How to Start Planning Your Wedding

Where Do I Begin?

Congratulations on your engagement! Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but breaking it into manageable steps makes the process enjoyable. Here's how to get started with Event Atlas.

1. Set Your Date (or a Range)

Before reaching out to vendors, have a general timeframe in mind. Popular Rhode Island venues book 12-18 months in advance, especially for summer and fall dates.

2. Establish Your Budget

Knowing your overall budget helps you prioritize which vendors to invest in. Our budgeting guide covers the typical breakdown.

3. Book Your Venue First

Your venue sets the tone for everything else: the style, the guest count, and which other vendors you'll need. Browse our venue listings to explore options across Rhode Island.

4. Build Your Vendor Team

With your venue secured, start filling in the rest of your team:

• Photographer: Book 10-12 months out
• Caterer/Planner: Book 8-10 months out
• Florist, DJ, Band: Book 6-8 months out
• Hair, Makeup, Officiant: Book 4-6 months out

5. Use Event Atlas to Compare

Create a free account to save vendors, leave reviews, and build your shortlist all in one place.