You said, “Yes!” Now, it’s time to start planning your perfect wedding.
Being engaged is a wonderful time full of optimism and the anticipation of long-awaited dreams fulfilled. However, the wedding planning process can be a bit stressful for the engaged couple.
It’s ok. We completely understand the challenges you’re facing right now. It’s only natural to experience these feelings. You want your special day to be special in every way – and proceed without a hitch.
To help reduce any stress or anxiety you may be feeling, we’ve created a handy wedding planning guide that maps out some of the most important steps you need to take to make sure your day is everything you want it to be!

Planning a Wedding: First Steps

Every great journey begins with a first step. The journey toward your wedding day is no different. Any stress that you’re experiencing right now will start to diminish once you take these first steps and begin the preparations for the big day. These initial steps may not be the most fun to take – but they’re the most necessary. After you successfully complete these steps, the rest of your wedding planning process will be easier, less stressful and more exciting.

Budget – Maybe not the most romantic aspect of wedding planning, but you and your future spouse need to sit down and have a serious conversation about the cost of the wedding and reception. How much will you be able to spend on your special day? Will others be contributing to the cost of the wedding or will you two be paying for all of the costs and expenses on your own? You need to consider all of these factors so you can both agree on a realistic budget. The decision you make here will drive the rest of the decisions to follow.
Select Your Wedding Party – Who do you want to be right by your side when you take your vows? Choosing your maid of honor and best man should not be done on the fly. It’s best to choose a friend or family member who is reliable, thoughtful and worthy of those titles. After all, they will be leading your wedding party, planning your bridal shower and being your go-to person during the big day. After you have selected these two key members of your wedding party, it’s time to determine how many bridesmaids and groomsmen you wish to have in your wedding. Just like the key members, these party members should be dependable and agreeable to ensure that there are no surprises on your wedding day.
Guest List – Once you’ve both agreed upon the budget it’s time to move onto the next step of the wedding planning process: creating the guest list. Start with those family and friends closest to you and then expand your list out to more distant relatives and social circles like co-workers. Remember, your budget when planning your list. You would hate to invite too many people and go over your budget. Other guest list factors to consider are venue size to comfortably accommodate all guests and double-checking your list to make sure no special friends or beloved family members were accidentally overlooked.
Date – This is a very important step in the planning process. Although you may want to get married on the anniversary of your first date or a particular day during a certain month or season, there may be potential conflicts with other events (such as a friend’s wedding, a baby shower, holiday, etc). Before you pick a date, it’s always best to consult with your family and friends (especially those in your wedding party) to ensure that there are no scheduling conflicts.

Planning a Wedding: Next Steps

Ok, you’ve completed the most challenging parts of planning your wedding. Although these next steps are also extremely important, they’re a bit more fun and a lot less stressful!
Venue – Wedding venues get snatched up quicker than you can say, “I do.” So, get on the ball with reserving your perfect wedding venue before someone else does. Research local venues to determine which ones will best accommodate your guest count and, more importantly, your budget. Be sure to schedule a tour of the venues to determine if the rental space meets your needs and preferences. Find out if the venue has their own catering service or if an outside vendor is required. After considering all of those factors, you’ll be able to choose the venue that’s right for you. Helpful Hint: Since late spring, early summer and early fall are the most popular times for weddings, you may have difficulty finding an available date at some venues. So confirm that date as soon as possible!
Menu – Once you have your venue selected (and determined your catering options), it’s time to think about the menu for the day. Will you require appetizers for a pre-reception cocktail hour? Is it an open bar or cash bar option? Do your guests have any special dietary restrictions? What menu options best suit your agreed-upon budget? These are all things you’ll need to consider when customizing your wedding menu.

Planning a Bridal Shower: Final Steps

Congratulations! You’re almost done planning your perfect wedding! There are just a few more steps to take!
Invitations – Once you’ve confirmed your guest list, date and location, it’s time to invite your family and friends. Be sure to confirm the correct and current mailing addresses for each guest, ask if they have any dietary restrictions, and emphasize the importance of RSVPing or sending regrets early so you can plan accordingly and make any necessary adjustments.
D.J. – Do you want a more low-key wedding where the music is strictly in the background for ambience? Or do you want a soundtrack that keeps guests on the dance floor all night long? In either scenario, a professional disc jockey knows exactly what to play!
Photography – You want to capture every aspect of your special day. That’s why hiring a professional photographer is important. Although you may have a friend or family member who can fill that role, you also want them to enjoy themselves at the ceremony and reception (and not have to work). Unless that friend or family member offers to act as the photographer, it’s best to select a professional third-party photographer.

Now you know all of the steps you need to take to plan your ideal wedding. We hope this guide helps give you peace of mind and makes your wedding planning journey easier and more enjoyable.
And remember: when you’re looking for the ideal place to host your wedding, PineCrest Country Club is an excellent choice! We offer accommodations for weddings big and small. Plus, thanks to our expert wedding planners and on-site caterers, you won’t have to hire a separate caterer or cake baker.
If you’re interested in hosting your wedding at PineCrest Country Club, please contact us today to take a tour of our venue or to speak with one of our wedding experts!