out for lunch, dinner, or drinks? It’ll help to mark the occasion and create a special memory you can treasure forever.
While planning a wedding can sometimes feel stressful – remember the day is about you two tying the knot. Try not to sweat the small stuff and have fun with your significant other as you plan the details of your day. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together!
