Step-by-Step Guide to Planning Your Wedding - Pretty Collected

Step-by-Step Guide to Planning Your Wedding

August 09, 2020 3 min read

Step-by-Step Guide to Planning Your Wedding - Pretty Collected

Congratulations, you’re engaged!! Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting, yet stressful times in our lives. There’s just so many details to oversee and things to get done. We want to help relieve a little stress with a simple guide to help you get your wedding planning started! We hope you find our tips helpful for planning your big day!

This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Engagement Photo - Wedding Planning Guide - Engagement Ring

Such a cute engagement photo idea! 

Set Your Budget

One of the first major steps in planning your wedding is setting your budget. Sit down with your fiancé and come up with a budget that works for both of you. If your parents are planning on contributing, then possible include them in this conversation as well! undoubtedly is setting the budget. By not having to dwell about how much

With a clear budget, you will know how much you can spend in each area of your planning, like the venue, wedding dress, photographer, catering, favors.... 

Take Notes in a Wedding Planner

Wedding Planner Book - Custom Wedding Planning Book - Gift for Bride to Be

Get a Custom Wedding Planner Notebook!

While planning my wedding, I took so many notes, that I realized how important it was to have a wedding planner book! So many ideas pop in your head at the most random times, that it just made sense to have a planner to have one place for all things wedding planning.  

Plan a Date to Shop for Your Wedding Dress & Accessories

Wedding Dress Shopping - Wedding Planning Ideas - Wedding Guide

Wedding Dress Shopping Inspiration

One of the most exciting parts about wedding planning is wedding dress shopping with your mom and best girlfriends! Before you head out to try on dresses be sure to look in wedding magazines and Pinterest for some inspiration. It’s always a good idea to have some styles in mind, so you can eliminate the time spent looking at everything. 

If you love accessories, just like me, then you might have some fun shopping for a wedding belt to add to your dress. You might also be interested in looking at wedding shoes, jewelry, hair pins, and even your veil! All of these pieces are what create that whole look for a bride!  

Bridal Accessories - Wedding Planning Ideas - Moon Magic Jewelry

Shop for Gorgeous Bridal Jewelry

For my wedding, I was on the hunt for a really unique ring for my right hand. One of my friends had a ring that totally caught my attention, and  I loved it so much, that I had to have it too! I searched online for one similar to hers, and I loved this. All these bits of wedding inspiration can come to you while shopping, finding inspiration online, or even talking to close friends and family. Take it all in and don’t forget to write it all down! 

Pick Your Wedding Date

Setting the right date is probably one of the most essential factors when planning a wedding. You might have a specific season in mind or a date that holds a whole lot of meaning. Either way, be mindful of the season, the weather, and the comfort of your guests. 

Pick Your Venue

Outdoor Wedding Venues - Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Ideas - Pretty Collected

Gorgeous Outdoor Wedding Venue

Your wedding venue sets the tone for your wedding, the theme, and the whole experience you want to create. Before you start searching for wedding venues ask yourself a few questions: 

  • Do you want an indoor or outdoor wedding 
  • Do you have a theme in mind that the venue will help to set the tone for
  • Do you want a venue that takes care of the food and alcohol or do you want to hire in your own catering company
  • Do you need a small or large space

Be mindful of the size, location, and practicality. If your dream location includes traveling to another state or country, go back to your budget to see what you can accommodate.

Book professional vendors

Wedding Photographer Behind the Scenes - Choose the Right Wedding Photographer - Wedding Planning Guide

Wedding Photography Behind the Scenes

Photographer, caterer, videographer, florist, musicians, hair and make-up artist, the list is endless. That’s why you are going to write all the things in your little wedding notebook to help you hire all the necessary vendors.

Hiring the right vendors may seem like a demanding and tedious job, but it’s extremely vital to hire professionals that will ensure things run smoothly on your big day. Start early, ask around, and seek recommendations from your family and friends. In the end, do your best to stay organized, and keep in mind that most vendors ask for a deposit in order to save your date. Be prepared to have that money available for your vendors.


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