First off, congratulations on your engagement! This is such an exciting time in your life, and it’s okay to feel a little overwhelmed. There’s so much to think about, but you don’t have to do it all at once. Planning your wedding should be fun and filled with joy—not stress.
We’ve put together this simple, step-by-step guide to help you know where to start and how to stay on track. Plus, we’ll show you how the Ready Set Bride Love & Laughter Blueprint can make planning your wedding easier, more organized, and (most importantly) stress-free. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Celebrate Your Engagement
Before you do anything else, take time to celebrate this special moment. Whether it’s just the two of you or a party with family and friends, let yourself enjoy the excitement. Here are some ideas:
- Take engagement photos to capture this happy time.
- Share the news with loved ones in person or on social media.
- Have an engagement party (if you want to).
Tip: Don’t feel pressured to rush into planning. This is your time to soak it all in and dream about the future.
Step 2: Talk About Your Wedding Vision
Once you’ve celebrated, sit down with your partner and talk about your wedding dreams. This is a chance to figure out what kind of wedding you both want. Ask each other questions like:
- Do you want a big wedding or something small and intimate?
- Do you picture it indoors or outdoors?
- What’s more important to you—dancing all night or having a cozy dinner with loved ones?
Love & Laughter Blueprint Tip: Use our Wedding Vision Worksheet to write down your ideas. It’s a fun way to get on the same page and set the tone for your wedding.
Step 3: Set a Budget
Money can be a tricky topic, but setting a budget is one of the first things you should do. It will help guide all your decisions, from picking a venue to choosing vendors.
Here’s how to get started:
- Figure out how much money you can realistically spend.
- Talk to family members who might want to contribute.
- Decide what’s most important to you (e.g., photography, food, or entertainment).
Budget Breakdown Example:
- 50% for venue, catering, and rentals
- 15% for photography and videography
- 10% for attire
- 10% for entertainment
- 10% for décor
- 5% for invitations and other details
Love & Laughter Blueprint Tip: Our budget planner tool helps you track every expense so you don’t overspend or forget anything.
Step 4: Create a Guest List
Your guest list will affect your budget, venue choice, and more, so it’s a good idea to start early. Sit down with your partner and make a list of everyone you’d like to invite. Then, sort the list into two groups:
- Must-invite guests: Close family and friends.
- Nice-to-have guests: Extended family, coworkers, or acquaintances.
Once you have an idea of your guest count, you can start looking for venues that fit.
Love & Laughter Blueprint Tip: Use our Guest List Tracker to keep everything organized, including RSVPs, meal preferences, and contact info.
Step 5: Pick a Date and Venue
Choosing a date and venue are two big decisions that go hand in hand. Here’s how to narrow it down:
- Think about the season: Do you love spring flowers or winter wonderlands?
- Consider your budget: Some venues are less expensive on weekdays or in the off-season.
- Check availability: Popular venues book up quickly, so start this step early.
Once you’ve picked a venue, your wedding date is usually set. This makes everything feel real—exciting, right?
Step 6: Find Your Vendors
Your vendors are the team that will bring your wedding to life, so it’s important to choose ones you trust. Start with the big ones:
- Photographer/Videographer: Capture all the memories.
- Caterer: Keep your guests happy with good food.
- DJ or Band: Get the party started.
Tip: Read reviews, ask for recommendations, and meet with vendors before booking.
Love & Laughter Blueprint Tip: Use our Vendor Comparison Chart to weigh your options and make confident decisions.
Step 7: Plan the Fun Details
Now comes the fun part! Start thinking about all the little details that will make your wedding unique:
- Theme and Colors: Choose a style that reflects your personality.
- Décor: Decide on flowers, centerpieces, and lighting.
- Food and Drinks: Plan a menu that fits your style—whether it’s a formal dinner or a taco bar.
- Entertainment: Think about photo booths, games, or special dances.
Step 8: Send Invitations and Track RSVPs
Once you have your guest list and venue, it’s time to send out invitations. Make sure they include all the important details:
- The date, time, and location.
- RSVP deadline and how to respond.
- Dress code (if you have one).
Love & Laughter Blueprint Tip: Use our RSVP Tracker to keep everything organized and avoid last-minute surprises.
Step 9: Stay Organized
Wedding planning involves a lot of moving parts, so staying organized is key. Here are some tools to keep you on track:
- A wedding binder or digital planner.
- To-do lists for each stage of planning.
- Monthly check-ins to make sure you’re on schedule.
Love & Laughter Blueprint Tip: Our complete framework includes checklists, timelines, and tools to make sure you don’t miss a thing.
Step 10: Enjoy Your Wedding Day
After all the planning, it’s time to relax and enjoy your big day! Trust your vendors, lean on your bridal party for support, and focus on making memories with the people you love most.
Love & Laughter Blueprint Tip: The framework includes tips for creating a stress-free timeline and reminders to include “you” time on your wedding day.
Why Join Ready Set Bride?
Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. The Ready Set Bride Love & Laughter Blueprint is your go-to guide for creating a fun, stress-free wedding. Here’s what you’ll get:
- Tools to organize your budget, guest list, and RSVPs.
- Step-by-step timelines so you know what to do and when.
- A supportive community of brides who share tips and cheer you on.
- Expert advice to handle any wedding challenge with confidence.
Join Ready Set Bride today and start planning your dream wedding with ease! Together, we’ll turn your engagement excitement into a wedding day filled with love, laughter, and joy.
👉 Click here to join Ready Set Bride and get started on the Love & Laughter Blueprint!
