What to Know About Wedding Planning in 2025
Are you planning a wedding in 2025? Wedding planning is a big task that presents various challenges and uncertainties. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to navigate the process and to make sure your wedding happens the way you want!
1. Know What You Want
First, it’s important to know what you want. After you've had time to process the excitement of your engagement, you’ll begin wedding planning. I would suggest writing down your entire vision, dream wedding photographers, dream venues, decor ideas, etc. Write your must-haves and also jot down a few things that you’re more willing to compromise on. Reflecting on exactly what you want for your wedding will make your decision process more streamlined and allow you to prioritize what is most important to you!
2. Set Your Budget
Before diving into wedding planning and officially booking your vendors, it is important that you have a clear expectation of costs and what you are willing and able to realistically afford. Allocate a specific amount for certain categories such as photography, venue, attire, catering, florals, etc. It is also a good idea to set aside some flex funds and to know where you may be willing to splurge or be more inclined to tighten expenses. Other things to consider within your budget might be tips, permits, or overtime coverage.
3. Book Key Vendors First
After you’ve written down what you want and created your budget, you will want to book your key vendors. It’s likely you have a dream venue/photographer/florist/etc. that you want to work with, so I recommend you reach out to them as soon as possible to make sure they are available for your date! This will solidify your date and you’ll be able to make other decisions based on what you’ve already booked. And here’s a bonus tip: be sure to read through contracts carefully before you sign!
4. Be Prepared to Be Flexible
The reality of wedding planning is that there can be curveballs and speed-bumps along the way. While hoping for the best, it is a good idea to anticipate the unexpected and have a flexible mindset. It is okay if everything doesn’t go according to our perfect plan. Whether it’s bad weather, a family member or friend who can no longer make it, or God-forbid, a flaky vendor (those contracts are SO important!), your mindset can make a huge difference in how you navigate the situation. I also recommend designating a few trusted people to handle any issue that may arise. This will give you peace of mind before and during your wedding day! And if you plan to have an outdoor wedding, I highly recommend having a backup plan for your photo and ceremony locations.
5. Stay Organized
One of the best ways to keep the stress at bay and to keep tabs on everything you are planning and organizing is to use a wedding planning spreadsheet or app. This will help you track deadlines and to-do lists and to keep you on pace for everything you need to get accomplished. It is also a good idea to delegate tasks to trusted family or friends to help you stay on top of everything and avoid burnout and planning fatigue. Organization is key!
6. Remember What Matters Most!
Wedding planning can be overwhelming and it is SO important to take care of yourself. This is such a special season and I encourage you to find ways to be present and to soak up all of it’s magic! Setting aside specific time to plan can be really helpful. I also recommend scheduling date nights with your partner where you intentionally don’t talk about wedding planning. Setting boundaries is a great way to allow yourselves to enjoy this time and keep you focused on what matters most: you’re marrying your best friend! And of course, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vendors if you have questions or need suggestions and insight regarding your wedding and the decisions you are making. That is why we are here and we cannot wait to help make it the most special day of your lives!