Welcome to Your Journey
Congratulations, you said “Yes!” Getting engaged is an exciting milestone that marks the beginning of a new chapter of your life together. But after the celebrations settle, it’s completely normal for the questions to come rushing in: What now? Where do we begin? How do we make this feel organized and stress-free?
That’s exactly where this guide comes in.
We’re here to walk you through the first months of wedding planning, from savoring the moment and setting your vision to securing your vendors, building a budget, and making confident decisions. Whether you’re dreaming of a tented soirée or an indoor celebration, this guide was created with your style, your story, and the unforgettable day you’re about to plan.
Step 1: Pause, Celebrate & Reflect
Before hammering out guest lists or budgets, take a moment and celebrate your engagement. Share the good news with family and friends, take engagement photos, and savor the magic of the moment.
Then, together with your partner, reflect on what matters most:
- What kind of wedding do you want (size, vibe, formality)?
- What’s most important: photography, food, music, guest experience, or memories?
- What’s your comfort budget range?
Setting expectations early saves a lot of planning stress later.
Step 2: Set Your Budget & Timeline
Money + Time = Peace.
Decide on a realistic budget together. Many popular venues and vendors book 1-2 years in advance, especially during peak wedding season. Wenworth by the Sea Country Club is currently booking for the 2027 season.
If you have a specific date in mind (like your anniversary), give yourself maximum lead time. If you’re flexible, you’ll have more venue options.
Pro tip: Create a shared digital folder for budgets, contracts, vendor quotes, and inspiration.
Step 3: Build Your “Must-Have” List & Guest Estimate
Your guest count shapes everything: venue size, catering cost, decor, invitations, and more.
- Draft a rough guest list (family, friends, plus-ones). Decide if your celebration will be adults only or age-inclusive to provide your guests with ample time to make arrangements.
- Create a vision board together: mood, colors, textures, and must-haves (live band, late-night station, outdoor ceremony, vegan or gluten-free menu options, etc.).
This clarity helps guide every major decision ahead.
Step 4: Lock in the Big-Ticket Items Early
Some vendors book up fast, especially in popular months. Experts recommend securing these as far in advance as possible:
- Venue (ceremony & reception)
- Caterer / Bar Services
- Officiant
- Entertainment (band / DJ)
- Florist & Decor
Waiting too long can mean losing your dream vendor or venue. Our expert Wedding & Events Team offer couples a look at recommended local vendors to provide couples with ample options during their planning process.
Step 5: Create a Flexible Planning Timeline
|
When You Are |
What to Do |
|
12–18 months before |
Set budget, guest list, and wedding vision. Book venue & key vendors. |
|
9–12 months before |
Order wedding attire, send save-the-dates, secure guest accommodations. |
|
6–9 months before |
Choose menu, finalize major contracts, and begin decor planning. |
|
4–6 months before |
Send invitations, confirm decor, transportation & accommodations. |
|
2–3 months before |
Final fittings, guest confirmations, day-of logistics. |
|
1 month before |
Confirm vendor schedules, finalize seating, ceremony details, and day-of flow. |
Step 6: Keep Up With Wedding Trends & Guest Experience
Modern weddings are all about experience, comfort, and personalization. Here’s what’s trending:
Welcome Gifts
Instead of traditional gift bags, couples are adding curated welcome stations filled with snacks, local treats, and keepsakes.
Drapery & Textured Decor
Rich linens, soft draping, and elevated textures are transforming ceremony and reception spaces for a luxurious feel.
Personalized Elements Over Excess
Couples are skipping generic extras and focusing on meaningful touches, custom signage, guest-focused experiences, and intentional decor. Let your wedding reflect your story and your style.
Step 7: Hire help when it matters
A wedding planner or a strong Wedding & Events Team can save time and lower stress. Many couples bring planners on 12+ months out, but experienced teams can also support compressed timelines. Ensure to pick a planner that envisions your big day as beautifully as you.
Step 8: Small details, big impact
Personalized stationery, welcome notes, and thoughtful place settings create lasting memories. If stationery feels daunting, our stationer Q&A explains timing and design choices that simplify the process.
Enjoy the process
Planning should be joyful. Start early, focus on what matters most to you both, lean on trusted experts, and keep organization simple. When you narrow priorities, the rest falls into place.
Congratulations again on your engagement and welcome to the beautiful path of planning your dream wedding! Need a hand? Reach out anytime. Wentworth by the Sea Country Club’s team of experts are here to help you create your dream wedding!
Photography Credit: K& L Photography, Angela Greenlaw Photography, Marie Cowan Photography