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You’ve said, “yes,” so now’s the time to start getting ready to say, “I do.” When considering how to plan a wedding, the details may seem slightly daunting — yes it can be a lot of work, but it doesn’t have to be hard. The secret? It’s all about being organized, knowing how to negotiate, make decisions and, of course, having a creative streak (and a Pinterest board) doesn’t hurt either. So where do you start when it comes to knowing how to plan a wedding? Right here! We’ve outlined the major items to take into consideration when you start planning your wedding and also included links to some key areas of our site that you’ll want to bookmark. Some of these items will be immediately helpful (like our list of Inspiring Photographers, some of whom book up to a year in advance), others, like our list of 50 amazing wedding songs you may have never heard before you’ll want to save to reference closer to your wedding day.

Now, jump in and start studying up on how to plan a wedding without the worry!

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93630 Budget Before you start doing anything you need to establish how much money you’re working with. The B-word may not be your favourite part of the planning process, but, nonetheless, this is the first question you need to answer. According to our <a href="http://www.weddingbells.ca/planning/wedding-trends-in-canada-2015/" target="_blank">Annual Reader Survey</a>, the average expected cost of a wedding in Canada, including the ring and honeymoon, is over $30,000. No matter what your magic number is, it’s completely possible to achieve the wedding of your dreams. Plus, once you’ve done the number crunching you can move on to the more fun part of the planning like the theme, colour scheme and, of course, your dress! Photo courtesy iStockphoto How to plan a wedding: budget How to plan a wedding: budget https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/wedding-budget-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/wedding-budget.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/wedding-budget.jpg 693 693 {"aperture":"7.1","camera":"Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II","created_timestamp":"1211450475","focal_length":"70","iso":"100","shutter_speed":"0.008"} https://weddingbells.ca/planning/how-to-plan-a-wedding/slide/wedding-budget-2/ wedding-budget-2 0 0

93632 Style When it comes to assessing your style, it’s more than just what colours you want or which dresses your bridesmaids will wear—although those do play a part in the overall look. When we’re talking about style, we mean how formal is your wedding going to be? Will you be planning a destination wedding or an intimate party at home? Your budget will definitely play a part in deciding your style. While we’re firm believers in getting your day, your way, you can’t expect to plan a wedding of 300 on a budget of $5,000—that’s just not realistic. A great way to determine your style is by looking at other brides’ <a href="http://www.weddingbells.ca/real-weddings/" target="_blank">real weddings</a> and browsing reception ideas. Then you can determine your guest list, based on your style and budget. Photo courtesy of <a href="http://joeewong.com/" target="_blank">Joee Wong</a> How to plan a wedding: ceremony How to plan a wedding: ceremony https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/fiesta-2-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/fiesta-2.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/fiesta-2.jpg 550 367 {"copyright":"All Images (c) JW Photography Inc."} https://weddingbells.ca/planning/how-to-plan-a-wedding/slide/fiesta-2-2/ fiesta-2-2 0 0

93631 The Ceremony & Reception Site Some brides may be content with having the ceremony at the same place as the reception, while others may opt for a different location for religious purposes. Either way, you should keep in mind that you can’t exactly pick a wedding date until you know what’s available! The reality is many dates are selected at least one year in advance. Remember, the reception site you choose is a huge decision. It will not only reflect your wedding style, but also the majority of your budget will be used on the reception. Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.ameris.ca/" target="_blank">Ameris</a> How to plan a wedding: reception How to plan a wedding: reception https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/11_KaylaJoel_WBSS13-600x420-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/11_KaylaJoel_WBSS13-600x420.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/11_KaylaJoel_WBSS13-600x420.jpg 600 420 [] https://weddingbells.ca/planning/how-to-plan-a-wedding/slide/11_kaylajoel_wbss13-600x420/ 11_kaylajoel_wbss13-600x420 0 0

93633 Wedding Party Once you know your style, date and location, now’s the time to select the people who will be by your side through the entire planning process. When it comes to choosing these important people there are no rules for how many bridesmaids or groomsmen you can have (unless the ceremony site has space restrictions). Our suggestion? Make sure you choose people who are close to you now and whom you know you can count on. Although you’ll want to pick your dress out before you choose your girls’ gowns. It doesn’t hurt to <a href="http://www.weddingbells.ca/fashion-beauty/bridesmaid-dresses/" target="_blank">start browsing</a>. Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.heatherwilkinson.ca/" target="_blank">Heather Wilkinson</a> How to plan a wedding: wedding party How to plan a wedding: wedding party https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Rustic-Outdoor-Wedding158-600x9011-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Rustic-Outdoor-Wedding158-600x9011.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Rustic-Outdoor-Wedding158-600x9011.jpg 600 619 [] https://weddingbells.ca/planning/how-to-plan-a-wedding/slide/rustic-outdoor-wedding158-600x901/ rustic-outdoor-wedding158-600x901 0 0

93634 Guest List When you determined your budget, chances are you had a ballpark number of guests in mind. Great! Now it’s time to start figuring out who exactly is on that list. As you get into more specifics (like invitations, meals, etc) you’ll realize that the number of guests plays a big part in how much you’re going to spend. Take the time to make an “A” list of for-sure guests and a “B” list of maybes, so when it comes time to solidifying the list, you’ll have an easier time cutting and confirming. Photo courtesy iStockphoto How to plan a wedding: guest list How to plan a wedding: guest list https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/guestlist-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/guestlist.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/guestlist.jpg 725 662 {"aperture":"6.3","credit":"olivier Le Moal (Tjall)","camera":"NIKON D300S","caption":"festive panel where it is written you are invited isolated on a white background","created_timestamp":"1271257045","copyright":"Olivier Le Moal (Tjall)","focal_length":"90","iso":"200","shutter_speed":"0.002","title":"you are invited"} https://weddingbells.ca/planning/how-to-plan-a-wedding/slide/you-are-invited/ you-are-invited 0 0

93635 Register It’s never too early to start registering. Why? From the moment you get engaged, friends and family will want to buy you gifts—from showers to parties, it really doesn’t end. You make their lives easier by telling them what you want through a registry. Plus nowadays you can even register for your honeymoon, experiences or even cash. How to plan a wedding: registry How to plan a wedding: registry https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/wb-jamieoliver-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/wb-jamieoliver.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/wb-jamieoliver.jpg 550 440 [] https://weddingbells.ca/planning/how-to-plan-a-wedding/slide/wb-jamieoliver-2/ wb-jamieoliver-2 0 0

93636 Wedding Website One of the best ways to communicate with your guests and keep them up-to-date with your planning is via a wedding website. You can customize your own site for free using tools like <a href="http://www.wedsite.com/" target="_blank">Wedsite.com</a>. Choose your template and add a personalized website address -- it's the easiest way to keep your friends and family in the loop. How to plan a wedding: website How to plan a wedding: website https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/wedding-website-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/wedding-website.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/wedding-website.jpg 1000 676 [] https://weddingbells.ca/planning/how-to-plan-a-wedding/slide/wedding-website/ wedding-website 0 0

93637 The Dress We know you’re going to start searching for your wedding dress pretty soon after you get the ring, but don’t buy the dress until you have cemented the wedding-day details. Why? A cocktail reception calls for a very different dress than a lavish affair in a castle. From shopping for your wedding gown to figuring out what to do with your gown after the wedding, we’ve got <a href="http://www.weddingbells.ca/fashion-beauty/wedding-dresses/" target="_blank">all the info you need</a>. Oscar de la Renta gown photo courtesy of FirstView How to plan a wedding: dress How to plan a wedding: dress https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/oscardelarenta-wedding-gown-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/oscardelarenta-wedding-gown.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/oscardelarenta-wedding-gown.jpg 550 687 [] https://weddingbells.ca/planning/how-to-plan-a-wedding/slide/oscardelarenta-wedding-gown/ oscardelarenta-wedding-gown 0 0

93638 Photography Your pictures will last long after the big day is over. Finding a photographer that suits your tastes, and also clicks with you, is super important. The reality is many great photographers get booked up at least a year, or two, in advance so if you have someone in particular in mind, make booking your photographer a top priority. You might also want to consider getting engagement photos to use in your save-the-dates or on your wedding website. Start your search for a photographer by browsing our list of <a href="http://www.weddingbells.ca/planning/photo-video/the-30-most-inspiring-wedding-photographers-for-2014/" target="_blank">Canada's Most Inspiring Photographers</a>. Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.invision-studios.ca/" target="_blank">Meaghan Weinberg at InVision Studios</a> How to plan a wedding: photography How to plan a wedding: photography https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/wedding-photo-idea-sparklers-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/wedding-photo-idea-sparklers.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/wedding-photo-idea-sparklers.jpg 550 400 [] https://weddingbells.ca/planning/how-to-plan-a-wedding/slide/wedding-photo-idea-sparklers-2/ wedding-photo-idea-sparklers-2 0 0

93639 Stationery In addition to your invites, there’s the save-the-dates, reception cards, wedding programs, thank-you cards and more (or less) depending on what you want to include in your wedding. Remember stationery takes time to order and be sent, especially if you’re getting custom work done, so the earlier you can get it started the better. Start your <a href="http://www.weddingbells.ca/planning/stationery/" target="_blank">search for stationery here</a>. How to plan a wedding: save the date How to plan a wedding: save the date https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/savethedate-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/savethedate.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/savethedate.jpg 550 350 [] https://weddingbells.ca/planning/how-to-plan-a-wedding/slide/savethedate/ savethedate 0 0

93640 The Menu Most reception venues offer on-site catering, so only those celebrating at home or in a more informal setting will need to find a caterer. One thing on every bride’s list is deciding on the menu and how the food will be served. Consider also what drinks you plan on serving, including a signature cocktail! Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.ikonica.ca/" target="_blank">Ikonica</a> How to plan a wedding: menu How to plan a wedding: menu https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/menu-ikonica-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/menu-ikonica.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/menu-ikonica.jpg 550 367 {"copyright":"Ikonica"} https://weddingbells.ca/planning/how-to-plan-a-wedding/slide/menu-ikonica/ menu-ikonica 0 0

93641 Flowers The season, your wedding style and table setup will all play a part in what kind of flowers you choose for your wedding. Get acquainted with the endless choices available in our <a href="http://www.weddingbells.ca/planning/bouquets-flowers/" target="_blank">Bouquets & Flowers</a> section. Having a great relationship with your florist is also key to getting the flowers you want. Photo courtesy Reid Lambshead of <a href="http://www.whenhefoundher.com/" target="_blank">When He Found Her</a> How to plan a wedding: bouquet How to plan a wedding: bouquet https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/bouquet-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/bouquet.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/bouquet.jpg 600 687 [] https://weddingbells.ca/planning/how-to-plan-a-wedding/slide/bouquet-21/ bouquet-21 0 0

93642 The Cake & Sweets There’s nothing like a gorgeous wedding cake to complete your wedding reception. From mini-cakes to traditional tiered cakes, choosing your cake is definitely a fun part of the planning process! In addition to (or instead of) a cake there’s cupcakes, a sweet table or other delicious confections like macarons you can include in your reception. Start your search for <a href="http://www.weddingbells.ca/planning/wedding-cakes/" target="_blank">inspiring sweets here</a>. Photography by Carlo Mendoza. Cake by Bobbette and Belle. How to plan a wedding: cake How to plan a wedding: cake https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/wedding-cake-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/wedding-cake.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/wedding-cake.jpg 550 750 {"copyright":"\u00c2\u00a9 Carlo Mendoza 2012"} https://weddingbells.ca/planning/how-to-plan-a-wedding/slide/wedding-cake-5/ wedding-cake-5 0 0

93643 Music Music is an important part of any wedding day. Aside from deciding between a band, a DJ or your iPod, you’ve also got to plan everything from the ceremony music to your first dance as Mr. and Mrs. Start collecting ideas with our list of <a href="http://www.weddingbells.ca/blogs/planning/2011/12/02/the-50-best-wedding-songs-you-may-have-never-heard-before/" target="_blank">The 50 best wedding songs you may have never heard before</a>. Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.stefanmatisphotography.com/" target="_blank">Stefan Matis Photography</a> How to plan a wedding: song How to plan a wedding: song https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/wedding-songs-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/wedding-songs.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/wedding-songs.jpg 550 366 {"aperture":"2.8","camera":"NIKON D700","created_timestamp":"1309728013","focal_length":"24","iso":"800","shutter_speed":"0.01"} https://weddingbells.ca/planning/how-to-plan-a-wedding/slide/wedding-songs-2/ wedding-songs-2 0 0

93644 Transportation If you’re moving from your ceremony to reception, you’ll need to decide on transportation. Also consider older relatives or out-of-town guests who may be coming from a hotel. Making an old-school getaway in a vehicle? Time to plan that, too! Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.ikonica.ca/" target="_blank">Ikonica</a> How to plan a wedding: transportation How to plan a wedding: transportation https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/wedding-rolls-royce-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/wedding-rolls-royce.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/wedding-rolls-royce.jpg 550 367 {"copyright":"ikonica"} https://weddingbells.ca/planning/how-to-plan-a-wedding/slide/wedding-rolls-royce/ wedding-rolls-royce 0 0

93645 Hair and Makeup Once you’ve selected the dress and chosen your wedding-day shoes, you’ll want to figure out your accessories, hair and makeup. These details will really pull the entire look together. You can start previewing possible <a href="http://www.weddingbells.ca/fashion-beauty/hairstyles/" target="_blank">hairstyles here</a> and be sure to plan for trial hair and makeup runs. If you’re doing your own makeup, make sure you give yourself enough time to practice beforehand. Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.bhldn.com/" target="_blank">BHLDN</a> How to plan a wedding: hair How to plan a wedding: hair https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/weddinghair3-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/weddinghair3.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/weddinghair3.jpg 550 608 [] https://weddingbells.ca/planning/how-to-plan-a-wedding/slide/weddinghair3-2/ weddinghair3-2 0 0

93599 Other Details: Once you’ve reserved all of your locations, secured all of your vendors and completed your look, you’ll find you have time to deal with those “other” details—DIY projects, your honeymoon, favours, wedding vows, etc. Photo courtesy iStockphoto How to plan a wedding: engagement ring How to plan a wedding: engagement ring https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/engagement-ring-105x105.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/engagement-ring.jpg https://weddingbells.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/engagement-ring.jpg 849 565 {"aperture":"9","credit":"Photographer:Atilla ALTUN","camera":"Canon EOS 5D Mark II","created_timestamp":"1336923577","focal_length":"200","iso":"50","shutter_speed":"0.01"} https://weddingbells.ca/planning/how-to-plan-a-wedding/slide/engagement-ring-3/ engagement-ring-3 0 0