top of page

Newly Engaged? Here's How To Start Planning A Wedding

Writer's picture: Jennifer MatteoJennifer Matteo

Congratulations! The moment you’ve been dreaming of has finally become a reality and you just said "yes," to the love of your life!


Now comes the exciting part! You're about to embark on one of the most beautiful journeys of your life—planning your wedding


But where do you start? We understand that the excitement can quickly turn into a feeling of being overwhelmed and stressed, but it doesn’t have to be! With a clear roadmap (and a dedicated team) you can plan a day that reflects your love story beautifully. Consider this your Wedding Planning Starter Kit!


At Jennifer Matteo Event Planning, we specialize in creating bespoke, stress-free wedding experiences that reflect you and your partner’s unique style, personality, and love story. Our team at JMEP is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your big day is exactly as you envisioned.

Follow along as we walk you through the steps we guide our couples through as they start the wedding planning process!


Step 1: Celebrate and Soak It In

Before diving into planning, take a moment to celebrate your engagement. Whether it's an intimate dinner, an engagement party, or simply enjoying the moment with your partner, give yourselves time to embrace this new chapter before all the planning begins. 



Step 2: Define Your Vision

Every wedding should be a reflection of the couple. At Jennifer Matteo Event Planning, we begin by getting to know

you, your love story, and your dream wedding vision. We ask questions like:

  • Do you want a grand celebration or an intimate affair?

  • What season do you love most for a wedding?

  • Do you picture a destination wedding, a beach ceremony, or an elegant ballroom?

  • What themes, colors, or styles speak to you? Having a shared vision will help guide all future decisions, and we’re here to refine that vision into a beautifully executed event.


Step 3: Set a Budget

Your budget is one of the most crucial elements of planning. Before you book anything, sit down with your partner and any contributors (such as parents) to determine how much you can realistically spend. At Jennifer Matteo Event Planning, we help couples allocate their budget efficiently, ensuring that every dollar contributes to a custom and unforgettable experience.


Step 4: Create a Guest List

Your guest count impacts nearly every aspect of your wedding, from the venue size to the catering costs. Start by drafting a list of must-invite guests, then refine it based on your budget and venue capacity. We assist in managing RSVPs and guest accommodations, so you don’t have to stress over the details.






Step 5: Hire a Wedding Planner

If you want to truly enjoy your wedding day without stress, hiring a professional planner is one of the best investments you can make. Your chosen team should ensure that every detail is executed flawlessly, so you don’t have to worry about last-minute changes, vendor coordination, or unexpected hiccups. From timeline creation and design curation to problem-solving on the big day, think of your planner as the behind-the-scenes experts.

Imagine walking into your ceremony, knowing everything is perfectly in place, your vendors are on schedule, and your guests are being guided seamlessly from one moment to the next—all without you lifting a finger. That’s what we do at Jennifer Matteo Event Planning. Whether you need full-service event planning or partial event planning , we provide a tailored approach that allows you to be fully present and involved as much as you need, so you can spend your time soaking in every beautiful moment of your wedding. Let us handle the details so you can focus on celebrating your love story.


  • Bringing your vision to life

  • Keeping you on track with budgeting and timelines

  • Recommending and coordinating trusted vendors

  • Managing logistics so you can focus on enjoying your engagement


Step 6: Choose a Date and Venue

Once you have an estimated guest count, we help you explore venues that match your vision and budget. Some key questions we ask when selecting a venue include:

  • Does it fit your vision and budget?

  • Is your preferred date available?

  • What’s included in the rental fee?

  • Does it provide in-house catering, or do you need an external vendor?

  • Is it accessible for guests? Popular venues book quickly, so securing your date early is key! We take care of negotiations, contracts, and logistics so you can focus on the excitement.



Step 7: Book Key Vendors

Once your date and venue are locked in, it's time to book essential vendors, such as:

  • Photographer/Videographer

  • Caterer

  • Florist

  • Entertainment (Band, DJ, Ceremony Musicians)

  • Officiant

  • Hair & Makeup Artists 


At Jennifer Matteo Event Planning, we have an extensive network of trusted professionals, ensuring you get the best quality service for your special day.


Step 8: Find Your Wedding Attire

Whether you’re shopping for a wedding dress, suit, or something unique, start early. Our team helps you schedule dress appointments, coordinate fittings, and even assist with styling choices that align with your wedding aesthetic.



Step 9: Design Your Wedding Style & Details

Now comes the fun part—choosing your colors, flowers, decor, and overall aesthetic. Work with our design team to bring your vision to life through:

  • Centerpieces & Tablescapes

  • Ceremony Arch & Aisle Decor

  • Bridal Party Attire & Accessories

  • Stationery & Signage

  • Lighting & Rentals






Step 10: Plan Your Ceremony & Reception

We work closely with you to curate a ceremony and reception that’s uniquely yours. From vow writing assistance to designing seamless timelines, we ensure that everything runs flawlessly on the big day.


Step 11: Send Invitations & Manage RSVPs

Your invitations should go out about 6-8 weeks before the wedding, but save-the-dates should be sent much earlier (especially for destination weddings). We offer digital and printed invitation options, as well as an easy-to-manage RSVP tracking system.



Step 12: Plan the Final Details

As the wedding day approaches, we ensure all final touches are in place, including:

  • Seating Chart

  • Wedding Favors

  • Timeline for the Day

  • Marriage License Requirements

  • Guest Accommodations & Transportation Our team handles all the behind-the-scenes work, so you can relax and enjoy the moment.



Ready To Start Planning?

Wedding planning can be stressful, but it also should be an incredible experience, and with the right approach, it can be just as joyful as the big day itself. At Jennifer Matteo Event Planning, we believe that every couple deserves a wedding that reflects their unique love story. Whether you envision a timeless celebration like Bella and Derek’s or something entirely your own, we are here to help you bring your dream day to life. Contact us today to start planning the wedding of your dreams!

0 views0 comments

コメント


bottom of page