Just Engaged? Here’s What No One Tells You About Planning a Wedding (That You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner)

So you’ve said yes, the champagne’s been popped, and suddenly your Instagram feed is all dresses, rings and tablescapes. Everyone's asking about dates, venues, and whether you’ve picked a theme. It’s exciting... and a bit overwhelming.

Once the buzz settles, the big question hits: Where the hell do we start?

You’re not alone. Most couples find themselves here, staring at a blank spreadsheet, wondering how to turn all this excitement into an actual plan.

As a wedding planner who’s been in the thick of it for years, I’m here to give you the honest, no-fluff version of what comes next.

Here’s what no one tells you about planning a wedding (but absolutely should).

1. Your venue decision affects everything — so don’t rush it

Before you dive into Pinterest boards or buy your dress, press pause.

Your venue will shape the guest list, dictate the aesthetic, influence your timeline, and eat up a massive chunk of your budget. So it needs to be chosen with intention.

Think about:

• How many people you actually want there

• What kind of atmosphere you want (formal, relaxed, indoors, outdoor)

• Your top priorities (location, view, catering, exclusivity)

Get clear on your vision before you view venues. Otherwise you risk falling in love with something that doesn’t actually fit your plans.

2. You don’t need a theme — but you do need a clear vision

Forget the pressure to choose a theme like "boho chic meets industrial elegance" (what does that even mean?). What matters is that your day feels cohesive and intentional.

Start with how you want the day to feel. Relaxed? Intimate? Playful? Sophisticated? Once you know that, everything from the colours to the music to the menu will start to align naturally.

Pinterest is great, but a moodboard isn’t a plan. Get focused, not just inspired.

3. Suppliers book out a year or more in advance

Yes, even the florists and DJs. Especially the good ones.

If there are suppliers you love, reach out early. Get to know them, see if your styles align, and secure your date before it disappears.

You don’t need to book everyone all at once, but it pays to know who your priorities are. Trust your gut — you’ll be working closely with these people.

4. You’ll be managing more logistics than you ever imagined

Planning a wedding isn’t just about choosing flowers and outfits. It’s about:

• Power sources for your band

• Supplier access times

• Table layouts and guest movement

• Bad weather plans

• Parking, signage, and schedules

It’s a lot. And it’s okay to not know what you don’t know yet. That’s where a planner or experienced supplier team can save you hours (and stress).

5. Everyone has opinions on how to plan a wedding — and not all of them are helpful

Once you’re engaged, everyone becomes a wedding expert. Your mum, your cousin, the woman in the post office.

They mean well. But their idea of a dream wedding might not be yours.

Create a polite-but-firm boundary around your vision. You don’t have to justify your choices. You don’t have to make everyone happy. This is your day.

6. DIY doesn’t always save money (or stress)

Making your own signage, table decor or favours can be fun — if you love crafting and have time on your side.

But it doesn’t always save money. By the time you buy supplies, make prototypes, fix mistakes, and factor in your time, outsourcing might actually cost less — and look more polished.

Pick your DIY moments wisely. And don’t be afraid to hand the rest over.

7. You’ll want help — sooner than you think

You might start out thinking, "We can do this ourselves." And maybe you can. But that doesn’t mean you should.

Even the most organised couples get decision fatigue. The to-do list grows. The emotional labour kicks in. Suddenly, the fun bits start to feel like work.

A good planner won’t take over — they’ll create space for you to actually enjoy this. To feel calm, clear and excited again.

Whether it’s full planning or just on-the-day coordination, investing in help means you’ll actually get to experience your wedding, not just manage it.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed already?

You’re not alone. That’s why I created a The Ultimate Wedding Planning Guide — packed with practical advice, real-world priorities and a clear step-by-step to bring you back to calm, confident planning.

⬇️ [Download The Wedding Planning Guide here]

Or if you’re ready to talk through your plans with someone who knows what they’re doing (and actually listens)? Book a free discovery call below.

Let’s create a wedding that feels like you — and enjoy the process along the way.

⬇️ [Book a Discovery Call]