20 Wedding Planning Must-Know Things

Wedding planning can feel overwhelming at times, but with the right guidance and knowledge, it can be an exciting and memorable experience. Whether you’re just starting to plan or are deep into the process, there are always questions that arise. To help, we’ve compiled 20 of the most commonly asked questions during wedding planning, along with answers to guide you through the process.

1. When should we start planning our wedding?

Answer: Ideally, start planning at least 12 months before your wedding day. This gives you ample time to book vendors, secure your venue, and manage all the little details. If you have less time, it’s still possible to plan a wedding in 6-9 months, but flexibility and quick decisions will be crucial.

2. How do we create a wedding budget?

Answer: Start by determining how much you’re willing to spend overall. Allocate funds to key areas like the venue, catering, photography, and attire. Be realistic about what’s most important to you and consider setting aside a portion for unexpected expenses.

3. What should be our top wedding priorities?

Answer: Focus on what matters most to you as a couple. Whether it’s the venue, food, photography, or entertainment, decide early on what will make your day feel special, and allocate the bulk of your budget to those areas.

4. How do we choose a wedding venue?

Answer: Consider factors like location, size, atmosphere, availability, and budget. Make sure the venue aligns with your wedding style (e.g., rustic, elegant, or beachside). Don’t forget to check if it includes essential services like catering or has preferred vendor lists.

5. Should we hire a wedding planner?

Answer: A wedding planner can reduce stress and help keep things on track, especially if you have a busy schedule. If your budget allows, a planner can manage logistics, timeline, and vendor coordination. For couples with a tighter budget, your venue will likely come with a day-of coordinator to help on the wedding day itself.

6. When should we send out wedding invitations?

Answer: Send out wedding invitations about 8-12 weeks before your wedding date. If it’s a destination wedding or requires travel, send them 12-14 weeks in advance to give guests ample time to plan.

7. What are the wedding etiquette rules for the guest list?

Answer: Generally, invite those closest to you, including family and friends who play an important role in your life. Avoid inviting distant acquaintances or people you don’t want to have at your celebration. Stick to your budget and the size of the venue when creating the list.

8. How do we handle dietary restrictions or food allergies for guests?

Answer: Work with your caterer to offer meal options for guests with dietary restrictions (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free). Ask your guests in advance about any dietary needs on the RSVP cards.

9. What should we do if we have a destination wedding?

Answer: Plan well in advance, keeping in mind travel logistics and accommodation for your guests. Provide information on nearby hotels, travel options, and any necessary documents (e.g., passports). Create a wedding website to keep guests updated with all the details.

10. What should we do if something goes wrong on our wedding day?

Answer: It’s important to remain calm and flexible. Have a backup plan in place for things like bad weather or vendor issues. Most wedding vendors are prepared for unforeseen circumstances, and your coordinator or planner can help manage any problems. Focus on enjoying the day—things may not go exactly as planned, but that’s part of the magic of the celebration!

11. How do we write our vows?

Answer: Writing personal vows is an emotional and meaningful part of your ceremony. Reflect on your relationship, promises to your partner, and your hopes for the future. Keep it personal and sincere, and make sure to practice beforehand.

12. When do we need to choose our wedding vendors?

Answer: Book your key vendors (photographer, caterer, florist, etc.) about 12-16 months before the wedding to ensure availability. Other vendors (hair and makeup, DJ, etc.) can be booked a bit later, typically 9-10 months ahead.

13. Should we provide transportation for our guests?

Answer: It's definitely not an expectation, but if your ceremony and reception are at different locations or if many guests are traveling from out of town, offering transportation can be a great way to ensure everyone gets to the venue safely and on time. It can also be a fun way to enhance the guest experience. You can arrange a bus, shuttle, or car service depending on your budget and the number of guests needing transport.

14. Should we give wedding favours to guests?

Answer: Wedding favours are a nice touch, but they’re optional. If you have the budget, small personalised gifts are a sweet gesture, but many couples opt to forgo them in favour of spending on other aspects of the wedding.

15. What’s the best way to incorporate traditions into our wedding?

Answer: Incorporate meaningful family traditions or cultural practices that resonate with you. It could be something as simple as including a particular song or as elaborate as a traditional ceremony or dance.

16. When do we need to make the final wedding payments?

Answer: Final payments are typically due 1-2 weeks before the wedding day, but always check the contracts with each vendor for exact terms. Make sure you have everything settled before the big day to avoid last-minute stress.

17. What should we do about wedding gifts?

Answer: You have 2 real options: set up a Wishing Well and let gusts know of this so they can put their cards, with our without money in it at your reception or set up a wedding registry and include a variety of price points to suit your guests’ budgets. Be sure to thank guests promptly after receiving gifts, either through hand-written notes or digital acknowledgments.

18. How do we create a wedding timeline?

Answer: Create a detailed schedule that includes every key event, working backwards from the ceremony, including cocktail hour, dinner, speeches, and dancing. Share it with your vendors, wedding party, guests in photos and anyone involved to ensure the day runs smoothly.

19. What’s the best way to plan our wedding exit?

Answer: Plan a grand exit at the end of your reception, whether it’s with sparklers, confetti, or a special getaway car. Let your guests know ahead of time so they can be ready to send you off in style.

20. How do we manage expectations with family members?

Answer: Communicate openly with family members, especially when it comes to decisions like guest lists or traditions. Be firm yet understanding in setting boundaries and expectations. After all, this day is about you and your partner’s vision for your future together.

Wedding planning involves many moving parts, but addressing these frequently asked questions early on can help alleviate stress and keep you on track. Remember that your wedding day is about celebrating your love with the people who matter most to you. With thoughtful planning and clear communication, you’ll create a beautiful and memorable experience for both you and your guests!