1. Set a budget!

Figuring out a budget can be a daunting task yet the most important in wedding planning.  Before you go on Pinterest it is imperative to have a financial discussion with your partner.  It will help you down the path to creating the wedding of your dreams without going into debt.

Where is the money coming from?  Will you pull from your savings, set aside from your current income?  While it is never safe to assume family will help with the costs, it never hurts to ask.

Most importantly, be sure to set aside emergency funds that are not figured into your total budget.  This will prepare you for any unexpected costs that you were not budgeting for.

2. Prioritize

Now that you have your budget, it is time to determine what is important to create your vision.  Is an abundance of flowers a must-have, are you a foodie that won’t accept anything less than the best? Create a list of your must-haves along with wish list items and splurge items.  Allocate how much of your budget you are willing to spend on each item.  Understandably, you may not know what to expect to budget for your flowers, caterer, etc.  Do research so as not to undercut what you budget for each service.

3. Guest List

Creating a guest list can often be more challenging than determining a budget.  The first order of business is to find your “sweet spot”.  What’s the total number of guests you want in attendance?  Often your budget may determine how many guests you can realistically invite.  Whatever the final number you choose, it is important to remember; that this is your day. Do not feel pressured to invite Great Aunt Dorothy, twice removed.

4. Venue

Selecting a venue is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in wedding planning.  It will set the tone for the entire wedding.  With so many beautiful options out there.  How do you choose?  You may ask, why would I select a venue after all the above?  I am glad you asked.  While venue selection and guest lists can go hand in hand, it is better to determine an approximate number of guests you are comfortable with.  You do not want to fall in love with a venue that can only accommodate 100 guests and you plan on inviting 200.  Or the reverse and you end up with a cavernous space on your big day.

5. Book Pittsburgh Catering and Vendors

At the very least, start contacting vendors and getting quotes.  Some venues have preferred vendors, so your options may be limited.  Do not let a venue with preferred vendors scare you.  Venues will often have price-tiered vendors affordable to any budget.

Another plus: vendors on the preferred lists are pre-vetted for you.  They are preferred because they are quality vendors.  Said vendors are already very familiar with the space and can give great guidance on what they’ve experienced in the space; what works, and what does not so well.  Once you have your vendors narrowed down, ask for a flower mockup, taste the food, and listen to musicians in like settings.  Some of these services may cost a little money upfront, but most will apply to your final bill if you opt to use them for your big day.

6. Trust the professionals!

You have found your venue, your vendors!  Congratulations!  Now it is time to get into the nitty-gritty.  It can be intimidating with all the choices that need to be made.  Remember, you choose your vendors for their professionalism; and your confidence in them as a company.  Do not be afraid to ask questions!  This is their vocation and they have seen it all and done it all.  Their guidance can be invaluable and they will oversee you through the remaining process.

7. Keep calm and hire a planner.

You’ve read a good deal of what goes into planning a wedding.  Maybe you are not the most organized person and this all sounds like too much work, maybe your job is demanding, and you do not have a lot of free time or you just can make decisions under pressure.  Hiring a planner can be the best decision to make.  Planners are there to carry your vision to fruition.  There are tiers of what you can hire a planner to do for you.  Decide what you want and need your planner to handle for you and pick the “package” that best suits your needs.

8. Enjoy!

It may seem overwhelming at some points but always take time to relax and relish in the process. Have a friend’s night out and clear your head of planning and the decisions that need to be made.  Set a scheduled time each week to plan. Do not consume yourself with the process.  At the end of the day, you are marrying the love of your life, and celebrating that love with friends and family.  Choosing roses over peonies will not muddle the feeling of pure joy when you walk the aisle for the rest of your life.