Let’s face it, we all start at the bottom when it comes to the wedding planning process. Even our team at Elegant Affairs had to start somewhere. Everyone experiences the same questions when it comes to beginning the wedding planning process. Planning a wedding isn’t easy and you may not know what you’re doing right from the start. Questions will arise and you  may have to google some “how to” videos or blogs. And that’s okay – mistakes will happen and wedding planning will be a learning process. Our team is here to help guide you through the process, from start to finish, so here’s our guide on how to take the wedding planning journey one step at a time. 

#01: Don’t Rush your Engagement Announcement

Starting at the beginning of the journey, is saying “Yes!” to the best question you’ll ever be asked, “Will you marry me?”. After you get engaged, it is more than acceptable to wait to announce your engagement to the rest of the world. Wedding planning is fast-paced and can often feel overwhelming. Once you click that button to announce, you will have an influx of calls, messages, and emails all wanting to hear how it happened and get the juicy details. Don’t rush posting on your socials or making those calls, until you are ready and have fully enjoyed the moment with your partner. It is okay to put your phone down and be present. Yes, we know you want to show off your glamorous ring, but be sure to bask in the moment and experience all of the happiness you have for each other. Social media can wait another hour – or even a day. 

#02: Don’t Rush to Book Vendors 

You’re excited – we know. And you feel the urge to begin wedding planning and booking away. One of the biggest mistakes we’ve seen is that clients rush to book vendors, without fully researching or finding someone that fits your exact needs. Take your time when finding vendors that fit your exact needs. You want to choose vendors with careful consideration. This means, finding and interviewing a few vendors, attending a variety of tastings, and exploring multiple folks within your budget. It is always a good idea to compare and explore a few vendors, before signing on the dotted line. Don’t rush to book anyone, you want to avoid regrets on your wedding day. 

#03: Don’t Think “What If” 

The internet has everything at our fingertips. You can pull up Google and pull up thousands of ideas and wedding searches. As you begin planning, booking vendors, and making decisions, it is important to cross those items off your to-do list and move forward. Continuing to explore Pinterest boards, or scrolling through social media for the next great wedding planning advice, can cause you to second guess your decisions previously made. Be satisfied with your original decision and remember why you’ve made that decision in the first place! It is never good to wonder “what if” and don’t change your details over and over. Stick with your gut and don’t wonder if the grass is greener on the other side! 

#04: Don’t Overshare 

Sharing your excitement with friends and family throughout your planning is expected. You are thrilled to be on this journey and to have your loved ones experience it with you. As you plan, keep the details to a minimum. You want to ensure that your guests are surprised with what you have planned and can thoroughly enjoy your wedding day! Also, the more you share, the more people will have opinions on your wedding planning decisions. Share the details you want to share or are necessary to share, keep the rest between you, your partner, and your wedding vendors or planner(s). Leave your wedding day experience for you and your guests and don’t feel the need to overshare all of the details. 

#05: Don’t Try to Do Everything Yourself

Yes, we know that DIY projects can save you money. Or you may just really enjoy browsing Pinterest boards and crafting (we all love a good craft here and there). But, overextending your energy, time, and money can be stressful when it comes to wedding planning. Yes, you may have the capability to hand letter every invitation, or you may want to create all of your floral centerpieces the day before, but only take on what you can handle – or honestly, take on LESS. You don’t want to be stressed out on your wedding day, or leading up to your wedding. Hire wedding professionals to help you, or look into hiring a wedding planner/coordinator to execute your DIY projects. Don’t overwhelm yourself with so many projects and details that you cannot take the time to enjoy planning or the experience. Don’t try to do every detail yourself, ask for help, hire vendors to help, and create space in your budget to lessen the stress weddings can bring. 

Most importantly, you want to ensure that you are enjoying the wedding planning process with your partner. Don’t forget to savor all of the moments. Take moments for yourself after your engagement and don’t feel rushed to share on socials right away, don’t forget to ask for help and accept help where needed, don’t overshare, think carefully when booking vendors, and don’t feel the need to rush and sign contracts, and most importantly, be content with the decisions you make. Stop exploring other options, unless it is necessary or something in your gut doesn’t feel right. 

Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 18 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.