Planning Basics

You just got engaged and you're not sure where to begin with the planning.  Before you start, take the time to sit down with your fiancé(e) and just talk things through. Grab a notebook  and pencil  because this pre-wedding planning is very important for figuring out the basics. What do you both want in your wedding? Do you want to keep it small and intimate with only your family and closest friends? Or do you dream about a large event with all your friends, family, and associates in attendance? Is it to take place in your backyard or a banquet hall, on a beach or in a garden? These large decisions should be tackled first since they dictate how everything else unfolds, from the china  to the flowers,  the dresses  to the menu.

Do some research on the internet and with wedding magazines  to get some ideas, and the Online Resource Guide will help point you in the right direction. You may also want to peruse the Wedding Guide Directory which includes all the guides on weddings at ShopWiki. If you want ideas on a particular topic, click on the links at the top of this page to learn more about attire, vendors, etiquette, and more.  Books  are another option, especially for learning about traditions and cultural norms, but you'll probably get more up-to-date information on style and trends from magazines like InStyle Weddings  or Modern Bride. 

Once you have established a rough idea of what you do and don't want for your special day, you'll need to choose a wedding date and location. After your date and location are set, you can start planning all the other details with the help of the guide below:

Stay On Track Use this countdown checklist  to find out when you need to get things done; what should you prioritise and what can wait until weeks before the big day?	Get Organised Organisation  is key when it comes to planning. If you aren't hiring a planner or if you aren't naturally organised, this guide will be helpful.	Budget Whether spending a little or a lot, it's important to know your limits and how to work within them before you make any decisions.	Stay Stress-Free Here are some tips and tricks on how to keep your cool and avoid getting overwhelmed about your big day.

What Next?

Once you have made it through the basics listed above, you made need help with the more in-depth aspects of the planning process. Here are the next few things to take care of so that you can plan the wedding of your dreams!

• Create the Perfect Guest List
• Consider Hiring a Wedding Planner or Consultant
• Start Scouting for Vendors
• Draw Up an Amazing Gift Registry

Here are some other useful guides for the initial planning stages:

• At-Home Weddings
• Destination Weddings
• Formal Weddings
• Interfaith Marriages
• Military Weddings
• Organic Weddings
• Outdoor Weddings
• Same-Sex Weddings
• Seasonal Weddings
• Second Weddings
• Theme Weddings
• Vegas Weddings