Ok so you just got engaged, and you’re like… now what!? You’ve heard all about your friends planning a wedding and now it’s your turn. How do I plan a wedding??? Have no fear my friend! I have a few tips that will get you on the right path to planning your perfect day.

Before we get started, I’ll introduce myself! Hi!!! I’m Haines, and I’m a wedding planner based out of Raleigh, North Carolina. I provide a white glove, hands on treatment for my clients. When clients work with Significant Events, it feels like a breath of fresh air. And so, here’s a few tips to ease your mind as you embark on your journey to your wedding day.

Now, without further ado, here’s what you need to do to start planning your wedding.

1. Determine a rough guest count and set a budget. Determine how much you’re willing to spend on the wedding. This will guide all your decisions moving forward. Be sure to talk to your parents or close family and friends about if they are willing to contribute to the day, and do your research on what a reasonable budget is for the kind of wedding you want to have. Be sure to think about how many guests you’d like to have attend, as this definitely can impact your budget!
   
   
2. Talk to a planner. Before you start, talk to a wedding planner. Whether you plan to hire them or not, it doesn’t hurt to make sure you have realistic expectations about your wedding. The earlier you hire a planner the better. Even if you only hire them for event management, they are very well connected in the industry and will be able to share expert advice early. For example, when I am planning weddings here in Raleigh, I provide unlimited communication with my client via email and text, even if they book my lowest package! I also share a wedding planning checklist with all of my clients. Therefore, the sooner you book with me the better, as I can help guide you the rest of the way.
   
   
3. Choose a venue and pick a date. Some people choose their dates based on when their favorite venues are available, while others have specific dates in mind. Before visiting venues, be sure to at least have some sort of timing in mind. For example, do you want to get married as soon as possible? In a year? In a specific season?
   
   
4. Draft a guest list and send out save the dates. Make a list of everyone you want to invite to the wedding and send them a save the date. If you want to keep an eye on the guest count more in advance, add an “early RSVP” QR code to the save the date!
   
   
5. Hire Vendors. Secure essential vendors such as a planner, photographer, videographer, caterer, florist, and entertainment. Read reviews, ask for recommendations, and schedule consultations to ensure they align with your vision and budget. If you have already hired you planner, they likely have recommendations for others.
   
   

That’s a great place to start! Reach out to your local planner to for more organization help with a clear budget and planning timeline. For more engagement tips, check out this blog post next. Happy Planning!