The Top 5 To-Dos When Planning Your Wedding

How to begin the wedding planning process

The day has finally come. You’re officially engaged! With excitement in the air, it’s time to start your wedding planning process. There’s just one question… Where should you begin? After all, your special day won’t just fall into place by itself.

At the Pioneer Grill, our catering team has supported the full spectrum of weddings. From intimate gatherings to roaring receptions, no two nights are exactly alike. Now, we’ve assembled our top five “to-dos” when planning your wedding.

1. Build your budget

Before diving into the details, a well-planned budget can go a long way. By determining your budget early on, you can avoid cutting choices from your perfectly planned wedding later on.

As a starting point, consider the size of your guest list. This key factor will help you determine one of the most costly aspects of your wedding: the venue. From there, start with the essentials like wedding catering or photography before considering the finer details.

2. Book in advance

Some of the most popular times to propose include Christmas, New Year’s, and Valentine’s Day. Each of which is toward the beginning of the year. As a result, early bookings are key to securing your wedding date.

For example, venues, caterers, photographers, videographers, DJs, and officiants are often the first to be reserved. For wedding catering specifically, our team at the Pioneer Grill has already noticed a surge. As a best practice, we recommend locking down these high-demand staples as soon as possible.

3. Plan your timeline

Timing is key to a smooth wedding. For example, how early can you start setting up the venue? When are guests being served? What’s the best time for professional photos?

These are just a few of the services that should align for a seamless wedding experience. While a wedding planner can help bring everything together, understanding the flow of your event is key to avoiding unexpected hiccups.

4. Dive into the details

From the flowers to the food, you’ve checked off all the major boxes. Now it’s time for the nitty gritty, such as wedding attire, save-the-date cards, invitations, menu choices, seating arrangements, playlist picks, and even honeymoon plans.

With the heavy lifting complete, these smaller details can be fun. For example, wedding cake and food tastings are an all-time favorite among newly-engaged couples.

5. Enjoy your special day

Throughout the wedding planning process, it’s easy to lose sight of what it’s all about: you and your soon-to-be spouse. On your wedding day, just remember to live in the present and soak up every moment. From the morning preparations to the evening festivities, this day is a gateway to a lifetime of love surrounded by the people who matter most.

Begin your wedding planning with the Pioneer Grill

As one of the key early booking to-dos, wedding catering is a focal point of your special day. Committed to an easy planning process, our Pioneer Grill catering team serves weddings within 20 miles of Alexandria, MN. We are here to make your menu a choice of confidence.

For date reservations, complimentary quotes, and details, we invite you to fill out our form. From there, a dedicated member of our team will help guide you through our menu options, stunning food displays, full-service catering, and more.