Wedding Planning Tips for Newly Engaged Couples

Wedding Planning Tips: Where to Start After Getting Engaged

Getting engaged is one of the most exciting moments in your life — but as soon as the celebrations fade, many couples start to feel overwhelmed by the thought of planning a wedding. There’s so much to think about, and it’s easy to wonder, “Where do I even start?”

Here are a few practical tips to help you begin your wedding planning journey with confidence.

1. Set Your Budget First

Before you start looking at venues or suppliers, it’s important to decide on your overall budget. This might include contributions from both families or just from you as a couple.

Once you know your budget, you can prioritise what matters most — is your wedding date the most important thing, or is it a specific venue or supplier?

• If your date is fixed, you’ll need to find vendors available that day.

• If your venue or supplier is the priority, you can choose a date based on their availability.

  
  

2. How Much Do Couples Spend on a Wedding?

Every couple is different, but here’s a general idea of how budgets are often divided:

• Venue and catering: around 45%

• Photography: around 15%

• Other suppliers: florists, makeup artist, entertainment, dress, and décor make up the rest

Always keep a small emergency fund — unexpected costs almost always pop up during the planning process!

3. Finding the Right Wedding Suppliers

With so many options online, choosing the right suppliers can feel overwhelming. Start by thinking about your style and priorities.

• Browse wedding platforms, Google, or social media to discover local vendors.

• Look at their portfolios and reviews to see if their style matches your vision.

• Make a shortlist and prepare a few questions before reaching out — this helps you see if they truly align with your expectations.

When it comes to photography, for example, every photographer has a unique approach — from editorial and romantic to candid and documentary. Pick someone whose style feels authentic to you.

4. Keep Everything Organised

A smooth wedding planning process comes down to organisation. Create a simple spreadsheet or planner that includes:

• Your wedding checklist and timeline

• Budget tracking

• Supplier contact details

• Payment deadlines and notes

Having everything in one place makes it much easier to stay on top of tasks and avoid last-minute stress.

5. Enjoy Your Wedding Day

Your wedding day will fly by — and while it’s full of joy, it can also be busy. To help things run smoothly:

• Create a wedding website or printed schedule for your guests with key timings and locations.

• Delegate small tasks to friends or family so you can focus on enjoying your day.

• If possible, hire a wedding planner or coordinator to handle the details.

The most beautiful wedding photos come from genuine, relaxed moments — so the more you can let go of stress, the more your day (and your photos) will truly shine.

Final Thoughts

Planning a wedding might feel overwhelming at first, but taking it step by step makes it manageable — and even fun! Once your plans are in place, you can simply focus on celebrating your love and creating memories that will last a lifetime.