Your 9-Step Guide to a Wedding That’s Fun to Plan (Really!)

You’re engaged! The excitement is fresh, the congratulations are rolling in, and the countdown to “I do” has begun. Whether you’ve been planning this day in your head for years or are just starting to imagine the possibilities, it’s easy to feel a mix of joy and “where do we even start?”

There’s no single “right” way to plan a wedding, but there are ways to make it a whole lot easier. We’re here for you, and this guide is designed to help you tackle the big decisions, simplify the tricky parts, and keep the excitement front and center.

According to The Knot, couples spend an average of six hours per week planning, coordinating, and organizing wedding details. But here’s the good news: it’s not about doing everything at once—it’s about doing it thoughtfully.

These nine steps will help you move from “yes” to “I do” with more confidence, less chaos, and plenty of moments to savor along the way.

1. Soak It All In

Before the venue tours, spreadsheets, and Pinterest boards, take a moment—just the two of you—to celebrate. Whether it’s a cozy dinner or a champagne toast, celebrating together lays the emotional foundation for your wedding journey. Couples who savor these early days say it helps them stay excited and grounded as planning ramps up.

2. Set Your Planning Compass

The best wedding days feel like you. That happens when you decide early what matters most, so every choice lines up with your vision. According to The Knot, nearly 80% of wedding planning is now done by couples themselves, so it pays to set your own direction early.

Think of this as defining your priorities: what matters most to you both, and what’s worth investing time, money, and energy into. Your compass might point toward an epic dance floor, a jaw-dropping location, or extra time with guests. Once those non-negotiables are in place, the rest of your decisions fall into place with a lot less second-guessing.

3. Create Your Big-Picture Game Plan

Once you know what matters most, outline the key framework of your day. Before diving into details, align on:

• Ideal season or date range
• Target guest count
• Overall vibe (formal, casual, destination, backyard, etc.)

Couples who lock in these core elements early tend to book their top-choice venues and vendors faster, avoid decision fatigue, and keep planning momentum strong. This step turns your priorities into a tangible plan.

4. Choose and Book Your Venue

Your venue is your anchor—it sets your date, guest capacity, and overall aesthetic. Once booked, other pieces like catering, décor, and photography fall into place more easily. Venues can book up a year in advance, so this is one area where moving quickly pays off.

5. Book Your Core Vendors Early

Once your date and venue are locked in, secure the key people who will bring your wedding vision to life. According to Vogue, couples should book photographers, entertainment, and a planner 9–12 months out to ensure you get who you love.

Locking in your dream team early means your day runs smoother—and you can focus on the details that make it feel like you, instead of chasing availability under pressure.

6. Let Engine Handle Your Room Blocks

When it comes to hosting guests, skip the stress of calling hotels one by one. Our partner Engine, a travel booking platform built for groups, can do the heavy lifting for you.

Simply share your wedding details, preferred price range, and hotel style—Engine does the rest. You’ll get:

• Curated hotel options near your venue
• Exclusive group rates (couples save an average of 22%)
• A dedicated team to manage contracts, logistics, and questions
• A simple booking link to share with guests

No cold calls. No chasing contracts. Just easy travel planning for everyone.

Reserve your hotel room blocks the easy way with Engine.

7. Say “I Do” to Your New Name with Hitchswitch

Your wedding’s on the horizon, and your new name is part of the plan. HitchSwitch makes it simple. One package handles all the forms, instructions, and steps for updating your name with the government, banks, and utilities—saving you hours of time. Order yours now so you can hit the ground running as soon as your marriage certificate arrives.

8. Plan Your Honeymoon, Minimoon, or First Anniversary Trip

Your HitchSwitch account includes exclusive travel perks through Engine, so you can book hotels, flights, and rental cars all in one place—with average savings of 26% on hotels worldwide. Whether you’re headed somewhere tropical or cozy, you’ve got pre-negotiated deals ready when you are.

Unlock HitchSwitch x Engine travel perks.

 

9. Keep the Celebration Going

Your engagement isn’t just a countdown; it’s a chapter worth savoring. Say yes to date nights, weekend getaways, and mini celebrations along the way.

From vows to vacations, HitchSwitch and Engine make life’s biggest moments smoother. Start your name-change journey today and unlock travel perks that keep the celebration going long after the last dance.

 

FAQs

How far in advance should we book our venue?
Popular venues/dates can book 12+ months out. If you have a must-have season or location, tour early and be ready to sign when it’s right.

Which vendors should we book first?
After venue/date: photographer, entertainment, and planner. Then florals, beauty, rentals, transportation, and stationery.

Do we really need hotel room blocks?
If guests are traveling, yes. Room blocks simplify logistics, keep guests nearby, and usually unlock better rates—Engine can handle it for you.

When should we start the name-change process?
Order HitchSwitch anytime; once your marriage certificate arrives, you can move quickly through Social Security, DMV, passport, and more.

Can we use Engine perks for a minimoon instead of a full honeymoon?
Absolutely—use perks for a minimoon, anniversary trip, or a quick post-wedding reset.