How to Start Planning Your Wedding and Where to Start

Congratulations! You’re engaged! This is one of the most exciting moments of your life, and we’re thrilled for you. But now that the glow of the proposal has settled, you’re probably wondering: “Where do I even begin?” Planning your wedding and knowing where to start is key to creating the wedding of your dreams.

Don’t worry—planning your wedding and getting started doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a little organization and a few helpful tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating the day of your dreams. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

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Step 1: Set your Wedding Date

Picking your wedding date is one of the most important steps and often where most people start in planning their wedding—but it can also feel like one of the hardest. Start by thinking about a few key factors:

• Season: Do you envision a cozy winter wedding, a fresh spring celebration, a sunny summer affair, or a golden fall backdrop? Narrowing it down to a season can help you focus your search.
  
  
• Guest Availability: Consider the schedules of your closest family and friends. A quick survey of the key people you want to attend can help you avoid scheduling conflicts.
  

Once you’ve thought about these elements, you’ll be ready to start narrowing down specific dates based on your chosen season and venue availability.

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Step 2: Local or Destination Wedding?

Next, decide if you want to celebrate locally or pack your bags for a destination wedding. Either way, you need to start planning your wedding with plenty of time so your guests can plan accordingly! Each option has its perks:

• Local Weddings: These allow you to stay close to home and may offer more flexibility with venues and vendors. A local wedding planner can help streamline the process and make it stress-free.
  
  
• Destination Weddings: These are perfect for couples dreaming of tying the knot in a romantic or exotic location. Whether it’s a Caribbean beach, a European villa, or a private Pacific paradise, destination weddings combine your ceremony and vacation into one unforgettable experience.

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Step 3: Planning Your Destination Wedding

If you’re leaning toward a destination wedding, here’s where you need to start planning:

1. Hire a Destination Wedding Travel Advisor
   A travel advisor is your secret weapon. They’ll help you choose the perfect destination, coordinate your guests’ travel plans, and recommend the best properties and wedding professionals.
   
   
2. Choose Your Destination
   Think about your wedding vibe. Do you want the sun-drenched beaches of the Caribbean, the old-world charm of Europe, or the tropical serenity of the Pacific?
   
   
3. Select a Property
   Look for venues that cater to destination weddings. Many resorts and properties offer packages that simplify the process, including built-in wedding planners or coordinators.
   
   
4. Set the Date and Share the News
   Once your destination and venue are booked, finalize your date. Send out save-the-dates early so your guests have time to arrange their travel. Include your travel advisor’s contact information to make booking easy for everyone.
   

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Step 4: Assemble Your Bridal Party

Gather your crew! Your bridal party will be your biggest support team during the planning process. You can make the invitation to join your bridal party special by:

• Giving personalized gifts, like custom keepsakes or heartfelt notes.
  
• Hosting a memorable dinner or brunch to pop the question to your besties.

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Step 5: Share the Details

Help your guests prepare for your big day by sending out important details:

• Dress Code & Color Palette: Let your guests know how formal or casual the event will be, and share any color preferences if you want a cohesive look for photos.
  
  
• Travel Advisor Info: Ensure your guests can easily book accommodations and flights by providing your travel advisor’s contact details.

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Step 6: Decide on a Wedding Planner or Coordinator

If you’re planning a destination wedding, you’ll likely need help pulling everything together. This is where you’ll need to decide between hiring a wedding planner or working with your venue’s wedding coordinator.

• Wedding Planner: A planner is your go-to person for every aspect of wedding design and logistics. They’ll help you select vendors, negotiate contracts, and communicate with the venue’s team. On the big day, they’ll oversee every detail to ensure everything runs smoothly. However, this level of service typically starts at $5,000 or more, plus their travel expenses.
  
  
• Wedding Coordinator: Most destination wedding venues offer an on-site coordinator. While they handle the details on the day of your wedding, you’ll be responsible for choosing packages, vendors, and finalizing details. They’ll guide you through their offerings but won’t manage your overall vision like a planner would.

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Step 7: Dive Into Planning

Now that the foundational pieces are in place, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and dive into the details! Work with your travel advisor, wedding planner, or coordinator to bring your dream wedding to life.

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Bonus Tip: Why You Should Work with a Destination Wedding Travel Advisor

Planning a wedding is no small feat, but a Destination Wedding Travel Advisor can make the process significantly easier. They’ll:

• Help you find the best venues, wedding planners, and coordinators for your budget and style.
  
  
• Act as the main point of contact for your guests, answering any questions and coordinating travel plans.
  
  
• Ensure that the hotel and on-site coordinator are meeting your expectations, so you can relax and enjoy your day stress-free.
  
  

With the right team and a clear plan, you’ll be well on your way to celebrating your love in the most magical way possible. Remember, this is your special day—so enjoy every moment of the journey!