So you’re engaged… now what?! Well, we did some of the legwork for you by interviewing some of the best wedding planners in Nashville, TN. We hope this answers some of your initial questions about planning a wedding from the first thing to do after you’re engaged to determining a realistic budget.

1. What is the first thing couples should do after they get engaged?
First, you should take time to enjoy the engagement before diving into wedding planning. Once you are ready to start wedding planning, then determine a budget! Your budget will dictate all of your decision— if you can afford a planner, the number of guests you can invite, the venue you can select, etc.— so it’s important to know how much you are willing to spend.

We often see that couples get sticker shock when they see how much a wedding costs, especially once they realize the floral arbor they’ve been pinning and repinning might be 40% of their wedding budget!

Last piece of advice: don’t spend so much money on your “dream venue” that you can’t afford to make it look nice. It’s like when you overpay for a house and can’t afford to furnish it. -Keiana and Hailey, Simply Golden Events

2. How do you recommend figuring out a budget?
The best way to figure out a wedding budget is to first figure out an absolute maximum guest count and plan for that. We are seeing higher and higher ‘yes’ return rates for weddings since the pandemic, especially in Nashville. The second step is to prioritize what is most important to the couple. For some it may be food and bar, others it may be flowers. Additionally, we always recommend nailing down a budget after you have started to meet with vendors. We see so many couples that Google the average cost for certain vendor services or weddings in Nashville, and those are never accurate due to the growing wedding industry and inflation. -Kacey, Infinity Hospitality Group

3. First decision couples should make in the planning process?
Your first decision revolves around your knowledge of how to plan your big day. Many factors go into planning a wedding from your venue, to your style, your food, and music! All of this can also be affected by your budget and it’s really important to know what you are getting yourself into. 

I would highly recommend your first decision being talking with a wedding planner. Even if it’s to have a consultation to see if a planner is what you need. They can help talk with you about everything that needs to be done to plan your day and help give you the tools to plan the majority yourself, or walk with you step by step. I would even recommend doing this before you book your venue. A lot of venues will come with a day of coordinator to help with set up, but they won’t help you with any planning prior to the wedding day. For anyone who hasn’t planned a wedding before, this can often seem helpful when you first learn about it, but as the process moves along, you start to realize you may need a little more help.

Inquiring with a planner is a great place to start! They have so many connections within the wedding industry that when they give you vendor recommendations, you know you can count on that team to make your day amazing and stress free! –Tori, Southern Sparkle Weddings

4. When should you start building your vendor team?
From the very darn beginning. When you hire a wedding planner, it comes with the benefit of having their network of trusted vendors to choose from which makes your job WAY easier. It’s so important to have a wedding team that works well together and complements each other’s skills and styles based on your budget, personality and needs. -Destiny, Rosewood and Ivey

5. What are some common mistakes made when starting to plan a wedding?
Loop in your key vendors first! As a planner, I love being brought in before the date and venue are confirmed so I can help cast a vision for a potential space, do a preliminary walk thru and confirm key vendors like photographer and band to make sure dates line up for the dream team.

Not having a budget outline; the budget not only sets up healthy expectations, but also reminds you whats priority in the day; is it the best photos, the band that keeps you dancing all night, the most amazing meal, all the above…A budget helps keep you on track especially with those larger investment vendors- Having a wedding is a luxury so don’t let all your hard work go unnoticed by not having at the very least a Month Of Coordinator to ensure your day runs smoothly and you, your family and your guests get to enjoy every last minute! 

Never forget to have perspective of the day. This is something I always pray over my clients for; at the end of the day, you’re marrying your person, you have all of your favorites in one room, so take in all the small moments – like your mom zipping up your dress, your dad seeing you for the first time, your grandparents on the dance floor, your groomsmen with the best dance moves, your maid of honor speech, the smiles, laughs, just be present. – Sarah Oakland, Nashville Wedding Planner and Florist

6. Is there a best time of year to get married?
Obviously this is a subjective question and depends on what the clients priorities and desires are! If weather isn’t a deciding factor for you, then I love a January/February winter wedding. This is typically a slower time for the event industry. This gives you the pick of the inventory and more devoted time from your vendors. In middle Tennessee you can’t count on the weather. But if you want an outdoor wedding I think an October/November Fall wedding is a better chance at getting the weather you hope for! -Samantha, Samantha Jay Events

7. How early should couples start planning a destination wedding?
Sooner than later, always! A few things to keep in mind: location, travel logistics for guests, multiple events for a vacation feel (hosting a welcome party for all, a post brunch, etc..) – 12-18 months is a good rule of thumb to allow adequate booking/planning for your guests- if you’re doing something more intimate, less than 30-40 guests, I would say under a year is very doable- An insider note as I’m planning a destination wedding for a Spring ’24 client, we’re almost too far out; out of the country locations will let us book now, but most in-state options don’t want to reference the calendar beyond 12-18 months out; just something to think about. –Sarah Oakland, Nashville Wedding Planner and Florist

These ladies make wedding planning look easy, but trust me, there’s so much that goes into it that you may not realize until it’s too late. Don’t spend the days leading up to your wedding (and even day of) stressing over the small stuff — hire an EXPERT to take care of everything for you!

Xo!
Ava