You’ve got the ring, but now where to begin the actual wedding planning? We’ve enlisted the help of local wedding planner and florist, Allyson Burden of Allyson Whitney Designs, to share her advice on how to kickstart the planning process. Read on for her first five steps every newly engaged couple should tackle!

(guest post by Allyson Burden of Allyson Whitney Designs)

Photo // Chloe Photography

1. Hire a Planner

I always recommend meeting with a Planner first. A professional and seasoned Planner will help advise what is in their best interest based off of important planning factors such as; 1) budget, 2) estimated guest count 3) design and overall aesthetic. For the couples who choose to have a lengthy engagement we encourage starting the planning at least one and a half to two years out minimum. For other couples they wish to marry within a year and a half out so we encourage the planning to begin immediately as most venues and vendors fill their books more than a year out. This will help couples secure the venue and vendors they aspire to have most as well as make the necessary planning steps to plan the larger details out correctly and financially.

2. Set a Budget

I believe couples should always start by determining their overall design and aesthetic as this can greatly determine budget. Small and intimate, large and lavish or destination followed by guest count management and then the importance of vendor selection.

3. Create a Guest List

I challenge my couples to truly ensure their guest count is what they want to commit to financially. Take the overall budget, divide it by the amount of guest you are looking at inviting and ask yourself if you truly have it in your financial comfort to pay that much per guest. A lot of couples believe when they break it down by guest, that they are only paying for food, cake and beverage when in reality the budget is the overall amount it is costing to host and entertain this many guest in many different ways for the celebration of your wedding – a different perspective that a large number of our couples have found extremely helpful when making that early decision in their planning. A large lavish event sometimes ends up feeling like a chore rather than a celebration for their wedding day.

4. Book a  Venue

Here’s our list on what a couple should consider when booking a venue:
1.) Cohesive design and aesthetic to which they are looking to have for their wedding
2.) Consider the age of guest they are inviting and the distance for them (parents, grandparents and others), location!
3.) Venue capacity vs estimated guest count
4.) What the venue amenities include and how they can be a wonderful team for them as a venue, including vendor policies
5.) Cancellation policy due to covid and or other pandemics

5. Choose Your Bridal Party

We believe this should be a decision made early on as it will impact the overall wedding budget with floral, attire, plates and other needs. Choose those who encourage you, support you, and love you to stand by you on your big day. Choosing your wedding party should be an easy decision. If it’s a tough one or you just don’t get butterflies about it, it’s probably a no. This is a vital decision as they will be with you during the entire planning process, and the entire day the day of the wedding. Choose those who choose you. Good vibes only!

Thanks to Allyson for sharing her expert advice on how to kickstart the wedding planning process! Whether you’re wanting more information on how to tackle wedding planning or want to book her services directly, you can connect with Allyson Whitney Designs via her Brides of Oklahoma vendor profile here!

Looking for top-notch vendors or fresh inspiration? Every wedding season brings with it fresh ideas and new inspiration perfect for brides planning their nuptials any time in the next year. We picked up on some of the most eye-catching elements that really make all the difference and talked to industry pros about the specifics! Let us walk you through a few of this season’s top wedding trends that you can find right here in Oklahoma, straight from pro wedding vendors committed to delivering the latest and greatest styles and services! From watercolor wedding details to a living champagne wall, this collection of wedding industry favorites is sure to make your “most wanted” list when it comes to planning! Cheers!

Trend: Vintage Lounge Areas

Where to Find it: Scavenged Vintage Rentals

Whether it serves as a retro photo op, a place for you and your new spouse to have a heartfelt moment alone, or space for your guests to relax during cocktail hour, we absolutely love the idea of incorporating a vintage lounge area into your wedding space! Scavenged Vintage Rentals is the best in the vintage furniture biz, and it’s impossible to choose distasteful pieces from their collection – every rental seems to have its own story to tell, so use them to help tell your love story!

Trend: Custom Signage

Where to Find it: Sandstone Avenue

Some wedding trends come and go, but signage is here to stay! Adorable custom signage from Sandstone Avenue makes the perfect addition to any wedding! Make it modern or rustic, and this decor now doubles as a keepsake! Put it in the home you share with your spouse to always remind you of your wedding date and how amazing it was.

Trend: Watercolor Wedding Cakes

Where to Find it: Stacie’s Cakes

Abstract and whimsical, watercolor wedding cakes have to be one of the most colorful trends this season! Add a touch of whimsy and fun to your wedding with a bright and cheery watercolor-painted wedding cake. Leave it bare for a more sophisticated look, or add fresh floral for garden party vibes! Take your color scheme into neutral territory and your creative cake might have more of a faux-marble look – perfect for weddings during winter months!

Trend: Interactive Catering

Where to Find it: Sparkling Tulips

Oklahoma brides, we have three words for you: Living. Champagne. Wall. Imagine your friends and family spending cocktail hour enjoying endless chilled glasses of champagne from the most unique white-gloved “bartender” they’ve ever seen (or not seen)! It’s more than a way to serve champagne – it’s an experience. Guests can’t help themselves and end up having just as much fun taking selfies and interacting with the servers. While the living champagne wall is a show-stopper, Sparkling Tulips offers many different options for any kind of wedding or special event including a groom’s wall as well as backdrop walls. With styles in green boxwood or white hydrangea, they have something to please everyone!

Photo // Dani G Photography

Trend: Build-Your-Own Favors

Where to Find it: Les Bouquets

Some assembly required, but we promise your guests will love it! Oklahoma City’s newest (and cutest!) mobile flower cart is now available for events! When they aren’t “popping up shop” in front of favorite local businesses, the flower cart is available for anything from birthdays and bachelorettes to holiday parties and wedding receptions. Les Bouquets specializes in providing gorgeous, locally-sourced flowers (along with the most precious set-up ever) so that your guests and party-goers can build their own bouquets as a fun activity and then take them home as a fabulous floral party favor. Plus, the entire experience can be customized to suit your event!

Trend: Custom Cookie Bar

Where to Find it: Whimsy Cookie Company

We love dessert bars and custom cookies, so we know Whimsy Cookies make a great addition to any wedding dessert bar. Any of their bridal cookies from online sets are sure to be a hit, from their gooey butter cookies in regular and mini size to their Whimsy Bites, mini sugar cookies displayed on an array of cake stands and various sizes. Whimsy Cookie Company has something for every taste and style, with such a great variety of options that can make your cookies truly stand out! They are beautiful, delicious and will put a smile on your guests’ faces!

Photo // Valeo Marketing

Trend: Small Bites

Where to Find it: Justin Thompson Catering

Why limit your friends and family to choosing between just two entrees when they could try the whole menu? Serving your wedding dinner in a tasting menu style allows guests to sample small bites so everyone can try a little bit of everything! The staff at Justin Thompson Catering will whip up as many sophisticated small bites as you need for your event, big or small. Guests will remember your wedding dinner as delicious and fun when they have so many delectable options to choose from!

Trend: Selfie Style

Where to Find it: Studio on Site

Move over, antiquated photo booths! Selfie-style photo booths are a wedding trend we have been waiting for since we found out ring lights exist! If you want photo booth shots that will make you look back and think “flawless,” Studio on Site is the vendor for you. Their selfie-style photo booth will allow you to have fast digital pictures for immediate sharing, high-resolution prints made by request, or even make your new monogram a watermark on photos from your reception! Studio on Site ensures every side is now your good side!

On the hunt for the best Oklahoma wedding vendors in the business? Check out our favorites here, or keep up with even more wedding trends here!