Details EtC…

You said “YES” and now, as a soon-to-be bride, you realize there are many facets to planning your big day. The thousands of books are becoming overwhelming & you’re wondering, what do I do first? Let me tell ya! The 3 most important things to focus on now, before you consult with any vendor about your wedding is:

{Wood signs courtesy of and available on Etsy.com}

1. Talk to your fiance about setting a date. The date holds the key to unlock your planning timeline. Without a set date, you simply can’t book a venue, a florist, a baker, etc… NW_Planner Tip: If your wedding date is OFF season or held on a slow day such as a Friday or Sunday, venues are more likely to cut the cost of your event.
2. Next, determine how much want to spend and set a realistic budget. I understand this can be the most grueling step in your wedding planning process but your budget is your roadmap down the aisle. Work with your fiance and anyone else involved in the budget process to figuere out if you’ll be serving hors d’oeuvres or lobster. Remember, always give yourself a cushion in case you want to splurge. After all, you can have Your Cake & Eat it Too!
3. The last and final 1st step in the planning process, once you’ve set your date and finalized your budget, go venue shopping for your Ceremony and Reception. Consider this, are you more outside garden or Grand Ballroom? Your venue will set the tone for your entire wedding. Make sure you book your date asap to make sure your selected venue is available for YOUR big day.

Once you’ve done the top 3 steps in planning for your wedding, gather pictures from magazines to get inspiration & ideas that are unique to your own personal style. Like a true wedding planner, remember to keep all your ideas in a wedding binder/ folder to help keep yourself organized. Take your inspiration binder with you when you start meeting with vendors and venues. Use your binder to also hold your contacts, contracts, and samples as you get them.

Happy Planning!!