SO YOU WANT TO GET MARRIED. NOW WHAT? A GUIDE TO PLANNING A WEDDING
You’re engaged—congratulations! You’ve gone from dating to forever in one beautiful “YES!” moment, and now you’re probably wondering: Where do we go from here? The next step in your love story is to plan a day that’s as unique and vibrant as your relationship, but let’s face it: the sheer number of decisions can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry—we’ve got your back!
Wedding planning should be an enjoyable, stress-free experience that reflects you. From nailing down your vision and choosing the perfect venue to find a celebrant who gets your vibe (wink, wink 😉), we’ll guide you through the entire process with a sprinkle of magic, plenty of support, and our signature “Professionally Fabulous” touch.
Ready to dive in? Let’s turn your engagement excitement into an extraordinary celebration!
1. CELEBRATE YOUR ENGAGEMENT: SHARE THE LOVE AND BASK IN THE JOY!
Before diving into the whirlwind of wedding planning, take a moment to celebrate your engagement truly. Pop a bottle of bubbly, share the news with your nearest and dearest, and bask in the glow of this magical milestone. Consider hosting an engagement party, having an intimate dinner, or scheduling an engagement photoshoot to capture the joy of this moment.
TEDDY’S TAKE:
“Remember, this is a celebration in itself! Post a fun engagement announcement on social media with a picture of your gorgeous ring and that ‘just-said-yes’ smile, or send out personalised engagement cards to spread the love.”
2. DEFINE YOUR WEDDING VISION: WHAT DOES YOUR DREAM DAY LOOK LIKE?
Before tackling the logistics, sit down with your partner and discuss your vision for the day. Think about what’s most important to you—whether it’s an intimate beachside ceremony, a grand celebration with hundreds of guests, or something totally outside the box (adventure wedding, anyone?).
QUESTIONS TO ASK EACH OTHER:
What’s our ideal wedding style? (e.g., classic, bohemian, modern, themed)
What’s our dream location? (e.g., a scenic vineyard, a cosy backyard, a dramatic mountaintop)
What are our top priorities? (e.g., a relaxed atmosphere, fabulous food, an epic dance party)
TEDDY’S TIP:
“Establishing a shared vision early on helps guide every decision and ensures your day reflects your personality and love story. And don’t be afraid to mix things up—traditional or non-traditional; it’s all about what feels right for you.”
3. SET A BUDGET AND CREATE A SAVINGS PLAN: KEEP YOUR FINANCES UNDER CONTROL
Setting a budget might not be the most glamorous part of wedding planning, but it’s one of the most essential. Discuss your financial situation, identify who’s contributing, and set a realistic budget that works for your wedding dreams. From the venue and catering to the dress and decor, a clear budget will keep you on track and reduce stress.
TIPS FOR SETTING A BUDGET:
List out your top three wedding priorities and allocate your budget accordingly.
Keep a buffer for unexpected expenses—there are always a few surprises!
Use a wedding budgeting tool or spreadsheet to monitor your spending.
TEDDY’S TAKE:
“Hidden costs like vendor tips, marriage license fees, and dress alterations can creep up on you, so plan for them beforehand. And remember, a meaningful wedding doesn’t have to break the bank—there are plenty of ways to make your day fabulous on any budget!”
4. START YOUR GUEST LIST: WHO’S JOINING THE CELEBRATION?
Your guest list will impact almost every aspect of your wedding, from the venue size to the catering budget. Start with a rough list and refine it as you go. Consider your venue’s capacity, budget constraints, and the kind of atmosphere you want to create.
GUEST LIST TIPS:
Break it into categories like family, close friends, colleagues, and acquaintances.
Consider a smaller, more intimate gathering or a micro-wedding if you want to keep it cosy.
Don’t feel pressured to invite everyone out of obligation—choose people who genuinely support and love you.
TEDDY’S TIP:
“Not everyone needs to be at every part of the day. Consider hosting a smaller ceremony followed by a larger reception to include more people—or hosting a second celebration for those who can’t attend the main event!”
5. PICK A DATE AND CHOOSE A VENUE: SET THE STAGE
Now that you have a budget and a guest list, it’s time to set a date and pick a venue. Think about the season, availability, and location of your venue, as well as how these factors align with your overall wedding vision. Some couples start with a specific venue in mind, while others choose a date and look for venues that fit.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR CHOOSING A VENUE:
Do you prefer indoor or outdoor settings?
What’s the maximum guest capacity of the venue?
Is the venue easily accessible for your guests?
TEDDY’S TIP:
“Visit multiple venues to get a feel for the space. Pictures are great, but nothing beats experiencing a venue in person. Look for one that resonates with your vision and makes you think, Yes, this is where I want to say I do.”
6. CHOOSE KEY VENDORS: BUILD YOUR DREAM TEAM
Vendors are the backbone of your wedding day, so choosing the right team is essential. Book key vendors early, from your celebrant and photographer to the caterer and florist, to secure the professionals who match your vision and style.
KEY VENDORS TO CONSIDER:
Celebrant: Find a celebrant who gets your vibe and can craft a ceremony that feels personal and meaningful.
Photographer and Videographer: Look for professionals whose style resonates with you and captures moments authentically.
Caterer and Cake Designer: Choose a menu that reflects your tastes—a gourmet meal or a fun food truck.
TEDDY’S TIP:
“When looking for vendors, don’t just focus on their portfolios—talk to them! Finding people who are not only talented but also genuinely excited about your day can make all the difference.”
7. PLAN THE CEREMONY: IT’S ALL ABOUT THE LOVE
The ceremony is where the magic happens, and it’s the heart of your wedding day. Work closely with your celebrant to create a ceremony that feels personal, authentic, and true to your story. Whether you want to incorporate cultural elements, unique rituals, or even a bit of humour, make it yours!
CEREMONY ELEMENTS TO CONSIDER:
Write your vows for a more intimate, meaningful exchange.
Choose readings, music, and rituals that reflect your values and relationships.
Incorporate family or friends into the ceremony through unique roles or tributes.
TEDDY’S TAKE:
“Don’t be afraid to get creative! From surprise performances to including pets in the ceremony, there’s no limit to how you can make your ceremony reflect you as a couple.”
FINAL THOUGHTS: ENJOY EVERY STEP OF THE JOURNEY
Wedding planning is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—so savour it! Take it one step at a time, lean on your partner and support network, and remember that celebrating your love story is at the heart of it all.
Need help making your vision a reality? At Married By A Teddy, we specialise in turning dreams into unforgettable ceremonies. Contact us today to discuss how we can make your wedding day as fabulous and unique as your love!