How to Start Planning Your Wedding or Elopement
Hey there, friend!
Sometimes, the toughest part of planning your wedding or elopement is just knowing where to start. I always think back to when Jake & I started planning our own wedding and wondering how we were going to make happen. Budget, vendors, guest list, etc. It was overwhelming. There was a day I sat down and said to him, “We can’t do this. It’s just not…us.” That was such a pivotal conversation for us, which lead to the decision to have an intimate wedding.
With social platforms, the internet, an abundance of planning resources, & advice from friends/family - I know it can seem like there is a lot of pressure to do what fits into the current wedding culture, traditions, & trends. Maybe you’ve caught yourself in the same rift that Jake & I found ourselves in. So, how do you decide what is right for you?
Remember that at the end of the day, what matters the most is that you are getting to marry your best friend. What that looks like is up to you. If you can honestly answer the questions below, it will help you to lay the foundation of your wedding/elopement planning & then you can build everything else on top of it.
Questions to Ask Yourselves
Who are we planning this for?
What do we want to do & why ( elope, have an intimate wedding, have a big wedding)?
What is the most important to us?
When we look back at our day, what is it that we want to remember?
Once you know the answer to the questions above, then you can start asking:
Who is paying for it & what is our budget?
As I was sitting here typing up this blog, Jake & I both talked about that regardless of budget, we still would have had an intimate wedding.
When do we want to do it (date & season)?
Where do we want to do it (location/venue/place that’s special to you)?
Who do we want to be there (vendors, guests, wedding party)?
If you decide to have any guests, invite people that you want there & not because you feel pressured or obligated.
and all the other details like theme, decor, attire, etc.
Making Decisions
Do what’s important to you. Do whatever would make your day feel more YOU. It’s certainly possible that you may hurt someone’s feelings & it really is okay. Even for those we knew were sad that they weren’t a part of our day or that we chose another option, we also knew they understood our decision. I also think it’s important to remember to be kind to others that share their opinions, widsom, & advice - as they are usually just trying to be helpful. We just didn’t want to look back and wish that we had done things differently. We got to enjoy our time with each other, put focus on the things we believe in & value deeply, & celebrate with the people most special to us. What you decide to do should be unique to you. Maybe that’s eloping or maybe that’s having a big wedding. Maybe it’s 0 guests or 300 guests. Maybe it’s getting married in your granny’s backyard or in a beautiful venue you’ve found somewhere. Maybe it’s eloping in a National Park. It’s doesn’t matter unless it matters to you.
I pray that this gives you some peace of mind as you start planning your special day, whatever that may be.
XO, Dakota