5 Things You Need to Do in Your First 90 Days of Wedding Planning
Congratulations, you’re engaged! This is such an exciting season filled with love, joy, and a whole lot of decision-making. While the idea of planning your wedding might feel overwhelming, breaking it into manageable steps can help keep things stress-free and fun. The first 90 days are all about setting a strong foundation for your dream day. Here are the five essential things you should focus on to get your wedding planning off to the perfect start.
1. Set Your Budget
Your wedding budget is the cornerstone of everything else. Before you book venues or vendors, sit down with your partner (and family, if they’re contributing) to figure out how much you want to spend and what your priorities are.
Tips:
Use tools like budgeting apps or spreadsheets to organize costs.
Prioritize “must-haves” versus “nice-to-haves” so you allocate funds wisely.
Why It’s Important: Starting with a clear budget prevents overspending later and helps you make confident decisions.
2. Start Building Your Guest List
The number of guests will directly impact your venue choices, catering costs, and overall vibe of the wedding. Draft a rough guest list to determine your ideal headcount.
Tips:
Break your list into tiers (e.g., family, close friends, extended friends).
Be realistic about your budget and the size of your venue.
Why It’s Important: Having a ballpark number helps you narrow down venues and ensures you don’t overcommit financially.
3. Book Your Venue
Your venue sets the tone for your wedding style and is usually the first big decision. Popular venues book up quickly—sometimes a year or more in advance—so securing your dream spot early is key.
Tips:
Tour multiple venues to find one that aligns with your style, budget, and guest count.
Ask about availability, packages, and what’s included (like tables, chairs, etc.).
Why It’s Important: Booking your venue early gives you a firm wedding date and helps you plan other details around it.
4. Choose Your Photographer
Your wedding photos are the memories you’ll cherish forever, so finding the right photographer early ensures you get the person whose style you love.
Tips:
Look at portfolios to find a style that resonates with you (candid, bold, documentary, etc.).
Meet with photographers to ensure you feel comfortable and connected.
Why It’s Important: Popular photographers book up quickly, and finding someone you trust early eliminates stress.
5. Start Researching Key Vendors
After your venue and photographer, focus on securing other big vendors like a planner, florist, caterer, and entertainment. These vendors often book well in advance, and early research will help you align your vision.
Tips:
Read reviews and ask for recommendations from recently married friends.
Schedule consultations to get a feel for their work and personalities.
Why It’s Important: Locking in key vendors early gives you peace of mind and more time to focus on the details.
Conclusion
The first 90 days of wedding planning can set the tone for the rest of the process. By establishing your budget, guest list, and venue, and by securing your dream photographer and key vendors, you’ll create a solid foundation to build the wedding day of your dreams. Remember, take it step by step—and enjoy the journey!