What to book first when wedding planning
Venue first, planning second
I’m sure you want to look at dresses, get your girls together, etc., but I promise they’ll still be there; they’re not going anywhere! My strong suggestion: nail down your venue first, and I’m going to tell you why!
Wedding planning is stressful, no doubt, but finding our venue was (personally) the worst part for my fiancé (now husband! :D) and I; and that’s because it’s stressful AF. lol
My husband and I had our hopes set out on not getting married in Illinois (we travel a lot so it just made sense to look out of state), and my parents said, “just look at ONE at home”. *eye rolling emoji* What they didn’t tell me was that I’d walk out of the venue totally surprised by my own feelings, and would wake up the next day with every thought about the venue we just toured. Damn you, Deb and Greg! lol
Since we were initially looking out of state, our search was a bit more stressful than most because we were looking at so many different venues that it was 24/7 researching, googling, and scheduling tours. But I WILL say, if something doesn’t feel right to you, THAT’S. BECAUSE. IT’S. NOT. Yes, the venue might be beautiful, but your gut exists for a reason. And let me tell you, I’m so glad I listened to mine. I digress, but it can be overwhelming looking at so many, asking the same questions repeatedly, and trying to remember what each venue includes, what each one costs, their stipulations, etc.
With that said, once we figured out our venue, it was like the most insane sigh of relief; the stress fell off our shoulders and we felt like we could finally breathe. After that, almost everything had just fallen into place. And it will for you, too!!! I promise :) I hate to say I’m glad I actually took my parents words of advice and put them into action, because 99.9% of our planning was on our own, without anyone’s opinions being shoved down our throats.
All in all, figuring out your venue first is the main foundation to your entirety of planning of your wedding, and gives your future photographer, DJ, caterer, etc. an idea of your wedding date and if they’re available.
I hope this starts your planning off right! Best of luck! :)
xoxo, Dana
