01
Start with the feeling
Before you build a list of vendors, talk about what you want the day to feel like. Intimate and relaxed? A lively room full of friends? A celebration centered on family traditions? Write down three priorities you share. They can become a helpful reference when a decision feels complicated.
02
Sketch the guest list and budget together
Guest count affects the space you need and the scale of many decisions. Make an early estimate and discuss the overall budget at the same time. Keep track of what is confirmed, what is estimated and what is still open. Your first numbers are a starting point for conversations, not a reason to rush commitments.
03
Consider your date and setting
Think about your preferred season, ceremony and reception locations, and the practical experience for guests. If you’re still choosing a venue, note what matters: atmosphere, layout, access, travel and how the ceremony and reception connect. Ask each venue directly about its availability and requirements.
04
Make a clear picture of what is booked
Keep a simple list of vendors, contact details, agreed services and decisions still pending. If you have already started planning, this is especially useful before talking with a planner. It shows the work you’ve completed and helps identify the areas where support would be most valuable.
05
Choose the support that fits
Full-service planning, partial planning and day-of coordination reflect different starting points. Design, stationery, environmental design, and setup or takedown can address more focused needs. You don’t have to diagnose the perfect package before reaching out. Explain where you feel confident and where you would appreciate help.
Compare our wedding services06
Connect the details to the experience
Save a small selection of inspiration and note what you like about each reference. A color, a typeface, the warmth of a table or the feel of a space is more useful than an endless folder of unrelated images. Think about guest flow, meaningful traditions, seating and any special accommodations alongside the visual details.
07
Prepare for your planning conversation
Gather your date or season, guest estimate, budget, venue details, booked vendors, inspiration links and top three priorities. Add your biggest concerns and your preferred level of involvement. If a detail is undecided, say so. A useful conversation starts with an accurate picture of where you are today.
Your first-conversation checklist
- Date or preferred season
- Ceremony and reception locations
- Estimated guest count and budget
- Booked vendors and plans already made
- Inspiration and your top three priorities
- Questions, concerns and support you’d value