Congratulations on your engagement! This is one of the most exciting times in your life, filled with love, joy, and anticipation. But as the excitement settles, you might start to feel a bit overwhelmed by the many tasks of planning your dream wedding. I’ve created this guide to help ease the stress of getting started with wedding planning!

As someone who is married, has been a bridesmaid, a wedding guest, and a full-time wedding professional for 4+ years, I have a very diverse and well-rounded perspective in the world of weddings. Trust me when I say - I’m here to help you enjoy this special chapter of life!

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of finding and getting started with a wedding planner, calculating your wedding budget, and understanding the true value of hiring a planner. I’ll also share a "Getting Started: 5-Step Plan" to help you get organized and start the planning process with ease!

Hiring a professional Wedding Planner

Wedding planners do more than schedule appointments and negotiate contracts. They are your trusted partner, your creative collaborator, your logistical mastermind and wedding day miracle worker. Hiring a professional wedding planner is IMPERATIVE to you enjoying your wedding day as well as the months leading up to it.

How to Calculate Your Wedding Budget

One of the first steps in wedding planning is determining your budget. According to recent data, the average cost of a wedding in 2025 is approximately $35,000. However, this can vary widely depending on location, guest count, and priorities.

5 Steps to Calculate Your Wedding Budget:

1. Set a Total Budget Discuss finances with your partner and family to determine the total amount you’re comfortable spending.

2. Allocate by Percentage Divide your budget into categories. Here’s a typical breakdown:

• Venue and Catering: 40%

• Photography and Videography: 15%

• Decor and Florals: 10%

• Attire: 10%

• Entertainment: 10%

• Planner: 8%

• Miscellaneous: 7%

3. Factor in Guest Count The more guests you invite, the higher your costs will be. Decide on an approximate guest count early on.

4. Prioritize Your Must-Haves Identify what’s most important to you (e.g., a specific venue, luxury photography, gourmet catering) and allocate more funds accordingly.

5. Leave Room for Extras Set aside 5-10% of your budget for unexpected expenses or last-minute upgrades.

Timeline for Booking Wedding Vendors and Milestones

Booking your vendors in the right order ensures you secure the best professionals for your big day. Here’s the ideal timeline:

1. Wedding Planner (12-18 months before): Your planner will help guide the rest of the process.

2. Venue (12-18 months before): Venues book up quickly, so prioritize this early.

3. Photographer/Videographer (9-12 months before): Secure your dream team to capture your day.

4. Caterer (9-12 months before): Often tied to the venue, so book early.

5. Florist (8-10 months before): For personalized designs, earlier is better.

6. Entertainment (8-10 months before): Book bands or DJs to match your style.

7. Stationery Designer (6-8 months before): Invitations and save-the-dates need lead time.

8. Hair and Makeup Artists (6-8 months before): Popular artists book up quickly.

9. Wedding Cake (6-8 months before): Ensure your favorite baker is available.

10. Rentals/Decor (4-6 months before): Include any specialty items not provided by the venue.

When to Buy Wedding Attire

• Wedding Dress: Begin shopping 9-12 months before your wedding. Allow time for alterations, which can take several months.

• Suits/Tuxedos: Start shopping 4-6 months before the wedding, especially for custom designs.

When to Mail Save-the-Dates and Invitations

• Save-the-Dates: Mail these 6-8 months before the wedding, especially for destination weddings.

• Invitations: Send invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding.

Getting Started: 5-Step Plan to Hiring a Wedding Planner

My Wedding Planner Recommendations

This year I made it a requirement that any couple who books me to photograph their wedding must have a wedding planner. I’ve seen firsthand, one too many times the significance it has when one is not present. The most important thing to me, as a wedding professional, is that YOU FULLY ENJOY YOUR WEDDING DAY. It’s my responsibility to make sure you are set up for success diving into this special chapter of life - it all starts with hiring a planner.

Arizona Weddings: Dashing Event Co | Copper Blossom Events | Revel Weddings | Bloom and Blueprint

Oregon Weddings: Kelsey Timberlake | Caitlin McDonald Events | Krystle Clear Events | Your Perfect Bridesmaid