How to start planning a wedding begins with the essential first step of determining your Budget, Vision, and Priorities —the core elements that will allow you transform your dream day into reality.
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You're kicking off one of the most exhilarating journeys of your life, but let’s be real—wedding planning can feel like a whirlwind. Before you dive headfirst into Pinterest boards and dress fittings, let’s take a beat. The key to keeping your cool (and your budget intact) lies in three magic words: Budget, Vision, and Priorities (aka your BVP). Think of this trio as your wedding-day GPS—guiding you toward a celebration that’s authentically you without losing your mind or draining your wallet.
Starting your wedding planning without a clear Budget, Vision, and Priorities (BVP) is like jumping in the car for a road trip without typing a destination into Google Maps. Sure, you’re pumped and ready to roll, but... where exactly are you headed?
Your vision is your dream wedding—the vibe, the details, the moments that scream this is so us. Your budget is the financial game plan, keeping you grounded in what’s doable without breaking the bank. And your priorities? They’re the non-negotiables—the things that matter most to you and your partner, whether it’s a killer live band or an unforgettable menu.
When you nail down your BVP, it’s like entering the address of your dream venue into Google Maps. Suddenly, the path ahead is clear, and every decision you make feels more intentional and way less stressful. This isn’t about following some cookie-cutter roadmap; it’s about designing a journey that’s completely your own—one that reflects your personality, style, and love story.
The best part? Having a solid BVP transforms decision-making from overwhelming to empowering. Instead of getting lost in a sea of Pinterest options, you’ll know exactly what aligns with your goals and what doesn’t. It’s about creating a wedding that’s you to the core—one that celebrates your love within your means and on your terms.
Laying the Groundwork for Your Dream Wedding
Creating the wedding of your dreams starts with a rock-solid foundation: understanding and establishing your Budget, Vision, and Priorities (BVP), a strategy that will guide you through the whirlwind of decisions ahead.
Setting Your Wedding Budget: The Financial Compass
Ah, the budget—the backbone of your wedding plans and often the first reality check. Weddings, with their allure and excitement, come attached to a price tag that can quickly spiral if you're not careful. The average cost of a wedding in the US today is over $30,000. The trick isn't just about setting a number but understanding what goes into it. Start with some homework: dive into the average costs of venue rentals, catering options, attire, and all those little extras that add up. (If you want to know how to properly allocate your budget, or get a better understanding of how a wedding budget is typically broken down these days, check out our blog on that very topic.)
Next, have an honest chat with your partner (and potentially generous family members) about what everyone's bringing to the table financially. This isn’t just about numbers; it's about aligning expectations and setting a course that everyone’s comfortable with. From this discussion, sketch out a budget that feels both ambitious and realistic. Think of it as your financial North Star, guiding every decision you make along the way.
Adhering to The Wedding Budget: The Art of Planning Discipline
Sticking to the budget is where the rubber meets the road. It’s easy to say "yes" to that slightly over-budget photographer or the venue that's just a tad too expensive, but remember, every choice has a ripple effect. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, involves being disciplined and making some tough calls. Prioritize expenditures based on your BVP—this means investing in what truly matters to you and getting creative in areas that are less of a priority.
But here’s a little secret: creativity can often outshine a big budget. Digital invites can be just as chic (and more eco-friendly!) than traditional paper ones. Non-traditional venues like a public park or an art gallery can offer unique backdrops at a fraction of the cost. The goal? To craft a day that's beautiful and memorable without landing you in debt.
Crystalizing Your Vision: Creating a Wedding That Feels Like You
Now, for the fun part—defining the vision for your big day. This is where you and your partner’s dreams and ideas take center stage. Are you dreaming of a laid-back beach ceremony or a dazzling ballroom soirée? This vision will act as your lighthouse, illuminating the path forward.
Merging your ideas into a cohesive vision is crucial. It’s not just about agreeing on the color scheme or theme; it’s about weaving your personalities, your story, and your dreams into every detail of the day. This shared vision becomes the yardstick by which you measure every decision, from the choice of venue to the selection of vendors.
Highlighting Your Priorities: The Wedding Must-Haves
With a budget set and a vision in mind, it’s time to zoom in on your priorities. This is about distinguishing your wedding’s must-haves from the nice-to-haves. Is a top-tier photographer non-negotiable? Do you have your heart set on a live band that'll keep the dance floor packed all night? Identifying these elements early on ensures you allocate your budget to what truly enhances your day.
This stage of planning is all about balance—balancing dreams with reality, desires with constraints. By pinpointing what’s truly important, you ensure that every dollar spent brings you closer to the wedding that lives not just in your imagination but in your heart as well.
Three Ways To Get To Dream Wedding Status
Be the Boss Of Your Budget With Digital Planners
Let's be real: tracking every single wedding expense can be a bit much. The good news? We have some tools that do all the hard work for you. Literally. All of our planners offer budget expense tracking tabs to turn those financial frowns upside down. They they offer robust tools to help allocate your budget, calculate your spending, organize your payment schedules, and understand where you are at within your budget! These tools can become your best friends, allowing you to customize, tweak, and keep a keen eye on your finances as you navigate through your planning journey. It's about making your budget work for you, not the other way around. Check out our tool shop for all of our planners.
Craft Your Ultimate Wedding Vision With Pinterest
Creating a vision board is where the fun really begins. It's your chance to let your creativity run wild, pinning everything from the perfect peony bouquet to the fairy-tale venue. Whether it's a digital board on Pinterest or a tactile board hanging in your living room, this visual compilation becomes the blueprint of your wedding aesthetics. It's more than just pretty pictures; it's a tangible representation of your vision that you can share with your vendors to ensure everyone's on the same page. If you're overwhelmed by the sheer number of options, check out our pinterest for curated wedding theme boards and see what resonates with you!
Snag High Priority Elements With The Art of Negotiation
Many vendors are willing to tailor their services to fit your vision and budget within reason. It's about crafting a win-win situation where your big day doesn’t just meet your expectations but exceeds them. Negotiating with vendors doesn’t have to be a showdown. Armed with your BVP, approach discussions with clarity and confidence. Use your priorities as leverage to negotiate costs without compromising on the essentials. Want to learn more about negotiating like a pro? Get back to the blog and read our post on how-to negotiate with vendors! Trust us, you can do this!
FAQ
How can we ensure our wedding vision aligns with our budget without sacrificing what we love?
Identify the non-negotiable aspects of your wedding and allocate your budget accordingly. Creative solutions, like opting for a digital invitation suite or embracing DIY elements, can help fulfill your vision while keeping costs down. Remember, the impact of your day comes from personal touches, not just the price tag.
How Do I Start Defining My Wedding Vision?
Begin by discussing with your partner what's most important to both of you for your wedding day. Collect images, themes, and elements that inspire you from social media, wedding magazines, and real weddings. Consider creating a vision board to visually compile your ideas and identify common themes that resonate with your shared vision.
Our wedding vision is evolving. Is this normal, and how do we adapt?
Absolutely normal! As you dive into the planning process, you might find new inspirations or realize some ideas aren't feasible within your budget. This evolution is a part of creating a day that truly reflects you as a couple. Keep the lines of communication open, and be willing to adjust your plans to ensure your wedding remains a true reflection of your partnership.
We're clashing over what's important for our wedding day. How do we find common ground?
Start by listing your individual wedding must-haves, then compare and discuss why each is important to you. Understanding each other's perspectives can help you reach a compromise that incorporates both of your visions. Sometimes, alternating priority picks can ensure you both feel equally represented in the planning process.
How do we prioritize elements of our wedding- like vendors- appropriately?
List out all the elements of your wedding (e.g., venue, catering, photography, attire, entertainment). Then, separately, rank these elements in order of importance to each of you. Compare notes and find consensus on the top priorities. This exercise helps ensure you allocate your budget to what truly matters most to both of you.
How do we deal with family members who want to influence our wedding decisions?
Family involvement can be tricky, especially when financial contributions come with strings attached. Honest conversations about your wedding vision and the importance of your BVP can help set boundaries. When possible, find compromises that acknowledge their input without derailing your plans.
What strategies can we employ to keep our wedding luxurious yet within budget?
Luxury is in the details. Focus on elements that create high impact at lower costs—think seasonal flowers, a well-chosen venue that requires minimal decoration, or a signature cocktail instead of a full open bar. Selective splurging on aspects like lighting or a standout cake can add a luxurious feel without breaking the bank.
Facing the reality that we can't have it all, how do we manage disappointment?
It’s important to recognize and validate your feelings of disappointment. However, refocusing on the aspects of your wedding that are most meaningful to you can help. Remember, the day is ultimately a celebration of your love and commitment. Embracing the unique, even if unexpected, elements of your wedding can lead to a day that's memorable for all the right reasons.
Can digital tools genuinely help us or do I need to hire a professional planner?
Yes, digital tools and apps like budget trackers, guest list managers, and seating chart planners can significantly streamline the planning process. They keep you organized, facilitate communication with vendors and guests, and can even help you stick to your budget by providing real-time updates and reminders. Hiring a planner can be the right choice for couples, but they are costly. Some good organization and solid tools can be a real game changer.
Every decision you make during wedding planning should tie back to your BVP. Dreaming of show-stopping photography? Maybe that means rethinking the menu. Fell in love with a venue that’s a little over budget? Time to trim the guest list. It’s all about clarity, compromise, and focusing on what truly matters most to you and your partner.
By leaning into your Budget, Vision, and Priorities, you’ll simplify the wedding planning process and create a day that feels authentically you. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about making intentional, meaningful choices that honor your love story and set the stage for memories you’ll cherish forever.
Happy planning!
Jillian
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