Congrats on your engagement! Whether you’ve been dreaming of this day for years or it took you by surprise, one thing’s for sure: you are embarking on one of the most exciting journeys of your life. We totally get how overwhelming it can feel to start planning your wedding, so let’s break it down into manageable steps. Don’t worry, we’ll keep it fun, too!

Sure, you’re ready to dive into the details (because, let’s face it, we all want our wedding to be perfect), but you also don’t want to miss out on the excitement of just being engaged. Take a moment to enjoy the now. Share your news with family and friends—whether that’s through a call, text, or FaceTime surprise. Let the celebration begin with dinners, special gifts, and maybe even a memorable engagement party! And hey, if you want to document those blissful moments, booking an engagement shoot is a great way to connect with your photographer and capture that just engaged glow.

Identify Your Key People

One of the first things you’ll want to do after saying “yes!” is figure out who you will involve in the planning process. Trust us, this step is a game-changer when it comes to organizing and keeping things stress-free.

• Who will be making decisions? It’s essential to think about who’ll be helping with the big decisions. Is it just you and your partner, or are you bringing in family members for input? Some couples choose to take the lead on everything themselves, while others love involving their parents or siblings. Either way, make sure to have a heart-to-heart so that everyone knows their role and feels included without stepping on anyone’s toes.

• Who’s paying for the wedding? I know, talking about money can be awkward—but the sooner you have this conversation, the better. Find out who’s contributing and how much. It’ll give you a realistic sense of your budget and help guide your decision-making. If family members are chipping in, make sure to find out the details surrounding their contribution so you’re all on the same page about the amount they are providing, the method in which it will be provided and if it is allocated for any specific wedding element. This ensure clarity, so there is less room for surprises later.

• What are the must-haves? Every family has its own set of traditions, cultural practices, and wedding “non-negotiables.” Maybe there’s a specific religious custom or a tradition that your family would like to incorporate. Or perhaps someone has strong feelings about who’s on the guest list or where the wedding should be held. Have these conversations upfront to avoid stress later on in the planning process. This will help keep the peace and make sure your wedding stays true to you, while also respecting your loved ones’ wishes. Don’t forget to have you and your fiancé weigh in on these important details. It is your wedding after all and the start of your journey together and a memory that will last a lifetime. Documenting those personal touches will make the day even more special!

The goal here is clear communication. It’ll make the planning process smoother and prevent any drama or last-minute surprises.

Create A Preliminary Guest List

Now we’re diving into something that can feel a little… well, overwhelming. But starting your guest list early gives you so much clarity about what you’re working with—size and budget-wise.

• Chat about your wedding size. Before you start, take a moment to talk with your partner about what kind of vibe you’re trying to create. Do you envision a cozy, intimate gathering with just your closest friends and family? Are you dreaming of a larger celebration with aunts, uncles, and coworkers filling up the venue? Maybe you are planning a destination wedding and need to think about time of year. Who would most likely travel for the occasion? Knowing what size feels right as well as where the wedding might be held will help guide your choices as you start the list.

• Get input from key people. I know your family and friends are filled with excitement, and probably want to have input on the guest list. Maybe your parents have a few cousins or co-workers they’d like to invite. While it’s totally okay to listen to their suggestions, remember that this is YOUR day. You can politely steer the guest list toward what works for you and your partner, while considering their suggestions and keeping the peace.

• Break your list into categories. Here’s a little pro-tip: organize your guest list into categories to stay on top of things. Create an “A List” with your must-haves (think: immediate family, best friends). Then, add a “B List” for people who you want there but could live without. If space or budget gets tight, the B List is a great place to trim. You could even create a “C List” for distant relatives or acquaintances who you might invite if things work out. This system helps you organize and gives you some wiggle room if adjustments need to be made.

The beauty of the guest list is that it’s not set in stone. You’ll likely revise it a few times, but starting early will help you with your budget, venue choices, and even seating arrangements down the line.

Establish a Budget

Let’s talk numbers. I know, it’s not the fun part, but it’s so important. Establishing your wedding budget early on sets the stage for every other decision. It is way easier to stick to a budget than to chase a wild number later.

• Have a candid chat about finances. Sit down with your partner (and any family members who are contributing) to figure out what everyone’s comfortable with financially. How much is each person willing to contribute? Is there a clear limit, or is there flexibility? Getting this out of the way early ensures you avoid future awkwardness or miscommunication.

• Identify what’s most important to you. Once you nail down who’s contributing and a general budget guide, it’s time to talk priorities. Maybe the venue is your top priority, or food and drink top the list. Whatever it is, knowing your non-negotiables helps you make smarter decisions when it comes to allocating funds. If a large guest list is a must, you might decide to scale back on things like decor or wedding favors to keep the budget in check. The number of guests generally impacts the budget most with vendors such as catering and bar, florists and even event rentals. Just remember, it’s all about balance!

• Keep some wiggle room. Here’s the thing: surprise costs will pop up. You might find the perfect photographer whose starting price is higher than you were planning to spend or you might want to upgrade your venue lighting. Either way, you may need to make room in the budget for vendors or design items you fall in love with during the planning process. Having a little flexibility in your budget can make all the difference. You don’t want to be stressed out when a minor adjustment needs to happen.

Hire a Wedding Planner

Okay, I know this one might sound like an extra expense, but hear us out: a wedding planner is worth every penny. Seriously. Hiring one can save you valuable time, allowing you to focus on work or simply enjoying your engagement. It can also help you save money, which you can put toward your honeymoon, a new home, or other important wedding-day priorities. Most importantly, a planner takes the stress out of the process. They ensure every detail is covered, everyone is happy, and nothing is overlooked.

• Organization and logistics. Wedding planning involves a ton of details. From vendor contracts to timelines, it’s easy for something to slip through the cracks. A wedding planner keeps everything on track. They’ll create a schedule for the big day, coordinate vendors, and handle all the logistics (think: transportation, setup, breakdown). With a planner, you can actually relax and enjoy the process, knowing someone is taking care of the nitty-gritty.

• Get the most out of your budget. Wedding planners know how to get the best deals. They have great vendor recommendations and can help you find the best fit to stay within budget. Whether they’re suggesting affordable options or recommending a DIY element to cut costs, a planner will help you make the most out of your budget—without compromising on your vision.

• Time management. Let’s be honest, wedding planning is time-consuming. You’ll be meeting with vendors, making decisions, and juggling a million things at once. A wedding planner takes the heavy lifting off your plate. They’ll manage timelines, vendor details and deadlines, and keep you on track so you can actually enjoy your engagement.

Planning your wedding should be an exciting and joyful experience. Taking these first steps will set you up for success. When you bring on a wedding planner, you’ll have an expert by your side to support you through the process with ease. At Pinnacle Events, we believe that your wedding should be more than just a day—it should be a heartfelt reflection of your love story, filled with moments that feel uniquely you. Whether it’s weaving in the personal touches that make your relationship special or curating an experience that your guests will never forget, we will bring your vision to life with creativity, precision, and a whole lot of heart.

Visit our planning page to learn more about how we can bring your dream vision to life or schedule a consultation so we can start turning your vision into reality. Together, we’ll craft a celebration that’s not just a wedding, but a true reflection of your love story—a day you and your guests will cherish forever.

Happy planning!

Featured Photographers: Tiffany McClure Photography | Julia Lindholm Photography | Hannah Miller Photography | Nick Levine Photography | Terri Clark Photography | Meghan Rose Photography | Georgia Miller Photography | Brandon Lata Photography