Feeling a bit lost in the whirlwind of wedding planning?
Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Every couple has questions as they navigate guest lists, venues, budgets, and the many, many tiny details that come with wedding planning.
Below, we address 10 of the most common wedding planning questions we hear and offer practical answers to guide you toward an unforgettable big day.
1. WHEN SHOULD WE START PLANNING OUR WEDDING?
Ideally, begin your planning 12-18 months before your wedding date.
This timeline lets you line up your vendors and venue, especially if you're planning during peak wedding season.
But don't worry if you have less time. Beautiful weddings can come together in shorter timeframes with proper organization and flexibility.
2. HOW DO WE SET A REALISTIC BUDGET?
Start by determining your total available funds from all sources (personal savings, family contributions, etc.).
Here’s a rough general breakdown of expenses:
Reception (venue, food, beverages): 40-45%
Ceremony (venue, officiant): 5-8%
Attire (wedding dress, suits, accessories): 8-10%
Photography/videography: 10-12%
Flowers and decorations: 6-8%
Music/entertainment: 5-7%
Wedding rings: 2-3%
Transportation: 2-3%
Stationery: 2-3%
Wedding Planner (if applicable): 8-10%
Try to have a buffer for unexpected expenses: 5-8%.
3. HOW DO WE CHOOSE OUR VENUE?
When selecting the right venue for your big day, several key factors come into play.
First and foremost, consider the venue’s capacity—it needs to comfortably accommodate your guest list without feeling overcrowded or too sparse. The location is equally important; choose a spot that’s easily accessible for your guests, whether it’s near public transportation, a major airport, or simply a convenient drive for most attendees.
Next, check the available dates to make sure they fit with the wedding timeline you have in mind. Popular venues tend to book up quickly.
Of course, your budget should play a role in your decision-making, too. Look beyond the base price and account for hidden costs, such as required vendors or service fees that may not be immediately apparent.
Think about the venue’s indoor and outdoor options and whether they offer contingency plans for unpredictable weather. A good venue should also provide essential amenities, such as ample parking, restrooms, and kitchen facilities, to support both your guests and your vendors.
The style and ambiance of the venue should complement the vision you have for your wedding, whether it’s rustic, modern, classic, or whimsical.
Finally, review the venue’s vendor restrictions or requirements, as some places have preferred vendor lists or limitations that could impact your plans.
4. WHEN SHOULD WE SEND SAVE-THE-DATES AND INVITATIONS?
Send save-the-dates eight to 12 months before your wedding, especially for destination weddings or if many guests will need to travel.
For formal invitations, mail them six to eight weeks before the wedding date with RSVPs due two to three weeks before your event. For destination weddings, send invitations three to four months in advance.
5. HOW DO WE HANDLE OUR GUEST LIST AND PLUS-ONES?
Managing your guest list and deciding who gets a plus-one can feel like navigating a delicate balancing act, Establishing clear guidelines from the beginning will help.
Start by defining consistent criteria for plus-ones. It’s a general rule of etiquette to invite couples who are married, engaged, or in long-term relationships together; excluding one half of a committed pair can lead to awkward or hurt feelings.
For single guests, it would be thoughtful to give plus-ones to those in the wedding party. Doing this acknowledges their role in your special day and helps them feel valued and included.
At the same time, keep practicalities like venue capacity and budget constraints front and center. If space or finances are tight, limiting plus-ones to only those who meet specific criteria can help keep things manageable.
If you’re looking to keep numbers even more under control, you might opt for an adults-only reception, a choice that’s becoming increasingly common. While this can be a tough decision, it’s one that can save space and help create a specific atmosphere for your event.
6. What should we look for when hiring vendors?
Your vendors, from your florist to your photographer, will help you bring your vision to life. It only makes sense to approach the selection process thoughtfully.
Start by looking at reviews and references from recent clients. Hearing firsthand about other couples’ experiences will give you valuable insight into a vendor’s reliability, professionalism, and ability to deliver on promises.
Next, examine their professional portfolio to see if they have experience with weddings similar to yours in style, size, or complexity. This will be especially important if you’re planning a highly personalized event.
A clear, detailed contract is another must-have. This document should outline exactly what’s included, from pricing to services provided, so there are no surprises later on. Be sure to also ask about backup plans for emergencies, whether it’s a substitute DJ in case of illness or contingency options for bad weather. Knowing there’s a plan B can give you peace of mind.
Don’t forget to confirm the vendor’s insurance coverage, which protects both you and them in case of unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, check if they have experience working at your venue. Familiarity with the location can make setup and execution much smoother. For example, a caterer who knows the venue’s kitchen facilities or a photographer who’s familiar with the best photo spots can save time and hassle.
Additional considerations are their communication style and responsiveness. Are they easy to reach? Do they take the time to answer your questions? Good communication goes a long way in contributing to a stress-free planning process. Also important is the chemistry you feel with the vendor. Do they understand your vision and seem genuinely excited to bring it to life? That connection can make all the difference in creating an enjoyable, memorable experience.
Finally, always get everything in writing and carefully read all contracts before signing. This extra step will keep everyone on the same page and help avoid unpleasant surprises.
7. HOW DO WE MANAGE FAMILY DYNAMICS AND TRADITIONS?
Weddings are a celebration of love and family, but they can also bring unique challenges when it comes to balancing relationships and traditions. The key to navigating family dynamics is open communication from the very beginning. Sit down with the important people in your life early in the planning process to discuss their expectations and any concerns.
When discussing sensitive topics, be diplomatic but firm about your priorities. Private conversations are often the best way to handle potentially contentious issues, like guest lists or budget contributions, without creating unnecessary drama. Approach these discussions with empathy and understanding, but don’t be afraid to stand by the decisions that matter most to you. While family members may have strong opinions, remember that this is your wedding, and the ultimate choices should reflect your vision as a couple.
That said, try to find compromises where possible, especially when it comes to honoring traditions of both families. Even if you’re standing firm on where your ceremony will take place or who will be your best man, including a cultural ritual in your wedding ceremony or serving a favorite family dish at the reception can go a long way in making everyone feel valued.
Another way to foster harmony is by assigning meaningful roles to important family members. This could include asking a parent to walk you down the aisle, inviting a sibling to give a toast, or having grandparents participate in a special part of the ceremony.
8. WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO HANDLE REGISTRY AND GIFT PREFERENCES?
Creating a wedding registry is one of the most exciting parts of planning your big day, but it’s important to follow modern etiquette that considers the needs and feelings of your guests.
First, aim to create your registry early, ideally around the time of your engagement party or shortly after. The earlier you create your registry, the more time your guests will have to show for your gifts, which in addition to wedding gifts, could include shower and engagement presents.
As you select items, focus on variety and inclusivity. Choose gifts across a range of price points—think anywhere from $25 to $300 or more—so every guest can find something within their budget. While traditional items like kitchenware and linens are always popular, today’s couples often opt to include cash funds for experiences like a honeymoon or home renovation alongside more conventional gifts.
To make things easy for your guests, you have the option of using a universal registry platform that combines items from multiple stores into one list. This way, you can include everything you need, whether it’s from a big-box retailer, a specialty boutique, or an online marketplace. And for couples looking to give back, you can also include an option for guests to make charitable donations to a cause you care about.
Another etiquette reminder: Don’t include links to your registries in your wedding invitations. That can feel transactional and is considered poor etiquette. Instead, share the details on your wedding website or by word of mouth. Family members, close friends, and the wedding party can also help spread the word if guests inquire.
9. HOW DO WE PLAN THE RECEPTION TIMELINE?
Below is a general timeline for the events that follow the wedding ceremony. This is just a starting point. Adjust the timing as needed to reflect your personal style, cultural traditions, or special moments you want to include.
Cocktail hour: 45–60 minutes
Grand entrance: 10 minutes
Welcome toast and meal: 60–90 minutes
First dance and parent dances: 15–20 minutes
Dance floor opening: 15 minutes
Cake cutting: 10 minutes
Open dancing: Two to three hours
Last dance and send-off: 15 minutes
10. What's the best way to stay organized throughout planning?
When it comes to wedding-planning stress, organization is a surprisingly effective antidote.
Start by creating a detailed timeline that breaks down tasks into manageable monthly, weekly, and day-of schedules. This will help you stay on top of deadlines and prevent last-minute surprises as your big day approaches.
Another helpful strategy: Track your spending. You can use a digital app with lots of bells and whistles or a spreadsheet or notebook. The idea is that keeping all your expenses in one place will help you stay within your budget and account for every detail, from your vendor payments to tips.
Many couples opt to use a wedding planning binder, either physical or digital, to keep their important documents, inspiration, and notes in one place. This serves as a go-to reference for everything wedding-related. For couples who enjoy tech-savvy solutions, a shared planning app or spreadsheet can be a fantastic way to collaborate with your partner. It lets you share ideas and update each other in real-time.
Scheduling regular check-ins with vendors is another helpful strategy. The check-ins keep everyone on the same page and help address any issues early.
Don’t forget to keep backup copies of all contracts, invoices, and correspondence, stored both digitally and in print. This simple precaution can save you from headaches if something goes missing.
On the day of your wedding, an emergency contact list with numbers for key vendors, your wedding planner (if you have one), and a trusted point person will foster quick problem-solving for any unexpected hiccups.
Lastly, remember to prioritize self-care and couple time throughout your planning process. These could take the form of a date night, a weekend getaway, or setting aside time to relax. These moments will help you maintain perspective and enjoy the journey to your special day.
Since The Bell Tower on 34th opened more than a decade ago, it has earned a reputation as the best wedding venue in Houston.
Our southeast Texas venue with a chapel, waterwall, and beautifully tended grounds, can accommodate both small and large weddings.
The Bell Tower on 34th
901 W 34th St, Houston, TX 77018
(713) 868-2355