Just engaged? How to kickstart your wedding planning journey

Congratulations on your engagement!

That magical moment of saying “yes” is full of joy, excitement, and… a tiny bit of overwhelm.

Planning a wedding can feel like a giant puzzle, but starting in the right order will save you time, money, and stress.

Here’s a detailed roadmap to kickstart your wedding planning journey.

1. Celebrate, breathe, and enjoy the moment

Before diving into contracts, timelines, and Pinterest boards, pause for a moment.

Celebrate with your partner, family, or closest friends. Take photos, pop some champagne, and savor this milestone.

Enjoying your engagement fully will make the planning process feel exciting rather than stressful.

2. Start with your budget: the heart of planning

Before booking anything, the first thing you must do is create a realistic budget, broken down by category.

Why? Because every decision—from your venue to your flowers—depends on how much you can spend.

Here’s a practical breakdown to get started:

• Venue: This usually takes the largest chunk of your budget.

• Catering & bar: Food, drinks, cake, and bartenders.

• Wedding stationery: Save-the-dates, invitations, menus, programs.

• Decor & flowers: Centerpieces, bouquets, ceremony arrangements, lighting.

• Entertainment: Band, DJ, ceremony musicians, or other performers.

• Photography & videography: Memories that last forever.

• Gifts & favors: For your guests or wedding party.

• Attire & beauty: Wedding dress, suits, hair, makeup.

• Miscellaneous: Transportation, permits, insurance, and other small costs.

💡 Tip: Create a spreadsheet to assign approximate costs to each category. Even rough numbers will guide your choices and prevent overspending later.

3. Find your venue: the key to everything

Once you have a budget, your next priority is finding your venue.

Why? Because the venue dictates almost every other decision:

• Date: Your ceremony date often depends on venue availability.

• Vendors: Some venues require you to use preferred or exclusive caterers, bartenders, or coordinators.

• Capacity & layout: Determines how many guests you can invite and how you’ll plan the reception.

• Style & vibe: Influences your decor, floral arrangements, and overall wedding theme.

💡 Pro tip: Visit multiple venues, ask questions about vendor flexibility, hidden fees, and restrictions. Once you book your venue, most of your major planning decisions become much clearer.

4. Define your priorities

After securing your venue, think about what matters most to you as a couple.

Priorities will guide your spending and decision-making:

• Do you dream of an unforgettable dance floor experience?

• Are flowers and decor your main focus?

• Is a gourmet menu a must?

• Do you want a live band or DJ?

Knowing your non-negotiables helps you allocate your budget effectively.

5. Draft a rough guest list

Even a preliminary guest list will help you:

• Confirm venue capacity.

• Estimate catering costs.

• Decide on invitation quantities.

💡 Tip: Keep in mind that guest count can impact your budget drastically.

It’s better to agree on a realistic number early.

6. Start researching vendors

Once you know your priorities and venue, you can begin researching vendors:

• Photographers and videographers

• Florists and decorators

• Caterers or in-house catering if the venue allows

• DJs or live bands

• Wedding planners, if you choose to hire one

💡 Pro tip: Some vendors book a year or more in advance, especially during peak wedding season. Secure your must-have vendors as early as possible.

7. Keep organized

Planning a wedding involves juggling many details.

Use a binder, spreadsheet, or wedding planning app to track:

• Contracts & invoices

• Budgets & payments

• Vendor contacts

• Timelines & checklists

• Inspiration and mood boards

💡 Tip: Organization reduces stress and ensures nothing slips through the cracks.

8. Don’t forget the fun

While planning is important, don’t forget to enjoy the process. Celebrate milestones, like booking your venue, tasting your menu, or finalizing your invitations. These small wins keep the excitement alive and make the journey enjoyable.

9. Timeline snapshot: the first steps

Here’s a quick visual of the first steps after your engagement:

1. Celebrate & soak it in 

2. Create a detailed budget 

3. Book your venue 

4. Define priorities & guest list 

5. Research and secure key vendors

6. Stay organized & enjoy the process 

Starting with budget and venue ensures your wedding planning is grounded in reality while still leaving room for creativity and personalization.

Final thoughts

Your engagement marks the start of an incredible journey. By focusing first on budgeting and finding your venue, you set a solid foundation for the rest of your wedding planning. From there, every decision—flowers, entertainment, decor, and even music—becomes easier and more aligned with your dream day.

Remember, planning a wedding is not just about logistics—it’s about creating moments that you and your guests will cherish forever.

And even after reading this article, if coordinating everything still feels overwhelming, Gemini Wedding is here to help you plan every detail and ensure your big day is completely stress-free.