Start planning your wedding with the date, budget and guest list
The three decisions everything else builds on – and why the order matters.
Mikaela & Houssem · 9 min read ·
Congratulations on your engagement! Before you start looking at venues, dresses and flowers, there are three decisions that shape everything else: how much it can cost, how many people will be there and when it will happen. Take them in this order and you won't have to redo anything.
1. The budget
Agree on a total together, and talk about who's contributing what. It's not romantic, but it makes every decision after it easier. Add a 10% buffer from the start.
Read more: How to make a wedding budget you'll actually stick to
2. The size of the guest list
You don't need the names yet – just roughly how many. Divide the budget by the number of guests, and you'll see straight away whether it adds up. If it's too expensive per guest, invite fewer rather than cutting back on everything else.
Read more: How to make your wedding guest list without the drama
3. Date and place
With a budget and a number of guests, you know which venues are an option. If you have a dream venue, choose it first and fit the date to what's available. If the date matters most, be flexible about the place.
- Popular summer Saturdays often book up a year or more ahead.
- A Friday, Sunday or a date outside peak season gives more options – and lower prices.
- Check public holidays and festivals for guests in other countries. Read more in Planning an international wedding with guests from several countries.
4. Style and size
Big party or small dinner? City or countryside? Church, civil or a ceremony of your own? You don't need to decide the details now, but a feel for the style makes it easier to choose a venue and vendors.
5. Next steps
Once the frame is set, it's time to book the venue, officiant and photographer. It's all in Wedding checklist for 12 to 6 months before.