Wedding Planning Guide

1. Start With Your Vision

Before any decisions are made, align on your wedding vision as a couple. Consider:

  • Style: Classic, modern, bohemian, romantic, rustic, luxury, destination, etc.

  • Size: Grand ballroom celebration or intimate garden gathering?

  • Season & Date: Consider weather, venue availability, and meaningful dates.

  • Budget: Be realistic about your overall budget and where you're willing to splurge or save.

Helpful Tools:

  • Pinterest boards or mood boards

  • Vision worksheet (can be found online or created via Canva)

2. Set Your Budget

Your budget is the foundation of your planning. Be sure to include all major categories:

  • Venue

  • Catering

  • Photography & Videography

  • Attire

  • Florals & Decor

  • Entertainment

  • Planner/Coordinator

  • Invitations & Stationery

  • Beauty (Hair & Makeup)

  • Transportation

  • Favors & Gifts

  • Miscellaneous (permits, insurance, tips, etc.)

Pro Tip: Leave 5–10% wiggle room for unexpected expenses.

3. Create a Planning Timeline

A typical planning timeline is 12–18 months, but this can be adjusted to your needs.

Suggested Timeline Milestones:

  • 12+ months out: Set a date, create a guest list, book the venue, hire planner

  • 9–11 months out: Book key vendors (photographer, caterer, band/DJ)

  • 6–8 months out: Order attire, design stationery, hire florist

  • 4–5 months out: Finalize guest list, send save-the-dates

  • 2–3 months out: Tasting, hair/makeup trial, final details with vendors

  • 1 month out: RSVP deadline, seating chart, timeline

  • Wedding Week: Final payments, emergency kit, rehearsal

4. Assemble Your Dream Vendor Team

Hiring quality vendors is crucial — they’ll bring your vision to life.

Key Vendors to Consider:

  • Planner/Coordinator – Essential for luxury or destination weddings

  • Photographer/Videographer – Capture timeless moments (research portfolios!)

  • Florist – Sets the tone with color and texture

  • Caterer – Great food = happy guests

  • Entertainment – Live band, DJ, string quartet — align with your vibe

  • Rental Company – Linens, furniture, lighting, décor extras

Where to Find Them:

  • The Knot, WeddingWire, Zola

  • Instagram hashtags (e.g. #mspweddingplanner)

  • Preferred vendor lists from venues

  • Referrals from friends or your photographer/planner

5. Design Your Wedding

This is the fun part! Tie your personality into the design.

  • Color Palette – Start with 2–3 main tones and 2 accents

  • Floral Design – Ceremony arches, table arrangements, bouquets

  • Tablescape – Linens, candles, dinnerware, signage

  • Attire – Bride/groom outfits, bridal party colors, accessories

  • Lighting – Uplighting, chandeliers, candles = instant atmosphere

Helpful Tools:

  • Canva mood boards

  • Adobe Express or PicCollage

  • Aisle Planner, AllSeated for layout designs

More info below…but you can fill this out and we can chat

6. Create a Guest Experience

Make your guests feel taken care of from arrival to farewell.

  • Welcome Gifts (especially for destination weddings)

  • Transportation coordination

  • Custom Signage & Menus

  • Comfort Stations (blankets, heel stoppers, flip flops)

  • Signature Cocktails & Food Stations

  • Thank You Cards & Favors

7. Stay Organized

Use planning tools to keep everything in order.

Top Wedding Planning Tools:

  • Weddingwire/the Knot

  • Zola

  • Style Me Pretty

  • Excel/Google Sheets

  • POST ITS!!

8. Day-Of Coordination

Even the most detailed plans need someone to execute them. A day-of coordinator is helpful, especially if you're not hiring a full-service planner.

  • Timeline execution

  • Vendor coordination

  • Emergency management

  • Stress management for the couple and family

If you don’t want to, or are unable to use find a day of coordinator - reach out and leverage the following people:

  • Photographer - they can be helpful in making sure the timeline is executed.

  • Venue coordinator - use them for vendor coordination

  • Trusted friend - emergency and stress management

9. After the Wedding

  • RELAX. YOU ARE MARRIED.

  • Thank You Notes – Send within 6–8 weeks

  • Preserve the Gown / Bouquet – Use a preservation service

  • Review Vendors – Give helpful feedback and tag them in photos

  • Album & Video Delivery – Select your favorite memories

I’d love to work with you.