“Where Do We Even Start?” - The First Five Decisions Every Couple Should Make When Planning a Wedding

Photo by Sarah Porter Photography

The first weeks after getting engaged are filled with excitement… and often, a sense of uncertainty. Many couples come to me wondering how to start planning a wedding in a way that feels calm, organized, and not immediately overwhelming.

The good news: with a clear order of operations, the early stages of planning can feel intentional and achievable. As a full-service wedding planner for Colorado, destination, and Tented weddings, this is the exact roadmap I give every client: a structure that eliminates guesswork and helps you move forward with confidence.

1. Your Vision (How You Want the Day to Feel)

Before you dive into logistics or compare venues, build the emotional foundation of your wedding day.

Are you imagining…

• A tented wedding in the Rockies?

• A European celebration in France or Italy?

• A sophisticated, intimate gathering at your childhood home?

This is the moment to define the feeling, atmosphere, and guest experience you want to create — the true starting point for any thoughtful wedding planning timeline. Once your vision is clear, every decision that follows becomes easier and more aligned.

Pro-Tip: Steps 2 and 3 can be swapped. If you know you have a specific budget, think about that first.

If you know you MUST invite all your loved ones, that takes priority, and your budget will have to be flexible to accommodate your vision and your guest count.

2. Your Guest Count (A Realistic One)

Your guest count is one of the most practical early decisions, and it impacts everything: your venue options, catering estimates, rental needs, and overall budget.

Even an approximate number will help shape your wedding planning checklist and narrow your venue search.

Think of this as setting the boundaries for your celebration, so you can make focused, meaningful decisions rather than sort through endless options.

3. Your Budget (and the Priorities Within It)

A wedding budget is more than a spreadsheet — it’s a tool that reflects your wedding-day values and vision.

Once they’ve identified a budget range, I help couples decide where to allocate resources based on what matters most:

• A beautiful tented reception
• Luxurious guest experience
• Abundant florals
• Elevated photography
• A remarkable venue

A clear, realistic wedding budget breakdown allows you to invest intentionally and avoid surprises later.

Pro-Tip: Think of your budget in “spend per guest”

For example, luxury weddings in the mountains in Colorado average about $1,500-2,000 per guest. So if you have 100 guests, you will be spending $150,000 to $200,000. The best way to make sure that your vision and your budget are aligned is to manage your guest count.

4. Your Planner (Ideally Before Anything Else)

Bringing a planner onto your team early is one of the most transformative decisions you can make. A full-service wedding planner provides structure and expertise from the very beginning, helping you navigate decisions that can otherwise feel overwhelming.

From vendor recommendations to design direction and timeline creation, your planner becomes the anchor of your planning process — especially for destination weddings or complex tented celebrations where logistical expertise is essential.

Hiring your planner early means everything else falls into place more smoothly and efficiently.

5. Your Location + Venue (The Where and When)

Once your vision, guest count, budget, and planner are aligned, the venue search becomes clear and purposeful. Instead of endlessly touring properties, you can focus on the spaces that truly reflect your style, whether that’s an elegant mountain resort, a stunning private ranch, a timeless European château, or one of the best hidden gem venues Colorado has to offer.

Because your venue determines your date, flow, vendor needs, and overall aesthetic, securing it early is a critical part of beginning your planning journey with confidence.

Now You Have a Clear Path Forward

Starting with these five decisions creates a wedding planning experience that is (and hopefully feels) realistic, achievable, and fully aligned with your priorities. With the proper structure and the right expert guidance, you can move forward with clarity rather than overwhelm.

If you’re seeking calm, organized, fully supported planning for your Colorado, California, France, Italy, or destination celebration, I’d be honored to guide you through every step.