1. Setting the Foundation for Your Future Wedding Plans

A. Defining Your Vision

Before booking venues or choosing color schemes, Jason and I took time to discuss our vision for the wedding. We asked ourselves:

• What atmosphere do we want (romantic, modern, traditional, rustic, destination, etc.)?
• Do we want a big celebration or an intimate gathering?
• What is our estimated budget?
• Are there specific cultural or religious elements we want to incorporate?

For us, faith is an essential part of our relationship, so we are planning a Christ-centered wedding that reflects our journey as a couple.

B. Establishing a Budget

Budgeting is crucial when planning a wedding. Here’s how we set a realistic wedding budget:

1. Determine Total Budget – We established a budget based on our priorities and financial resources.
2. Prioritize Expenses – Venue, catering, and photography are at the top of our list.
3. Track Expenses – We use wedding budget planners like Skyler Anne Olson’s Ultimate Wedding Planning Bundle to stay on track.
4. Be Flexible – Unexpected costs may arise, so we have a buffer in our budget.

2. Choosing the Perfect Wedding Date and Venue

A. Selecting Our Wedding Date

We chose August 29, 2025, as our wedding date, a meaningful day for us. Jason actually chose this date and it’s a biblical reference to Psalm 31:29, a scripture he quoted me throughout our dating period.

Here’s what we considered when choosing our date:

• Season – Late summer allows for an elegant outdoor/indoor celebration.
• Availability of VIP Guests – We ensured close family and friends can attend. We chose a holiday weekend that we knew they would likely be off work for but not mind sharing with us on our big day.
• Budget-Friendly Options – We secured our venue early to lock in lower rates. We are getting married on a Friday which is a day that was open for most venues this year still and likely less expensive than a Saturday evening wedding for most venues.

B. Finding the Ideal Venue

The venue sets the tone for the wedding. Jason and I explored several options before choosing one that aligned with our vision. We considered:

• Traditional Banquet Halls – Ideal for our larger guest list.
• Destination Venues – We briefly considered a beach wedding but opted for a location closer to family.
• Historic or Cultural Sites – We loved the idea of a venue with character and history.
• Use platforms like WeddingWire to browse venue options based on location and budget.

3. Designing Our Wedding Theme and Aesthetic

A. Choosing Our Wedding Colors

Our wedding colors reflect our personal style:

• Chocolate brown, light brown, dark brown, mocha, tan, and linen with green leaf accents.
• Earthy neutrals for a warm, inviting ambiance.

B. Deciding on Decor and Floral Arrangements

• Minimalist Elegance – Simple yet sophisticated decor.
• Faith-Inspired Elements – Bible verses and cross-themed décor.
• Timeless & Romantic Fusion – Blending feminine and old money aesthetics w/ a dash of modern elements

4. Selecting Our Dream Wedding Attire

A. My Bridal Gown Journey

I’ve started my bridal gown search and am exploring styles that flatter my figure while staying comfortable for a full day of celebration.

B. Jason’s Attire and Wedding Party Looks

Jason plans to wear a classic, tailored look, while our wedding party will coordinate in stylish yet complementary outfits. All of our bridesmaids will be dressed in Birdy Grey, a one stop shop for all of their wedding attire. I was able to order swatches and pass those on to each bridesmaid to choose their own dress in their assigned color. 

5. Planning Our Perfect Wedding Ceremony

A. Writing Personalized Vows

Personalized vows add a unique touch. Jason and I are taking time to reflect on our journey and craft heartfelt vows.

B. Ceremony Structure

We are incorporating elements of our faith into our ceremony, including special prayers and worship songs.

6. Creating an Unforgettable Wedding Reception

A. Catering and Menu Selection

• Diverse meal options for guests with dietary restrictions.
• Signature drinks inspired by our personalities.
• Fun dessert options.

B. Entertainment and Music Choices

A mix of gospel, R&B, and classic wedding songs. Definitely some line dancing. Where dem fans at??? Here’s a step-by-step instructional video to practice your moves to Boots on the Ground.

7. Navigating Our Guest List and Invitations

A. How We Curated Our Guest List

• Prioritizing close family and friends.
• Keeping our budget in mind while inviting those most dear to us.

B. Wedding Invitation Trends

• Digital invites for an eco-conscious touch.
• Elegant calligraphy for mailed invitations.

8. Preparing for Our Honeymoon

We are still finalizing our honeymoon destination but are considering an Caribbean cruise for relaxation after the wedding. If you’d like to support our honeymoon fund, check out our HoneyFund Registry!

9. Final Tips for a Stress-Free Wedding Day

A. Delegating Responsibilities

We’re enlisting trusted friends and family to help with last-minute details.

B. Having an Emergency Kit

Including essentials like band-aids, safety pins, tissues, and extra makeup.

C. Soaking in the Moment

Our wedding day will fly by, so we’re making a conscious effort to pause and cherish every second with our loved ones.

Conclusion

Planning our future wedding plans has been a beautiful journey, filled with love, excitement, and intentional decision-making. We can’t wait to celebrate our union with family and friends, and we hope our insights help other couples on their wedding planning journey.

Are you currently planning your wedding? Share your future wedding plans in the comments below!