5 Thoughtful First Steps to Kick Off Your Wedding Planning Journey

So, you’re engaged—congratulations! Whether you’ve been dreaming of this day since childhood or never thought much about weddings until now, the moment has come: it’s time to plan.

But where do you start?

Planning a wedding can be an exciting, emotional, and at times overwhelming experience. Between Pinterest boards, Instagram trends, and the well-meaning advice of friends and family, it’s easy to get lost in the details before you’ve even picked a date. That’s why we’re sharing five practical and purposeful first steps to ground your planning process—and keep it aligned with what matters most to you.

1. Set a Wedding Budget

Before you fall in love with a venue or start picking out centerpieces, have an honest conversation with your partner about your total budget. Consider what you both feel comfortable spending, and talk with any family members who may be contributing financially.

Setting a realistic budget from the start helps shape all other decisions, from your guest list to your vendors. It also sets clear expectations and boundaries—something you’ll be grateful for later in the process.

2. Create a Preliminary Guest List

You don’t need an exact headcount, but knowing whether you’re planning for 30 or 130 people makes a huge difference in terms of venue capacity, catering costs, and even seating layout.

Think of this step as building your “planning compass”—it helps point everything else in the right direction. Create a shared guest list spreadsheet or document with your partner that you can easily adjust as plans evolve.

3. Choose a Venue and Date

Once your budget and guest count are in place, it’s time to lock in where and when. Your venue is often one of the biggest-ticket items and will influence the aesthetic, layout, and flow of your day.

Whether you’re dreaming of a rustic barn, a chic downtown space, or an open Montana meadow, availability can go fast—especially during peak seasons. So the sooner you start exploring options, the better.

4. Consider Hiring a Wedding Planner

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. A wedding planner can be a game-changer—especially in the early stages. Planners help you organize your ideas, recommend trusted vendors, and prevent costly missteps.

Even if you don’t hire a planner for the entire journey, consider investing in day-of coordination to ensure your wedding runs smoothly while you and your guests stay present and stress-free.

5. Determine Your Priorities

Now that the framework is set, think about what’s most important to you and your partner. Is it amazing food? A killer dance party? Stunning florals or a perfectly curated tablescape?

Identifying your top priorities early on will help you allocate your budget and energy where it matters most—allowing you to feel confident in your decisions instead of second-guessing every detail.

A Final Word: Block Out the Noise

The wedding world is full of opinions, trends, and social media comparisons—but your day is yours. Stay true to what feels authentic to you and your partner. The most memorable weddings are the ones that reflect the couple at their core—not the algorithm.

Need a Hand? We’re Here.

At Montana Party Rentals, we’ve been part of hundreds of love stories and know just how much care goes into planning this milestone. Whether you’re planning an intimate mountaintop elopement or a grand celebration, our expert team is here to help bring your vision to life—with rentals, style guidance, and personalized support every step of the way.