So, you’re engaged—ahhh, how exciting! First things first, take a deep breath and soak in this magical moment. Seriously, don’t rush straight into planning mode. Enjoy being engaged, tell your loved ones (if you haven’t already), and maybe even throw a little celebration to mark the occasion. But once the dust settles and the “When’s the big day?” questions start rolling in, you might be wondering… what next? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s your friendly, stress-free guide to getting started with wedding planning.

Set the Vibe Before the Date

Before you even think about picking a date, take some time as a couple to dream up what you want your wedding to look and feel like. Do you picture a grand, formal affair or a relaxed, intimate gathering? A summer garden wedding or a cosy winter celebration?

Think about:

• The overall style—classic, boho, modern, vintage?
• Indoor or outdoor?
• Big guest list or just your nearest and dearest?
• A full-on traditional wedding or something a bit different?

Once you have a general idea of the vibe, picking a date will feel much easier!

Set a Budget (and Stick to It!)

This is where things start to get real. Setting a budget isn’t the most glamorous part of wedding planning, but it’s absolutely essential. Decide on a number that feels comfortable for you and be realistic about what you can afford.

• Top tips:
• Be honest with each other about priorities—what’s most important? The dress? The food? The entertainment?
• Don’t forget the hidden costs—postage for invitations, dress alterations, tips for suppliers, etc.
• Research ways to save! DIY touches, second-hand finds, and off-peak wedding dates can all help keep costs down.¹

Start Your Guest List

Before you can book a venue, you need a rough idea of how many people you want to invite. Your guest list will shape so many other decisions, from the size of the venue to the catering costs. A good place to start:

• Write down everyone you’d love to invite—then refine it based on your budget.
• Consider “tiers” of guests—immediate family and closest friends first, then extended family, then colleagues, neighbours, etc.
• Decide if you want children at your wedding (because trust us, this is a hot topic!).

Remember, your wedding is about celebrating your love story, not inviting people out of obligation.

Find the Perfect Venue

Now comes the exciting part—venue hunting! Your venue sets the stage for your big day, so it’s worth taking the time to explore different options. Think about:

• Do you want a traditional venue like a hotel or stately home, or something quirky like a barn, beach, or festival-style marquee?
• Location—do you want to stay local or go for a destination wedding in the UK or abroad?
• Availability—if you have your heart set on a specific venue, be flexible with dates!

Once you’ve found the one, get it booked ASAP. Popular venues get snapped up fast, especially for summer weddings!

Say Yes to the Dress (or Suit!)

Okay, we might be a little biased, but this is one of the most exciting parts! Whether you’ve been dreaming of your wedding dress since childhood or have no idea what style you want, start looking early. Wedding dresses (and suits!) often need time for ordering and alterations, so don’t leave this to the last minute. Tips for a stress-free shopping experience:

• Keep an open mind—sometimes, the dress you least expect is the one.
• Bring a small, supportive entourage (too many opinions = overwhelm).
• Comfort is key—you’ll be wearing it all day, so make sure you can move, dance, and breathe!

Book Key Suppliers

Photographers, caterers, florists, musicians, hair and makeup artists… the list of wedding suppliers can feel endless! To avoid disappointment, start booking the essentials early. Consider booking these first:

• Photographer/videographer (if you want high-quality memories!)
• Entertainment (DJ, band, string quartet—whatever suits your style)
• Florist (especially if you want seasonal flowers)
• Cake maker (because wedding cake tasting is definitely a priority!)

Enjoy the Journey!

It’s so easy to get caught up in the whirlwind when you’re getting started with wedding planning, but don’t forget to enjoy it! There will be moments of stress, unexpected hiccups, and possibly the odd debate over table plans—but at the end of the day, it’s all about celebrating you as a couple. Take time out for date nights, say yes to help from family and friends, and remember that no wedding is perfect—but yours will be perfect for you.