How to Start Planning Your Wedding

You’re engaged! The moment is magic. But the next step? It feels like a blur.

One minute you’re soaking it in - the ring, the celebration, the hugs. The next, you’re staring at 37 browser tabs, 6 venue tours, 5 budgeting spreadsheets and a Pinterest board that no longer feels like you.

Let’s pause.

Wedding planning doesn’t have to feel like a second job.

This guide is here to help you START gently - with confidence and calmly.

1. Start With Your Why

Before you decide where or when, start with why. Ask yourselves:

• What kind of experience do we want to create?
• What do we want to feel on the day?
• Who is this wedding for — us, our families, or both?

These answers shape everything from your guest list to your format to your timeline. This is your compass. Use it.

2. Align on Budget (Early and Honestly)

Budget isn’t the most romantic conversation, but it’s one of the most important. Start with a total number, not itemised guesses. Then prioritise: What matters most to you? Food? Decor? Photography? Guest experience? Keep 10–15% aside for unexpected costs — they will come up. Clarity here = fewer fights, smoother decisions, and less late-night stress Googling “average wedding costs in Singapore.”

3. Choose a Timeframe - Not just a Date

A date is important, but flexibility is your best friend. Start by choosing a season or a range:

• Are there any cultural or religious holidays to work around?
• Do you want to avoid exam periods, peak travel seasons, or haze season?
• Would you consider a weekday or brunch wedding for cost or vibe?

If you’re working with a planner, we can advise on availability, venue waitlists, and backup options before you fall in love with a single date.

4. Draft a Guest List Early

It doesn’t need to be final but knowing if you’re planning for 30 or 300 makes everything else easier. Start with “non-negotiables” (close family, best friends). Then build out by relationship, not emotion: parents’ guests, community, etc. Tip: Create an A/B list early (core guests vs. extras if budget/venue allows). It gives you flexibility when numbers get tight.

5. Explore Venues and Planners Together

These are your two biggest decisions. They drive everything else. Many Singapore venues are booked 12–18 months in advance, and have strict rules on catering, vendors, or timing. Booking a planner early can save you dozens of hours and dozens of avoidable mistakes. Your planner can:

• Help shortlist venues that match your style and guest count
• Manage walkthroughs, questions, and availability checks
• Recommend vendors who actually deliver what they promise

6. Protect Your Energy

This one’s not on most checklists, but we think it should be. You don’t have to plan everything at once. You don’t have to justify every decision to everyone. You don’t have to DIY everything to prove you’re organised. Build in breaks. Block out “wedding-free” weekends. Let planning be joyful not exhausting. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to take one thoughtful step at a time. And when you’re ready for a little more clarity or a little less pressure we’re here to help carry the load.

Book a discovery call or Explore our services