Where to Start Wedding Planning? The First 5 Decisions to Make Without Tearing Your Hair Out

Hello everyone,

Congratulations, you're engaged! 🎉

You're still floating on cloud nine and... BOOM: the word "wedding" triggers an avalanche of questions.

Where do we start? Do we have to book everything yesterday...? Do we need a theme? Can Aunt Nicole bring her Chihuahua?

Take a deep breath.

Let's take it one step at a time, slowly. Here are the first 5 decisions to make to kick-start your planning... without panic attacks or headaches.

1) The date… or at least the season

No need to choose a specific date from the start, but having an idea of ​​the time of year will help you move forward.

• Dreaming of an outdoor wedding? Summer is a must.

• Love warm colors and cozy dinners? Fall will be perfect.

• Love snow and the holiday atmosphere? Winter weddings are absolutely magnificent in Quebec!

• Are you the "as soon as possible" type? Let's look at what's available in the next 6 to 12 months.

The season influences everything: venue availability, outfits, decor, and often... prices. So start there before moving further in your search.

2) The budget (yes, already!)

This isn't the sexiest part, but it's your best ally for peace of mind.

Setting a realistic budget from the start will save you a lot of surprises (and friction).

Start with:

• An overall estimate: $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, or even $100,000…?

• Who contributes to what: you two? Your parents? Are guests charged for entry?

• What's most important to you: the food, the photos, the music, the dress?

💡 Quick tip: Also set a firm upper limit. It's common to readjust along the way when you discover certain costs, but having a clear limit will help you stay focused on what matters most.

3) The approximate number of guests

You don't need an official list right away, but knowing whether there will be 30, 80, 200, or even 400 of you changes the game:

• The choice of venue (some have minimum or maximum limits)

• The budget (hello, dinner for 400 people...)

• The atmosphere (intimate or huge fiesta?)

Start with the ones you can't do without that day, then expand from there. You'll have plenty of time to refine this list later.

4) The style of wedding you want

Chic at a hotel? Casual in a barn? Festive at a restaurant you love? BBQ-style at home?

You don't need to choose a Pinterest theme or color palette right away, but having a general idea of ​​the style will help you make cohesive choices.

Ask yourself questions like:

• What vibe appeals to you?

• What don't you want at all?

• What have you already seen and liked (or didn't like at all)?

• What resonates with you?

Remember that your wedding should represent you and make you feel comfortable.

5) The Place (City or Region)

Before you start booking a venue, think about the location:

• Is it close to home?

• In a significant city (where you met, for example)?

• Abroad?

Once you've narrowed down your region, you can search for a venue based on specific criteria: capacity, style, budget, availability. And then, everything flows more easily!

In summary : 

To begin this wonderful adventure of planning your wedding, you don't need to decide everything yet.

The important thing is to move forward together, one step at a time. Start with the season, budget, number of guests, style, and region. This way, you'll have already made most of the big decisions and can move forward with a clear vision in mind.

And if you ever feel a little lost... talk to a coordinator 😉 (hi, it's me!)

Would you like a little checklist to complete together to take stock? Write to me, I'll be happy to send it to you!

Happy wedding planning! You'll get there, I'm confident.

Big kisses

Lusiné A.