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The Ultimate Wedding Planning Kickoff Guide for Engaged Couples & How a Planner Can Help

A step-by-step guide for newly engaged couples and how a planner can help take away the unwanted Wedmin!


Congratulations — you’re engaged! ✨

Engagement season is officially here and if you’re reading this, you’re probably still glowing from the proposal… and maybe also wondering, “Where on earth do we start with wedding planning?”


Don’t worry — you’re in exactly the right place.


Whether you’re ready to dive head-first into planning or you want a slow, joyful start, this guide will walk you through the essential first steps. Plus, if at any point you think, “We would love someone to take this off our plate,” you’ll know exactly when and how a wedding planner can help.


Let’s get you started the right way!


Step 1: Celebrate

Before you even open Pinterest, take time to enjoy this moment. Call your family and friends, have a celebratory dinner, take engagement photos or spend a quiet evening soaking it all in.This season passes quickly — savour it.


Step 2: Talk About the Big Things First

Before you jump into décor themes or dresses, have an honest conversation with your partner about:

  • Your budget (the non-negotiable foundation)

  • Your guest count

  • Your ideal wedding style (formal, relaxed, destination, modern, rustic, classic, etc.)

  • The general timeframe or season you’d like

These early decisions will guide everything else and prevent early overwhelm or mismatched expectations.


Step 3: Create a Shared Vision

Grab a laptop, a glass of wine, and a Pinterest board and make it fun.

Ask yourselves:

  • What vibe do you want guests to feel?

  • Indoors or outdoors?

  • Midday or Afternoon ceremony?

  • Big celebration or intimate gathering?

This doesn’t have to be perfect — it’s just your starting point.


Step 4: Start Your “First 30 Days” Checklist

This is where the real planning begins, and you can absolutely start this part yourself.

Your first-month priorities should include:

  • Drafting a guest list

  • Setting your budget framework

  • Researching potential venues

  • Discussing your top 3 priorities as a couple (for example: food, music, guest experience, fireworks)

  • Deciding on a season or month

After this you have a good plan to start looking at venues and deciding if they fit into your wedding style, is it big enough and finding out if they have availability.



Step 5: The DIY Stage — And When It Starts to Get Hard

Many couples love the excitement of the early planning phase. But after the first few weeks, something usually happens:

The admin begins.

  • Endless wed-min

  • Emailing suppliers back and forth

  • Comparing quotes

  • Searching for the perfect venue that ticks all the boxes

  • Losing hours on Google and Pinterest

  • Feeling unsure if you’re missing something

  • Working full-time while trying to respond to suppliers during business hours

  • Juggling spreadsheets, timelines, and contracts

This is usually the point where couples say, “We didn’t realise how much work this actually is…”


And it’s completely normal.


Wedding planning is a part-time job — sometimes a full-time one — and unless you want the logistics to take over your engagement, this is where bringing in a planner changes everything.


When to Hire a Wedding Planner


If you want:

  • Less stress

  • Fewer emails

  • Fewer decisions to make alone

  • Support navigating suppliers

  • A customised plan that fits your wedding vision

  • A streamlined, enjoyable engagement

  • A professional to manage the details while you enjoy the fun parts

…then it might be time to hand over the reins.


Working with a wedding planner means you get expert guidance, insider knowledge, trusted suppliers, timeline management, and someone who protects your vision (and your sanity) throughout the entire process.

Imagine having:

  • A personalised wedding checklist

  • A curated list of suppliers matched to your style and budget

  • A clear timeline

  • Confidence that nothing is forgotten

This is exactly what I help couples with from day one.



Step 6: Let’s Plan Your Dream Wedding — Together

If you’re newly engaged and feeling excited — but also a little overwhelmed — let’s talk.

I offer a free consultation call where we can walk through your vision and create a personalised planning roadmap. No pressure, no obligation — just clarity, direction, and a head start on your dream day.


Or check out my wedding planning brochure for packages and details!


Your wedding planning journey should feel joyful — not stressful.Let’s make the next chapter of your engagement easy, organised, and unforgettable


Love,

Leah

 
 
 

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