Just Engaged? How to Plan Your Wedding Without Feeling Overwhelmed

Before you disappear into details or logistics, begin with something gentler: the feeling you want your wedding to hold. Not the colour scheme or the catering yet — just the essence of the day you’re dreaming of.

Sit down with your partner when you’re both able to be present. Talk about what matters. The mood. The pace. The promise the day is meant to reflect. Your non-negotiables and your “it-would-be-lovely-if…” dreams. This vision becomes your compass. Not a rigid plan — just something steady to come back to as everything else unfolds.

Unless you’ve planned events before, this might be the first time you’ve held something this big and meaningful in your hands. It’s natural to want a little guidance. Our platform is here for exactly that. A curated collection of venues, thoughtful advice, and inspiration you can dip in and out of whenever you need it.

You don’t need to know everything right now. Just know there’s a place you can return to when you’re ready.

This part tends to bring up tension — for everyone. Money always does.

But it doesn’t need to be a headache. Think of your budget as a boundary that protects you and nudges you toward grounded choices rather than reactive ones. Talk openly with each other. Be honest about what you can comfortably afford, what family might contribute, and where your priorities lie. Leave space for a bit of contingency. Life has a way of scattering surprises along the path.

We can’t talk about wedding planning without acknowledging that this is a significant investment — and that the world feels heavy in places right now.

If you’re worrying about costs or feeling unsure how far your budget can stretch, you’re not alone. Caitlin has written a thoughtful piece on navigating costs with clarity and creativity, which might be exactly what you need to read next.

You don’t need the exact date yet — just a sense of the season that feels right for you both. Think about light, weather, and any important family dates or anniversaries that matter.

Looking back, I would have loved an October wedding (the most beautiful month, if you ask me), but we ended up marrying on the hottest August day, 15 days before my husband’s birthday. Our first planning misstep, and one I remind him about every year.

Let me share something that might relieve some pressure: there is no such thing as the perfect venue. There are beautiful ones, meaningful ones, wonderfully-you ones — but perfection is a myth, and chasing the unicorn will only exhaust you.

Venue hunting is emotional. It’s a big commitment. You may need to compromise here and there, and that’s okay. Think about what really matters: accommodation, accessibility, supplier flexibility, distance from home, and the feeling when you step inside. Start there. Then take yourselves on little road trips and let the discovery be part of the joy.

Open days and showcases can also help you see a venue in its true light. And if travel isn’t possible, so many venues offer virtual tours — a surprisingly intimate way to explore from the comfort of your sofa.

If the details are starting to tangle in your head, a planner can help bring clarity.

Planners work within a range of budgets, from on-the-day coordination to full planning, so don’t rule it out. A conversation or a little bit of research costs nothing, and it might make all the difference.

Pinterest is brilliant — but remember the images are often styled shoots or high-budget weddings. Let them inspire, not dictate.

Instagram is a helpful window into the work of venues and suppliers. Just look closely: check captions, ensure the imagery is their own (not someone else’s or even AI), and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

TikTok, on the other hand, is where real couples share their weddings and planning journeys. From behind-the-scenes clips to honest tips, it’s a great way to see weddings as they actually happen — but remember, trends go fast, and not everything will suit your style or budget.

A moodboard is a great tool — just let your budget and your suppliers guide what’s realistic. I will always suggest looking at what inspires you daily, rather than whatever is trending on social media: your interior and fashion choices, and where you love to relax or book holidays. Do you have a favourite meal, a book, or a piece of artwork? What reflects you as a couple?

As you start making enquiries, be patient. Many teams will be emerging from their Christmas bubble in January, and inboxes will fill quickly.

Avoid contacting suppliers via social media — they can’t easily track conversations there. Use email or enquiry forms instead, and check their websites for brochures, FAQs, and pricing before you reach out. It will make the whole process smoother for everyone.

When you announce your engagement, everyone suddenly wants to know where they fit into your day.

Permit yourself to slow this down. You don’t need to choose your wedding party immediately. Think about your budget, your relationships, and the energy you want around you on the day. The right people will still be there when you’re ready.

You don’t need a military-style plan — just a good structure to support you. A simple spreadsheet, a binder, or your favourite app is more than enough.

Check in with your timeline every so often. Keep your guest list updated. Let things be orderly, not overwhelming.