Everyone's engagement is different, but whether you plan to get married in 12-18 months, or you want to tie the knot in 6 months or less, it's entirely possible with the right planning. We've helped countless brides with all their floral needs, so today we're sharing 3 simple tips to help you get started on your wedding planning.

Step One: Determine Your budget

It's time to do the math and crunch some not-so-fun numbers. Before you can start anything, you have to figure out who's paying for what and determine your wedding's bottom line. From there, you'll want to prioritize... what's important and what's not? If you're not sure what to expect, a little market research comes in handy. Your numbers will likely change as you plan, so it's smart to start a detailed spreadsheet to keep with your checklist. If your budget allows, we highly recommend working with a wedding planner. It can help make the process go more smoothly and your planner will take care of the little details - so nothing is forgotten.

Step Two: Make a Guest List & Begin Considering Venues

If only you could invite everyone, right? Chances are, you can't, which is why it's important to spend time with your finance and both of your parents going over your list. When deciding your head count, consider your budget (how much can you afford?) and your venue (how many people does it fit?). It's entirely up to you if you'd like to give each set of parents a number of guests to invite, or a percentage of the total. What matters is that you have the people closest to you in attendance on your special day.

Your venue will play a large part in determining the size and theme of your wedding. If you know you want a small intimate ceremony followed by a small reception, begin making a short list of venues that fit your needs. Similarly, if you have a big family and are planning a wedding for 100+ guests, begin searching for larger venues. If you don't have a wedding planner, ask if the venue has a day-of coordinator. You'll likely work with this person as you prepare for your big day to make sure all details are taken care of.

Step Three: Hire Vendors Who Book Up Quickly, Including Your Photographer, Florist, Band or DJ, and Videographer

These are the people who will make your day beautiful and fun! Poll your friends for recommendations, scroll through Instagram for inspiration, and ask your wedding planner or venue coordinator who they recommend in the area. It's important that you find someone who is able to deliver on your vision and budget. If you have questions or want to receive pricing from a potential vendor, just ask. Don't hesitate to be upfront about your budget and tell the vendor exactly what you're looking for. We promise you'll know when it's the right fit!

Follow these simple steps to begin the wedding planning process and you'll be off to a great start! Staying organized and on top of your timeline is key, so make sure to write things down and put reminders in your phone for appointments, tastings, etc. Last thing... Enjoy the process! Your big day should be a celebration not a headache. We're here to help in any way we can and it's our goal to make our bride's flowers the least of their worries.

-Heather