Your 9-Step Guide to a Wedding That’s Fun to Plan
You’re engaged! The excitement is fresh, the congratulations are rolling in, and the countdown to “I do” has begun. Whether you’ve been dreaming about this day for years or are just starting to imagine it, it’s easy to feel both thrilled and overwhelmed.
There’s no single “right” way to plan a wedding, but there are ways to make it a whole lot easier. We’re here to help you simplify the big decisions, keep stress low, and make space for the moments that matter most.
According to The Knot, couples spend an average of six hours per week planning, coordinating, and organizing wedding details. But here’s the good news: it’s not about doing everything at once, it’s about doing it thoughtfully.
These nine steps will help you move from “yes” to “I do” with more confidence, less chaos, and plenty of joy along the way.
#1 Soak It All In
Before the venue tours, spreadsheets, and Pinterest boards, take a moment, just the two of you, to celebrate. Whether it’s a cozy dinner or a champagne toast, celebrating together helps set the emotional foundation for your wedding journey. Couples who savor these early days say it helps them stay excited and grounded as planning ramps up.
#2 Set Your Planning Compass
The best weddings reflect who you are. That happens when you decide early what matters most, so every choice lines up with your vision. According to The Knot, nearly 80% of planning is now done by couples themselves, so it pays to set your direction early.
Think of this as defining your priorities: what’s worth your time, budget, and focus? Once those non-negotiables are clear—whether that’s the food, the music, or extra time with guests—the rest of your planning falls into place more easily.
#3 Create Your Big-Picture Game Plan
Once you know what matters most, outline the framework of your day. Before diving into details, align on:
- Ideal season or date range
- Target guest count
- Overall vibe (formal, casual, destination, backyard, etc.)
Couples who lock in these elements early tend to book their favorite venues faster, avoid decision fatigue, and keep momentum strong. This step turns your ideas into a real plan.
#4 Choose and Book Your Venue
Your venue is your anchor—it sets your date, guest capacity, and overall aesthetic. Once booked, other details like catering, décor, and photography fall into place more easily. Venues can book up a year in advance, so moving quickly pays off.
While you’re exploring options, consider Wedgewood Weddings. They offer beautiful, all-inclusive venues nationwide that make planning easier, so you can focus more on celebrating and less on logistics.
#5 Book Your Core Vendors Early
Once your date and venue are secured, book your dream team—photographer, entertainment, and planner—early. According to Vogue, couples should book photographers, entertainment, and a planner 9–12 months out for the best availability.
Getting your key vendors locked in early keeps everything running smoothly and lets you focus on making your day feel uniquely yours.
#6 Let Engine Handle Your Room Blocks
This is where we make your life easier. Instead of calling every hotel or negotiating rates yourself, share your wedding details with Engine. We’ll curate hotel options near your venue, secure exclusive group rates, and handle all the logistics for you.
You’ll get:
- Exclusive group hotel savings (couples save an average of 22%)
- A dedicated team managing contracts and questions
- A shareable booking link for your guests
No phone tag. No spreadsheets. Just a stress-free way to keep everyone close to the celebration.
#7 Say “I Do” to Your New Name with Hitchswitch
After the big day, your to-do list might still feel long, but this part doesn’t have to be stressful. Our partners at HitchSwitch make changing your name easy with one streamlined package.
It handles the paperwork, forms, and government filings so you can focus on enjoying newlywed life. Order your HitchSwitch package early, and you’ll be ready to go as soon as your marriage certificate arrives.
#8 Plan Your Honeymoon, Minimoon, or First Anniversary Trip
With Engine, you can book hotels, flights, and rental cars all in one place, and save an average of 26% on hotels worldwide. Whether you’re headed somewhere tropical or planning a cozy mountain escape, your honeymoon is just a few clicks away.
#9 Keep the Celebration Going
Your wedding isn’t just a day, it’s the start of something incredible. Keep the celebration going with date nights, weekend getaways, and anniversaries to remember.
From “yes” to every trip after, Engine and HitchSwitch make it easier to plan, travel, and celebrate the milestones that matter most.
Sources:
- The Knot. The Knot 2025 Real Weddings Study. https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-data-insights/real-weddings-study.
- Vogue. The Ultimate Month-By-Month Wedding Planning Checklist. https://www.vogue.com/article/the-ultimate-month-by-month-wedding-planning-checklist.
