The early days of wedding planning can feel both exciting and overwhelming. You have said yes, and suddenly there is a world of decisions ahead. So, where to begin wedding planning? What comes first? While the venue often takes centre stage, there are other essential steps that lay the foundation for a celebration that feels entirely yours.
In this guide, I want to share the most important decisions you should make at the very beginning of your planning journey. These are the choices that will guide everything else, from design to logistics, and will give you clarity as you move forward.
Start with your guest list
Before you fall in love with a venue or begin pinning design ideas, take the time to consider your guest list. The number of people you invite will shape your budget, your venue options, and the overall feeling of your wedding day.
Ask yourselves: do you imagine an intimate gathering of your closest family and friends, or a larger celebration filled with energy and movement? Neither answer is right or wrong, but this is one of the first questions that will give you direction.
Discover the best 15 wedding venues in Sicily here.
How to begin wedding planning with your budget in mind
Budgeting is not the most romantic part of planning, but it is one of the most important. Think of it not as a restriction, but as a reflection of your values. Where do you want to invest most? Is it the guest experience, design and atmosphere, or a destination that feels meaningful to you?
A thoughtful budget gives you freedom, because it makes every choice intentional. Whether you are dreaming of a luxury wedding in Sicily or a romantic countryside celebration in the Cotswolds, having clear numbers in place allows you to make confident decisions.
Clarify your priorities as a couple
Every couple is different, which is why every wedding should feel different. Take time together to talk about what matters most. Is it a live band that keeps the dance floor alive? Is it the atmosphere of an outdoor ceremony surrounded by gardens? Or is it about creating a guest journey that feels personal from the moment they receive the invitation?
These priorities will become your anchors. When you are faced with endless options, they will help you stay true to yourselves and design a celebration that feels authentic.
Find out what it means to get married in Sicily.
Consider the experience you want to create
Your wedding is not just a day, it is an experience. Picture how you want your guests to feel at different points of the celebration. Do you want the ceremony to feel intimate and heartfelt? Should the reception flow into a lively, joyful evening? Thinking in terms of experience will help you decide on flow, design, and even the number of events you might want to host, such as a welcome dinner or a farewell brunch.
For inspiration, explore my guide to Villa Igiea weddings in Palermo, where the guest experience is at the heart of the celebration.
Get support early on
It is never too soon to reach out for guidance. Even if you are not ready for full planning, having expert support at the beginning can save you time, stress, and second-guessing later on.
That is exactly why I created my Power Hours. These sessions are designed for couples at the very early stages of planning, who want clarity on where to begin. In just one focused hour, we can tackle your guest list, budget, priorities, or any of the big-picture questions on your mind. Think of it as a compass that points you in the right direction.
You can read more about my Power Hours here.
Final thoughts on how to begin wedding planning
The first steps in planning a wedding are not about colours or menus. They are about people, priorities, and the kind of experience you want to create together. Once you understand how to begin wedding planning with clarity, everything else begins to flow with ease.
And remember, you do not have to navigate it alone. Whether through full planning or a one-to-one Power Hour, my role is to guide you with clarity, intention and care. Together, we can begin building a celebration that feels beautifully considered and true to you.
Read more about our offerings or fill out the form directly to find out how we can help.
Photography by Varna Studios
The early days of wedding planning can feel both exciting and overwhelming. You have said yes, and suddenly there is a world of decisions ahead. So, where to begin wedding planning? What comes first? While the venue often takes centre stage, there are other essential steps that lay the foundation for a celebration that feels entirely yours.
In this guide, I want to share the most important decisions you should make at the very beginning of your planning journey. These are the choices that will guide everything else, from design to logistics, and will give you clarity as you move forward.
Start with your guest list
Before you fall in love with a venue or begin pinning design ideas, take the time to consider your guest list. The number of people you invite will shape your budget, your venue options, and the overall feeling of your wedding day.
Ask yourselves: do you imagine an intimate gathering of your closest family and friends, or a larger celebration filled with energy and movement? Neither answer is right or wrong, but this is one of the first questions that will give you direction.
Discover the best 15 wedding venues in Sicily here.
How to begin wedding planning with your budget in mind
Budgeting is not the most romantic part of planning, but it is one of the most important. Think of it not as a restriction, but as a reflection of your values. Where do you want to invest most? Is it the guest experience, design and atmosphere, or a destination that feels meaningful to you?
A thoughtful budget gives you freedom, because it makes every choice intentional. Whether you are dreaming of a luxury wedding in Sicily or a romantic countryside celebration in the Cotswolds, having clear numbers in place allows you to make confident decisions.
Clarify your priorities as a couple
Every couple is different, which is why every wedding should feel different. Take time together to talk about what matters most. Is it a live band that keeps the dance floor alive? Is it the atmosphere of an outdoor ceremony surrounded by gardens? Or is it about creating a guest journey that feels personal from the moment they receive the invitation?
These priorities will become your anchors. When you are faced with endless options, they will help you stay true to yourselves and design a celebration that feels authentic.
Find out what it means to get married in Sicily.
Consider the experience you want to create
Your wedding is not just a day, it is an experience. Picture how you want your guests to feel at different points of the celebration. Do you want the ceremony to feel intimate and heartfelt? Should the reception flow into a lively, joyful evening? Thinking in terms of experience will help you decide on flow, design, and even the number of events you might want to host, such as a welcome dinner or a farewell brunch.
For inspiration, explore my guide to Villa Igiea weddings in Palermo, where the guest experience is at the heart of the celebration.
Get support early on
It is never too soon to reach out for guidance. Even if you are not ready for full planning, having expert support at the beginning can save you time, stress, and second-guessing later on.
That is exactly why I created my Power Hours. These sessions are designed for couples at the very early stages of planning, who want clarity on where to begin. In just one focused hour, we can tackle your guest list, budget, priorities, or any of the big-picture questions on your mind. Think of it as a compass that points you in the right direction.
You can read more about my Power Hours here.
Final thoughts on how to begin wedding planning
The first steps in planning a wedding are not about colours or menus. They are about people, priorities, and the kind of experience you want to create together. Once you understand how to begin wedding planning with clarity, everything else begins to flow with ease.
And remember, you do not have to navigate it alone. Whether through full planning or a one-to-one Power Hour, my role is to guide you with clarity, intention and care. Together, we can begin building a celebration that feels beautifully considered and true to you.
Read more about our offerings or fill out the form directly to find out how we can help.
Photography by Varna Studios
