You got engaged.  You are excited.  You are ready to start planning for your big day with your future spouse.  But where do you start?  There are so many things to consider and options to choose from.  From coming up with a guest list, picking a dress, choosing vendors and the list goes on.  Moreover, in a diverse city such as Toronto, you may need to incorporate cultural traditions into your wedding day.  Here are five simple and practical tips to kick off your wedding planning process.

Step 1: Come up with a vision

When planning a wedding, coming up with a vision is an essential first step in the process. A vision is a clear and detailed picture of how you want your wedding to look and feel like.  For example, you may envision your wedding day to be a casual affair, in which everyone will be holding a drink and socializing inside a brewery.  In contrast, a wedding can be hosted in a nature setting in a forest or by the lake.  Your vision should be specific, and it should reflect your personal style and preferences.

To come up with a vision, start by brainstorming with your partner and anyone else who will be involved in the planning process. Think about what you want your wedding to look and feel like, and what is important to you and your partner. Research different wedding styles, themes, and venues.  Look at pictures and read articles to get inspiration and ideas  Creating a moodboard using tools such as Pinterest can help you visualize and communicate your thoughts.

Step 2: Set an estimated budget

The cost of weddings in Toronto can vary greatly depending on various factor.  The average cost of a wedding in Toronto ranges between $40,000 to $50,000.  This includes expenses such as the venue, catering, photography, outfits, decorations, makeup and hair etc.  There are two ways to come up with a budget.  The first approach is to come up with an overall number, say 50,000, and all the expenses in base on priority.  The second approach is to list all expenses and sum up the average of each.  Its important to review the budget regularly as you move through the planning process, and make adjustments as needed.

Step 3: Make a guest list

Once you have determined an approximate budget, the next step is to come up a tentative guest list.  Begin by making a list of immediate family members of both sides, then move onto extended family members and lastly friends and coworkers.  Do not forget to ask both parents to come up with their guest list as well.  Next, divide the list into three categories: must-invite, would-like-to-invite, and potential invitees.

When making your guest list, it's important to be mindful of the relationships between the guests. You should try to avoid inviting people who may be in conflict with one another, as it could lead to an awkward or uncomfortable situation at the wedding.  It is also important to communicate clear guidelines and expectations to the guests and the couple, to avoid any embarrassment or confusion. Communicate your guest list with your parents and future in-laws and make sure everyone is on the same page. In the end, it's important to remember that your guest list should reflect the people you want to share your special day with and who are important to you and your partner.

Step 4: Choose the date and location

Once you have a theme, an estimated overall budget and an approximate number of guests, the next logical step is to narrow down a wedding date.  The first step in deciding on a wedding date is to set a general time frame for the wedding, whether it is a specific season, month or year.  Keep in mind that in Toronto, June to September is considered the high season for weddings.  It is best to come up with a preferred date and with a few alternatives.  This will give you some flexibility as you search for venues.  

Once you have a general idea of when you want to get married, you can start searching for wedding venues. This can include researching online, visiting venues in person, and speaking with venue coordinators. When you are viewing a venue, consider the capacity, style, location, and amenities offered.  Do lots of research before signing any agreements.  Get all the information about what things really cost and be careful of any hidden service charges.

Step 5: Research and book vendors

After securing a venue and a date, you are now ready to start looking the list services you will need for your wedding.  There are certain vendors that are important to ensure that the day runs smoothly and that you can relax and enjoy the experience. These vendors include a wedding planner, a caterer, a florist, a photographer, a DJ, and a hair and makeup artist. When choosing a wedding vendor, there are several key things to look out for to ensure that you are making the best decision for your wedding day.

• Experience: Look for vendors who have a proven track record of providing high-quality services. Read reviews and testimonials from past clients.

• Cost: Ideally you should be able to get their pricing information before reaching out to. This is to ensure they are within your budget.  Transparency and honesty is important here.

• Communication: Good communication is key when working with vendors. Make sure that the vendor is responsive and easy to reach, and that they understand your needs and preferences.

• Flexibility: Things can change, so its important to work with vendors who are flexible and can adapt to any changes that may come up. For example, if there is a government imposed gathering restriction, are there any fees to change the date?

Finally, make sure to sign contracts with your vendors, and keep a copy of the contract for your records. This will help ensure that both you and the vendor are on the same page and can avoid any miscommunication or misunderstandings.

Navigating the journey of planning your special Day

Wedding planning can be an overwhelming process.  On average, it takes over 200 hours to plan a full wedding.  By following these steps, you can set a clear vision and goals for your wedding, which will serve as a guide throughout the planning process. This will help you make decisions about vendors, venues, and other elements of the wedding with confidence, and will ensure that your special day is exactly what you want it to be.