Where to Begin: The First Five Decisions Every Couple Should Make
The Planner Edit - Intentional Planning, Trusted Tips & Inspiration from the Inside
From venue visions to guest count realities—here’s how to ground your planning with intention.
You’re engaged (!), the champagne has been popped, and suddenly everyone is asking questions you’re not sure how to answer.
“Have you set a date?”
“Where is it going to be?”
“Do you have a theme?”
Breathe. You don’t need to have it all figured out. But there are a few decisions that will make the rest of the journey much more seamless—decisions that shape your guest experience, your vendor team, and your sanity along the way.
Here’s where I guide every client to begin.
1. Guest Count (Even Just a Range)
Before you book a venue or fall in love with long tables under the stars, you need a rough idea of your guest count. Not a final RSVP list—just a realistic range. Why? Because your guest count informs nearly every other decision: the size of your tent, the number of rentals, and so much more. Start here, and everything else gets clearer.
Pro Tip: Do not, under any circumstances, entertain (or especially book) a venue that cannot accommodate your entire guest list.
2. Location & Setting
Are you picturing an oceanfront tent, a historic venue in the city, or your family’s backyard transformed? Understanding your ideal setting (and whether it’s close to home or a destination) helps refine venue searches and sets expectations early. Think function and feeling: What kind of space makes sense for your celebration and feels like you?
3. Season & Style
Spring bloom or crisp October air? A candlelit dinner party or a coastal summer soirée? You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect mood board—but identifying your preferred season and style can help lock in availability, guide design choices, and give vendors something tangible to respond to.
4. Budget Boundaries
This doesn’t need to be a spreadsheet situation (yet), but clarity on overall budget comfort zones is key. Be honest about what feels right, what’s a stretch, and who’s contributing. Anchoring the process in financial reality from the start allows for more confident, aligned decisions down the line.
5. Your Planning Partner
Not everyone realizes how early planners can—and should—be brought in. If you’re considering full-service planning, the earlier the better. We will guide every layer of the experience, from building the right vendor team to navigating challenges you don’t see coming. If calm expertise sounds like something you’d welcome, don’t wait to start that conversation.
Start Here, Not Everywhere
There’s a lot of noise out there about what you “should” be doing once you get engaged. But the truth? You don’t need to do everything at once. You just need to start in the right place—with decisions that give structure to the celebration ahead.
Still feeling overwhelmed? That’s what The Planner Edit is here for. Whether you’re planning a private home tented wedding, a historic Boston venue wedding, or still dreaming out loud, you’ll find clarity, strategy, and seasoned perspective—twice a month, right here.
And if you’re reading this thinking, “This is exactly the kind of support I need…”
You don’t have to do this alone.
You're warmly invited to inquire here to learn more about our planning offerings and how we can guide you every step of the way.
