First off, congratulations!!! Enjoy this special moment in your life, I want you to soak it all in.
Photographer: Sincerely Photo + Video Published by: Jessica Martinez Castillo Lead wedding planner Simply Sweet Memories
Are you and your fiancé are over the moon, freshly engaged, and have no idea where to start with your wedding planning? That's totally normal, haha! Keep reading to see what are the next steps to propel that wedding planning process with right foot.
Many newly engaged couples have never been married before and are eager to jump into the wedding planning process but have no idea where to start. I am here to tell you that is totally normal, the following recommendations below are highly suggested for you both! :)
Budget: Let's talk numbers
This is the hardest part for every couple that is planning their wedding in 2023 or 2024, but it has to be done. Do some research around your area OR the city you are envisioning in having your wedding, this can be Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, Thousand Oaks, Malibu, Santa Monica, Pasadena in order to get a clear understanding of what the venue market price looks for each.
Having a clear understanding of what your max spending budget will be for your wedding day will save you headaches and arguments along this journey. I highly recommend breaking your budget by categories such as:
Venue
Wedding Planner or Coordinator
Dress
Food
Rentals
Photography
Video
Florist
DJ
Miscellaneous
Guest List: Locking in your guests
This is key !!! Make an excel sheet with all potential guests, the next day or two come back to this list and narrow it down to who WILL and CAN make it to your special day. Many times we want to invite 200 plus guests, just keep in mind the higher the guest count, the more you'll have to spend. You'll need more rentals, tables, chairs, invitations, a bigger cake, flowers, food, and alcohol/ cocktails.
The best way to save some money on your wedding day is going to be lowering your guest count by 20 to 30%.
Inspiration: Pull out that Pinterest board
The fun part! Pull out that Pinterest account or create one if you didn't create one the same night you got engaged haha!
Don't get overwhelmed with the endless amounts of options and inspiration one can find on wedding boards on Pinterest. Again, you're going to break it down into subcategories such as: cake, dress, colors, flowers, potential venues, etc..
Wedding Planner: Your right hand gal
If your budget allows, please hire a wedding planner or wedding coordinator for your wedding day. If you and your fiancé are not the type to get excited about hosting events or parties, I highly recommend seeking professional help! Hiring a wedding planner from the beginning stages will save you so many headaches and can even save you money if you hire the right one.
Wedding planners spend a very large amount of time researching, networking, and meeting vendors in the wedding industry. A well experienced wedding planner will put together an all star team for your wedding. Please keep in mind you always get what you pay for, this saying goes hand in hand with each and every wedding vendor you hire.
Don't be afraid to ask all the questions to your wedding planner, they are the ones that will save you so much time on questions such as:
How do I obtain my host insurance?
How did I go about a fire permit if I want a romantic vibe inside my reception?
When do I get our marriage license?
Did you recently get married? Feel free to share any advice for newly engaged couples below!