Where to Start if You Are Planning Your Wedding: A Step-by-Step Guide
Planning your dream wedding is an exciting journey — but it can also feel overwhelming at first. With countless decisions to make and details to manage, knowing where to start is key to keeping the process fun and stress-free.
Whether you're newly engaged or just beginning to explore your options, this step-by-step guide will help you lay a solid foundation for planning your Hawaii wedding (or anywhere you choose to say "I do").
1. Celebrate Your Engagement 🎉
Before diving into logistics, take time to celebrate this special moment! Whether it’s a quiet dinner together, an engagement party with friends and family, or a sunset photo session, honoring this milestone helps set a joyful tone for the months ahead.
Pro Tip: Consider booking an engagement photo shoot. It’s a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera and build a relationship with your photographer.
2. Set Your Budget Early
One of the first (and most important) steps is setting a realistic budget. Discuss finances openly with your partner and any family members who may be contributing.
Determine:
Your total wedding budget
Top priorities (venue, photography/videography, food, attire, entertainment)
Areas where you’re comfortable saving
Bonus Tip: Build in a buffer — unexpected expenses often pop up!
3. Define Your Wedding Vision
Before you start booking vendors, get clear on your vision:
What’s your ideal wedding vibe? (Romantic beach elopement, luxury hotel ballroom, intimate garden ceremony, rustic outdoor setting, etc.)
Guest list size (intimate gathering or big celebration?)
Time of year / season
Location — local or destination wedding?
For Hawaii weddings: Consider whether you want an Oahu beachfront ceremony, a lush garden venue, or a mountaintop elopement. Each island offers unique backdrops.
4. Choose a Date (Or a Few Options)
Venues and top vendors book quickly — sometimes a year or more in advance!
Narrow down a few preferred dates so you can be flexible with availability.
Tip: If you’re planning a destination wedding in Hawaii, aim for the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for beautiful weather and slightly better rates.
5. Book Your Key Vendors First
Once you have a date and vision, prioritize booking the vendors who typically get reserved first:
✅ Venue
✅ Wedding Planner or Day-of Coordinator
✅ Photographer & Videographer
✅ Officiant
✅ Caterer / Bar Service
Why book photo + video early? These are your lifelong memories! Top teams book fast and can also help you with your day-of timeline planning.
6. Build Your Wedding Website & Send Save the Dates
Especially for destination weddings, guests appreciate having plenty of notice and clear information about travel, accommodations, and the itinerary.
Create a simple wedding website and send digital or printed Save the Dates once your date and venue are locked in.
7. Finalize Remaining Vendors & Details
As you move through your planning timeline, you’ll layer in other important details, such as:
Florist
DJ or live entertainment
Hair & makeup
Cake or desserts
Transportation
Decor / rentals
Guest favors
Pro Tip: Keep a master checklist or use a wedding planning app to stay organized.
8. Enjoy the Journey!
Most importantly — don’t forget to enjoy the process. The planning phase goes by quickly, and every step brings you closer to one of the best days of your life.
Lean on your vendors, planner, and loved ones for support, and remember why you’re celebrating in the first place: your love and future together.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a Hawaii wedding and want stunning photography, cinematic videography, and experienced local insight — One Moment Hawaii is here to help make your day unforgettable.
Contact us today to start planning your perfect island wedding.
