How to Start Planning a Wedding: Your First Steps to a Beautiful Celebration
You’re engaged. Whether the proposal was planned or spontaneous, this is a moment worth celebrating.
Before you jump into timelines and checklists, take a deep breath. Soak it in. This is a milestone, and it deserves a pause.
Still, if your brain is already buzzing with questions like Where do we start? or How soon should we book vendors?—you’re not alone. Wedding planning can feel big and overwhelming, especially when popular venues and dates go fast.
Here’s the good news. You do not have to do everything at once. There is a thoughtful way to begin. And it starts with a few key steps.
Start with the Vision
Before you think about venues or color palettes, ask each other: What kind of wedding do we want?
Your answers might include:
A weekend gathering in the Hudson Valley with your closest people
A modern rooftop celebration in New York City
A cultural ceremony filled with traditions and meaning
A dinner party with farm-to-table food and heartfelt speeches
There’s no rulebook. The only requirement is that it feels like you. This shared vision becomes the lens you use for every decision ahead.
Set a Budget and Draft a Guest List
Once you are aligned on the feel of your celebration, two things need your attention right away—your budget and your guest list.
These two pieces influence every other choice, from your venue to your vendor team.
Here’s how to start:
Have an honest conversation about your total budget
Clarify whether anyone else (like family) will be contributing
Create a draft guest list to get a rough headcount
Even a ballpark number helps narrow your search. A 50-person wedding looks very different than a 150-person one.
At Margo Events, we walk couples through this exact process. We use a custom budget breakdown and guest list tracker to make sure you have real numbers in front of you—not just guesses.
Bring in a Planner Early
One of the best decisions you can make early on is hiring a wedding planner.
You might be thinking, Shouldn’t we wait until we’ve picked a venue? The truth is, your planner can help you find the right venue, connect you with trusted vendors, and avoid costly mistakes before you sign contracts.
Planning a Hudson Valley wedding while living in New York City? A planner becomes your local support system.
Have a demanding job or family schedule? A planner helps you stay focused and calm.
When you bring in the right support early, the entire experience feels more grounded and less chaotic.
Final Thoughts: Start With Intention
You do not need to plan your entire wedding in one weekend. What you need is a clear, confident starting point.
Begin by shaping your shared vision. Talk openly about your budget and guest list. And don’t wait too long to bring in professional support.
This is the beginning of something really special—and you deserve a process that feels as joyful as the celebration itself.
Ready to take the first step?
Explore our wedding planning services or inquire here to schedule a complimentary consultation.