10 Essential Wedding Planning Tips for Newly Engaged Couples

December 20, 2024 Julie Palmer

Congratulations on your engagement!

This is one of the most exciting times in your life, and planning a wedding should be a joyful experience. While it can feel overwhelming at first, breaking down the process into manageable steps can make it much more enjoyable. That’s why we’ve put together these 10 Essential Wedding Planning Tips for Newly Engaged Couples to help you easily navigate this special journey. From setting a budget to choosing the perfect vendors, these tips are designed to ensure your wedding day reflects your unique love story while keeping the planning process stress-free.

1. Set a Budget and Stick to It

Before making any decisions, sit down with your partner and determine your wedding budget. Be realistic about what you can afford, and allocate funds to different categories such as venue, photography, catering, and attire. Having a clear budget will help you avoid unnecessary stress and financial surprises.

Advice to Newly Engaged Couples: As a married couple who’s been through the process, we can’t stress enough how important it is to set a budget early and stick to it. We remember sitting down with a cup of coffee, looking at spreadsheets, and being honest about what we could afford. It’s so easy to get swept up in the excitement and overspend, but trust us—you’ll thank yourself later for setting clear limits. Prioritize the things that matter most to you as a couple—whether it’s the venue, the photographer, or the food—and be willing to compromise on less important details. Catchfly Photography was at the top of our budget and we have NO regrets! Having a budget gave us peace of mind and allowed us to fully enjoy our day without worrying about post-wedding financial stress.

Tools like WeddingWire’s Budget Planner can also be incredibly helpful for tracking expenses.

2. Create a Vision Together

Take some time to envision your ideal wedding day. Discuss themes, colors, and styles with your partner. Whether you dream of a rustic barn wedding or a chic city affair, having a shared vision will guide your decision-making process.

3. Choose a Date and Venue Early

Popular venues and dates book up quickly, so prioritize securing these as soon as possible. Consider the season, your guest count, and any special preferences when choosing your venue. Booking early ensures you’ll have more options to choose from.

4. Hire Key Vendors First

Once your venue is booked, focus on hiring essential vendors such as your photographer, caterer, and florist. These professionals often book months (or even years) in advance, so lock in your top choices early to avoid disappointment.

5. Stay Organized with a Wedding Planner or Checklist

Whether you hire a professional wedding planner or use a detailed checklist, staying organized is key. Keep track of appointments, payments, and deadlines in one central place. Tools like spreadsheets, wedding planning apps, or a physical binder can be incredibly helpful.

Tips From a Married Couple: Looking back on our wedding planning experience, staying organized was an absolute lifesaver. We kept everything—from vendor contracts to guest lists—in one central spot, and it made such a difference. Whether you’re using a wedding planning app, a good old-fashioned binder, or working with a professional planner, find a system that works for you. We also recommend breaking tasks down into smaller steps and tackling them one at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. There’s so much to think about, but with a clear plan, you’ll feel more in control and actually enjoy the process. Trust us, being organized helps you focus on what really matters—celebrating your love and that's one of the biggest things we loved about Catchfly Photography...her organization skills!

Tools like The Knot’s Wedding Planner App and Trello can be incredibly helpful for managing tasks and staying on top of deadlines.

6. Build Your Guest List Strategically

Your guest list will impact almost every aspect of your wedding, from your budget to your venue capacity. Start with a rough draft and work with your partner and families to finalize the list. Be prepared to make compromises to ensure it aligns with your vision and budget.

7. Plan for Unexpected Costs

Always leave some wiggle room in your budget for unexpected expenses. Items like vendor tips, alterations, and last-minute decor additions can add up quickly. Setting aside a contingency fund will save you from financial stress.

8. Make It Personal

Incorporate personal touches that reflect your relationship. From custom invitations to unique ceremony readings, these details make your wedding day truly special and memorable for you and your guests.

9. Communicate with Your Vendors

Keep open lines of communication with your vendors to ensure everyone is on the same page. Share your timeline, preferences, and any special requests well in advance. This ensures a smooth and stress-free wedding day.

10. Enjoy the Process!!

Wedding planning is a journey, so don’t forget to enjoy it! Take breaks, celebrate milestones, and savor the moments of excitement and anticipation. Remember, your wedding is about celebrating your love, so focus on what truly matters.

By following these ten tips, you’ll be well on your way to planning a wedding that reflects your unique love story. Happy planning!

Catchfly Photography is a traditional wedding and adventurous elopement photographer based in Highland, MI. Julie Believes in the little details and in between moments. Nature completely inspires Julie, and she incorporates nature into almost every photo she takes. Julie travels to photograph traditional weddings and intimate elopements in Michigan’s Upper + Lower Peninsula and Colorado.