3 Things to Research & Validate Before You Decide on Anything
So the first step of wedding planning is researching and booking your vendors, right? Wedding planning is like shopping for a house—it’s best to know what you want and what’s realistic before you commit. This stage is about researching and validating so you can make informed choices without regret. Here’s your guide to the three key areas to explore before you lock in any plans:1. Research and Validate Your Budget
Let’s talk numbers. Your budget is the backbone of every decision you’ll make, so take some time to figure out what feels comfortable and realistic.- Start with a Gut Check: Close your eyes and say a number. What feels manageable to you? Maybe it’s $30,000, or maybe it’s $15,000. Write it down, but remember—it’s just a starting point.
- Reality Check: Weddings don’t really have a “Zillow” equivalent where you can instantly see what your budget gets you in your area. But you can do a little detective work. For example, if you’re allocating $15,000 to venue, food, and rentals combined, research what that budget gets you locally.
- Ask Around, But Strategically: Get input from a range of perspectives. Ask your frugal friend, your cousin who likes fine dining, and maybe even a vendor or two. Diversify your sources to avoid getting stuck in an echo chamber. (Hint: Your parents’ budget wisdom from 30 years ago might not be super relevant unless they recently helped with a modern wedding.)
If you need extra help here, grab our budget breakdown tool to organize your numbers and validate them with real-world examples
2. Research Potential Venues
Venues are a big-ticket item, and they set the tone for your entire wedding. Think of this as house-hunting: you’re not scheduling tours yet; you’re just scoping out the neighborhood.- Create a Shortlist: Look up venues within your budget and narrow them down based on capacity, style, and what’s included (tables, chairs, catering options). Too overwhelming? Write down 3-5 venues that come to mind that fit your style, whether you’ve driven by them or attended a wedding there. There’s your starting point!
- Read Reviews: Google reviews, wedding blogs, and even Instagram tags can give you a sneak peek at what the venue actually looks like in action.
- Ask Vendors for Intel: Already have a photographer or planner in mind? Ask them if they’ve worked at your potential venues before—they’ll have insider insights.
3. Brainstorm Your Wedding Vibe (Create a “One-Pager”)
Your wedding vibe is like a design blueprint; it shapes every decision, from florals to your photographer’s editing style. This is your moment to dream big without limits.
Why should you create it? You get
Here’s how to create your wedding vibe at a glance
Find Your Style
Ask yourself:
Where do I love to shop for my home, and what am I most drawn to there?
If I could travel anywhere, where would it be?
If money were no object, what’s one indulgent thing I’d buy (luxury handbag, designer furniture, etc.)?
Write down quick, gut-reaction answers. For example, if your dream indulgence is a Classic Hermes Scarf or Gucci Perume that might point you toward timeless, upscale and understated design.
Use These Ideas to Drive Decisions
Your vibe will guide the look and feel of your wedding—everything from the floral arrangements to your table settings to the type of photographer you hire.Need extra help visualizing? Our wedding mood board guide makes it easy to refine your design and vibe into actionable inspiration.
Quick Recap
Before you commit to any wedding plans, explore these three areas:- Budget: Validate what’s realistic for your area and style.
- Venues: Window shop for options that match your vibe and budget.
- Design: Create a one-pager that reflects your dream wedding aesthetic.
The key here is to stay in “research mode” and give yourself space to dream and explore. You’re not making commitments yet—you’re setting yourself up to make the right ones when the time comes.
Ready to dive deeper? Check out our Wedding Planning Membership for tools, guides, and insider tips to make planning stress-free and fun!
