7 Essential Wedding Planning Steps Every Engaged Couple Needs to Know

Now that it's engagement season, let's talk about the basics. Shall we? When you get engaged, the most important thing is to enjoy your moment with your partner. After that initial and exciting stage, you can move on to the next stage, which will not be as fun. That's why we strongly advise you to move into this stage once you are ready. 

Second wedding planning step: wedding budget

So, what's the secret to the second stage? It is serious talk about money. Yes, M.O.N.E.Y. Parents used to help pay for their kids' weddings, but that's changed. As weddings and other large events become more common, parents will often try to dissuade you. Let's be honest: weddings are aspirational. No matter what your tax bracket is, they always feel expensive. 

To give you an idea, couples usually invest 22% of their new yearly household income. Couples who spend more than this usually take a longer time to get engaged. Couples who spend less than this have other priorities at the time. Remember that this is your one and only chance to bring all your loved ones together in one place, and you won't get a do-over. No vow renewal, graduation, baptism, baby shower, or housewarming gets you as many RSVPs as a wedding. 

Put a pin on this so that you can return to it later

Third wedding planning step: vet your wedding planner

Get your wedding planner. Just like any service, you should plan to spend 10%-20% of your budget on your wedding planner. Wedding planners are available for all budgets. Even if you have to do some of the planning yourself, they can help. If you don't have enough money for full-service or partial-service wedding planner, you can always pick a single consultation with us. We'll send you in the right direction.

You now know how much you should budget for your wedding planner and your overall budget. Let's talk about the skills you should look for in a wedding planner who will provide full or partial services. Before we begin, there's something important to understand: there's no formal training or education to become a wedding planner. This means you'll need to assess their soft and hard skills and think about the role like it's a job in human resources. If you do this step right, you won't have to put so much effort into checking any other vendor because they will do it for you. 

Remember, your wedding planner doesn't need to be an expert in every detail, but it's essential that they excel in logistics, project management, accounting, recruiting, human resources management, and customer service. If you're planning a destination wedding, you'll need a planner who knows how to deal with the extra complexities of international business. Your planner will need to understand how to work with people from other cultures and meet their expectations. 

You can check the planner’s portfolio to see which type of couples they work with and if you identify with them. Also, make sure your wedding planner's contract is bound to protect your interests.

Fourth wedding planning step: Set financial boundaries

When you ask your family for money, we suggest using one of the two methods we will explain in a moment. The reason is that if you ask for a large sum of money and don't specify how it's to be used, they might feel the need to make all the decisions. In that case, your wedding will not be yours anymore. 

So, what are those two options? You and your wedding planner should get price estimates from the vendors you want to work with. Ask your contributors to cover one category only, so their opinions are tied to that single category. If you want to keep the mood of your wedding yours, a simple idea is to ask them to cover the alcohol category.

Another option is to wait until you have the overall budget plan and divide it by the number of guests. Then, ask them to pay for the guests they want to invite. This will make them more careful about who they choose and how many people they invite. 

Fith wedding planning step: vendor bookings

Come up with a payment and booking plan, and stick to it. The longer you wait to make a decision and pay, the more you risk not having the vendor selection you need. Just like your wedding planner has to fit your wedding plans, your vendor team should also fit your vision. Otherwise, you won't be able to create the right atmosphere.

You can ask for more information about the planner's preferred vendor list. However, don't try to find the vendors on your own. The planner is responsible for considering all the moving pieces. If you book vendors yourself, the planner won't be responsible for any miscommunications that could affect the day's logistics or budget. After all, that's the job you hired them for. 

Step six

Make room to personalize your wedding. Think about the little details that show your personality and your love story. Talk to your planner to see if these ideas are possible. The sooner you finish your vendor bookings, the sooner you can start working on the customization. It may surprise you, but it shows at the end. There are some details that will have to wait until you finalize your RSVP. But at least you will have a bulk part done, which will give you enough time to start working on your wedding day timeline and encourage your guests to send their RSVPs sooner. 

Final wedding planning step: Trust the process and enjoy the journey

Once you've completed all the previous steps, it's time to let go and trust your team. Your wedding planner and vendors are now working behind the scenes to bring your vision to life. This is when you should focus on the excitement of your upcoming celebration rather than getting caught up in last-minute details.

In the weeks leading up to your wedding, resist the urge to micromanage. Instead, use this time to connect with your partner, practice self-care, and soak in the anticipation. Attend your final walk-throughs, confirm your timeline, and then step back. Remember, you've done the hard work of assembling the right team—now let them do what they do best.

On your wedding day, be present. Put down your phone, trust your planner to handle any hiccups, and focus on celebrating with the people you love. This is the moment you've been planning for, and it will go by faster than you think.

Ready to start planning your destination wedding in Guatemala?

At Zeeba Productions, we specialize in turning wedding dreams into reality in one of the world's most stunning destinations. Whether you need full-service planning, partial assistance, or just a consultation to point you in the right direction, we're here to ensure your celebration is everything you've envisioned—and more.

Let's talk about your love story and how we can bring it to life. Contact us today and let's create something unforgettable together.