Congratulations on your engagement! As the excitement settles in and you begin sharing the news with friends and family, one question inevitably surfaces: where do you start when planning a wedding? The process can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never planned a large event before. But with a clear roadmap and a step-by-step approach, you can turn what seems like a daunting task into an enjoyable experience that leads to the celebration of your dreams.
Where Do You Start Planning a Wedding?
Set Your Budget First
Before you fall in love with a venue or start browsing Pinterest boards, sit down with your partner and any family members who might be contributing financially. Establishing a realistic budget is the foundation of every decision you’ll make moving forward. This conversation might not be the most romantic part of wedding planning, but it’s essential.
Your budget will determine nearly everything: the size of your guest list, the style of your venue, and which vendors you can afford to hire. Be honest about what you can spend, and don’t forget to build in a buffer of about 10-15% for unexpected costs. Wedding expenses have a way of adding up quickly, and you’ll be grateful for that cushion when you discover those little extras you hadn’t considered.
Create Your Guest List Early
Your guest list directly impacts your budget, so tackle this task early in the planning process. Start by creating a master list with your partner, then work through it together to identify who absolutely must be there versus who would be nice to include if space allows.
Keep in mind that your venue capacity and per-person costs for food and drinks will be determined by your headcount. Many couples find it helpful to create tiered lists: an A-list of must-invite guests, a B-list of hopefuls, and a C-list of people you’d love to include if your budget and venue allow.
Choose Your Venue
Once you know roughly how many people you’re inviting and what you can spend, it’s time to start looking at venues. Your venue choice will set the tone for your entire celebration, so think carefully about the atmosphere you want to create. Do you envision an elegant ballroom reception, a rustic barn gathering, or an outdoor ceremony under the Louisiana sun?
When touring venues in the New Orleans area, ask about what’s included in the rental fee. Some locations provide tables, chairs, and basic décor, while others are blank slates that require you to bring in everything. Also, verify whether the venue has a commercial kitchen available or if your caterer will need to bring in equipment. Understanding these details upfront will help you avoid surprises later in your planning process.
Select Your Wedding Date
Your ideal venue might not be available on your dream date, so be flexible. Consider factors beyond just the season: holidays can mean higher vendor costs and guests who are already traveling, while weekday weddings often come with reduced rates but lower attendance.
In New Orleans, wedding season runs strong from September through May, with particularly high demand during the spring and fall months. If you’re flexible with your timing, you might find better availability and pricing during the summer months or on Sunday afternoons.
Prioritize Your Vendors
With your venue secured, it’s time to book your key vendors. These professionals will bring your vision to life, so choose carefully and book early. The most in-demand vendors get reserved months or even a year or more in advance, particularly for popular wedding dates.
Start with the vendors who will have the biggest impact on your celebration. Most couples prioritize their photographer, since those images will be how you remember the day for years to come. Your caterer should be next on the list, as they’ll provide the experience that keeps your guests comfortable and happy throughout the reception.
Plan Your Menu and Bar Service
Food and drinks often represent one of the largest line items in your wedding budget, but they’re also what your guests will remember most vividly. This is where you get to showcase your personality as a couple and treat your loved ones to an incredible culinary experience.
When meeting with caterers, discuss your vision for the reception. Do you want a formal plated dinner where guests enjoy multiple courses, or would you prefer a more relaxed buffet-style service that encourages mingling? Family-style service offers a middle ground, creating an intimate atmosphere where guests pass dishes around the table.
For couples getting married in New Orleans, incorporating local cuisine is a wonderful way to celebrate the city’s rich culinary heritage. Consider including regional favorites that showcase Louisiana’s flavors: perhaps passed hors d’oeuvres featuring local seafood, a Creole rice bar station, or even a raw oyster bar to give your guests an authentic taste of New Orleans.
Don’t overlook the bar when planning your menu. Beer, wine, and signature cocktails keep the celebration lively and give guests something to sip while they socialize. If you’re working with a caterer who has their own liquor license, they can handle both food and beverages, simplifying your vendor coordination. Just confirm that your venue allows outside bar service before finalizing these plans.
Book Additional Vendors
With your venue and catering secured, move on to booking your other essential vendors. A great photographer or videographer will capture the memories you’ll treasure forever, while a talented florist can transform your space with beautiful arrangements that complement your color scheme.
If you’re having dancing at your reception, a DJ or live band keeps energy high and guests on the floor. For larger weddings or outdoor ceremonies, you might also need to rent sound equipment so everyone can hear your vows. A planner or day-of coordinator can be invaluable for managing logistics on the actual wedding day, freeing you to simply enjoy the celebration.
Send Save-the-Dates and Invitations
Once your date and venue are locked in, send save-the-dates to your guest list, especially if you’re having a destination wedding or getting married during a busy travel season. Save-the-dates typically go out six to eight months before the wedding, giving guests ample time to make travel arrangements.
Formal invitations should be mailed about two to three months before the wedding date. Include all the essential information: ceremony and reception locations, timing, dress code, and RSVP details. If you’re having a cocktail-style reception or need meal selections for a plated dinner, make sure to gather that information through your RSVP process.
Plan the Ceremony
While much attention gets focused on the reception, your ceremony deserves thoughtful planning too. Whether you’re having a religious service or a secular celebration, meet with your officiant well in advance to discuss the structure and any personalization you’d like to include.
Think about the flow of the ceremony: processional order, readings, musical selections, and whether you’ll include any special rituals like unity candles or sand ceremonies. For outdoor ceremonies in New Orleans, always have a backup plan in case of unexpected rain or extreme heat.
Handle the Details
As your wedding date approaches, turn your attention to the finishing touches that tie everything together. Create a cohesive design by selecting colors, flowers, and décor elements that complement your venue and reflect your personal style. Work with your florist on bouquets, boutonnieres, centerpieces, and any ceremony decorations.
Order your wedding cake or desserts, plan your music selections for key moments, and arrange transportation if needed. Don’t forget practical details like guest accommodations, especially if you have out-of-town visitors. A room block at a nearby hotel makes it convenient for traveling guests to attend your celebration.
Enjoy the Process
Wedding planning involves countless decisions and details, but try to savor the experience. This is a special time in your relationship, and the process of creating your celebration should be enjoyable, not just stressful. Delegate tasks when possible, trust your vendors to do what they do best, and remember what this is all about: celebrating your love and commitment with the people who matter most.
Take breaks from planning when you need them, and don’t let the pursuit of perfection overshadow the joy of preparing for your marriage. Those small details you’re agonizing over? Your guests won’t notice if the napkins are slightly the wrong shade. What they will remember is the warmth of your hospitality, the quality of the food and drinks, and the happiness radiating from you both.
Where Do You Start When Planning a Wedding? With Elysian Events!
So, where do you start when planning a wedding? Beginning the wedding planning journey can feel like standing at the base of a mountain, but taking it one step at a time makes the climb manageable. By setting a budget, choosing your venue, and booking your key vendors early, you’ll create a solid foundation for a celebration that reflects who you are as a couple.
When you’re ready to discuss catering options for your New Orleans wedding, reach out to explore how fresh, locally-inspired cuisine can make your reception truly memorable. From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, the right catering team will work with you to create a menu your guests will be talking about long after the last dance. Contact us at (504) 541-0091 or fill out our online form to start planning the delicious side of your special day.
