First things first — congratulations! If you’re here, you’re probably staring at your ring every five minutes, retelling your proposal story on repeat, and already hearing the question:
“So… when’s the wedding?”

Take a breath.
Soak it in.
This season is meant to feel joyful — not pressured.

As wedding planners, we work with couples every day who feel excited and overwhelmed. If that sounds like you, you’re not alone. Consider these tips from real planners who live this every day. These are the things we wish every couple knew from the very beginning.

Wedding Planning Advice:

Take Time to Enjoy Being Engaged

Before you open Pinterest.
Before you price venues.
Before you stress over timelines.

Simply enjoy being engaged.

Celebrate. Call the people you love. Sit in the joy. This moment only happens once — it deserves to be felt fully. There is plenty of time to plan; don’t rush past the magic.

Talk About the Wedding You Actually Want

Before the logistics, talk about the heart of your celebration.

Ask each other:

– Big celebration or intimate gathering?
– Local or destination wedding?
– Formal, relaxed, editorial, tropical, coastal, garden, or party-focused?
– What kind of experience do we want for our guests?
– What matters most to us?

This is some of the most important wedding planning advice we can give:
Know what matters emotionally and intentionally — not just aesthetically.

Your answers become your anchor. Every decision becomes easier when you know the feeling you want to create.

Decide Your Guest Count Early (It Shapes Everything)

Guest count is one of the biggest drivers in wedding planning — financially and logistically. It affects your venue, catering, rentals, timeline, and overall vibe of the day.

You don’t need a final list, but having a realistic range helps you:
✔ choose a venue that fits
✔ build a smart budget
✔ shape an intentional guest experience

Start with the people you couldn’t imagine the day without, then expand thoughtfully.

Choose Your Wedding Location Intentionally

Location sets the tone for everything.

Maybe you’re dreaming of:

– Palm trees + ocean breezes
– Charming historic streets
– Chic city celebrations
– Somewhere deeply meaningful to your story

Think about:

– Travel accessibility
– Weather + seasonality
– Guest experience
– What truly feels like “you”

Destination weddings can actually be less stressful than many couples expect — with the right team guiding you.

Build a Realistic Budget Around Your Priorities

Here’s honest wedding planning advice most people don’t tell you:

There’s no universal “right” price for a wedding.
There is only what feels right for you.

When we help couples build budgets, we look at:

– Guest count (always the biggest factor)
– Location realities
– Priorities (design, photography, food, entertainment, guest experience)
– The type of day you want emotionally and visually

Budgeting isn’t restrictive — it’s empowering.
It’s about spending intentionally, not reactively.
And you’re not expected to know what things cost — that’s why planners exist.

Hire a Wedding Planner Early — It Changes Everything

This isn’t a sales pitch. It’s simply true.

A planner doesn’t just execute a wedding day; we protect your peace of mind, your investment, your experience, and your time. The best wedding planning advice we can give? Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed to bring in help.

We support couples by:

– Guiding where to start
– Helping choose the right venue
– Connecting trusted vendors
– Building timelines + logistics
– Managing communication
– Handling challenges (often before you ever know they existed)
– Creating a smooth, joyful experience

And for destination weddings? A planner is invaluable.

Give Yourself Permission to Do Things Your Way

There is no rulebook.

You are allowed to:

– Have a small wedding
– Have a big celebration
– Keep traditions
– Skip traditions
– Prioritize experience over “stuff”
– Choose what feels authentic

Truly meaningful wedding planning advice comes down to this:
Your wedding should feel like you.

Remember What This Is Really About

Weddings are beautiful, emotional, and unforgettable — but at the core, they’re about your marriage.

They’re about choosing each other.
They’re about bringing your people together.
They’re about joy, connection, love, and celebration.

When planning feels overwhelming, come back to that.

Final Thought

If you’re newly engaged and feeling a mix of “this is magical” and “wow, this is a lot,” you’re not alone. With the right guidance, wedding planning can feel intentional, joyful, and exciting — not stressful.

You don’t have to navigate it by yourself. We’d love to support you.

Ready to Start Planning?

Whether you’re dreaming of Key West palms, Florida coastlines, historic charm, city celebration, or a meaningful destination wedding, we’re here to help guide you every step of the way.

– Inquire with WCO Events → www.wcoeventplanning.com/contact
– Explore more wedding planning advice + inspiration → Read More on the Blog

Key West • Florida Keys • Tampa • St. Augustine • Florida • Destination Weddings