How to Start Planning Your Big (or Small) Day: A Baby Step Guide

Planning your wedding, whether it's an intimate elopement or a micro-wedding with your closest loved ones, can feel overwhelming. But here’s the secret: it doesn’t have to be!

Let’s break it down into baby steps so you can savor every moment of the process and create a day that’s authentically you.


Step 1: Start with Your "Why"

Before diving into the when, where, and who, ask yourselves why.

Why are you choosing to elope or have a micro-wedding?

Is it about intimacy? Escaping the pressure of a big wedding? Or simply celebrating your love in a way that feels uniquely yours?

Knowing your "why" will help guide all the decisions that follow and ensure your day reflects your values and vision.


Step 2: Choose Your Date (or Season!)

Once you’ve connected with your "why," it’s time to choose your when.

This is one of the most important steps, especially if you’re booking a venue.

Popular venues and locations book up fast, so narrowing down your date (or at least the month or season) is key to securing the place you love.


Things to Consider:

  • Season: Do you imagine a cozy winter wedding, a vibrant autumn elopement, or maybe a summer celebration?
  • Availability: Check your venue options early! Popular dates may require flexibility.
  • Weather: Think about the conditions for outdoor ceremonies or travel.


Having a set date will make the rest of the planning process so much smoother!


Step 3: Dream Big – Create a Vision Board

Now that you’ve picked a date, it’s time to dream.

Think of this as the heart of your wedding planning journey.

I absolutely love Pinterest for this!

Start pinning images that inspire you: dreamy landscapes, cozy venues, outfits, flowers, and anything that speaks to your soul.


Questions to Ask Yourself:

  • What’s the overall vibe? Romantic and moody? Playful and fun?
  • Is it just the two of you, or are you inviting a small group of loved ones?
  • Where do you picture yourselves saying “I do”?


Step 4: Get Clear on Your Priorities

With your date and vision in mind, sit down with your partner and decide what truly matters to you both.

This is your day, so let go of people-pleasing and focus on creating something authentic and personal.


Things to Consider:

  • Is it just the two of you, an intimate group, or a slightly larger micro-wedding?
  • Do you want a laid-back vibe or a more formal celebration?
  • What’s your budget?


Sometimes, less is more. The fewer moving parts, the more space there is to focus on the magic of the moment and the connection between you two.


Step 5: Find the Perfect Location

With your date set and priorities clear, it’s time to find the spot to say “I do.” Whether it’s a cozy country cottage, your favorite mountaintop, or a windswept beach, the location sets the tone.


Things to Think About:

  • Indoor vs. Outdoor: What’s the weather like during your chosen season?
  • Reception: Do you want a sit-down dinner, a casual picnic, or just a private meal for two?
  • Accessibility: Is the location easy for you (and your guests, if you have any) to get to?


If you’re planning a travel elopement, consider any permits you might need for outdoor locations, packing essentials like vow books and weather-appropriate attire, and looking into local vendors who can bring your vision to life.


Step 6: Book Your Dream Team

Your celebrant and photographer will be the heart of your day—besides you two, of course. Finding the right people is so important!

  • Celebrant: They should feel like your best friend. This person will guide you through your vows and help create the atmosphere you want for your ceremony.
  • Photographer: You want someone who makes you feel comfortable, seen, and understood. (Hint: that could totally be me—let’s be besties!)

These two vendors can make or break the vibe, so trust your gut and choose people you connect with on a personal level.


Step 7: Tackle the Fun Details

Once the big things are sorted—date, location, celebrant, photographer—you can dive into the fun stuff!


The Details:

  • Invitations: Save-the-dates, invites, or even just a simple announcement text.
  • Witnesses & Bridal Party: Who will stand by your side (if anyone)?
  • Vendors: Flowers, makeup, hair, catering, and any other extras you want to include.
  • Outfits: Dress shopping, suit fitting, or maybe something totally out of the box—this is your time to shine!
  • Personal Touches: Consider meaningful rituals like exchanging private love letters, lighting candles together, or even a post-vow hike or picnic.


Step 8: Focus on Intimacy and Connection

Elopements and micro-weddings are all about the little moments: holding hands in a meadow, whispering vows as the sun sets, or laughing together as the wind tousles your hair.

Let your day be a reflection of your connection, free from the pressures of a larger wedding.

Your wedding should feel like you.

Maybe you’ll swap a formal dinner for a food truck, or trade a bouquet toss for stargazing under a cozy blanket.

The beauty of an elopement or micro-wedding is the freedom to reimagine traditions and make the day truly yours.


Step 9: Relax and Soak It All In

At the end of the day, remember that this is about celebrating you and your partner. Whether your wedding is simple or elaborate, the most important thing is that it feels right to you.

Let go of the pressure to make it “perfect” and instead focus on making it yours.

After all, your love story is already the best part of the day.


Ready to Start?

Let’s plan something magical together—whether it’s a windswept elopement or a cozy micro-wedding with your closest people.

And if you’re looking for someone to capture all the little moments in between, I’m here for you every step of the way.

Click the button below to get in touch, and let’s start turning your dream day into reality!