Happily Ever After
Wedding Planning 101
By Sarah Kittle
Planning what should be one of the happiest days of your life can be surprisingly stressful. So stressful, in fact, that there’s a TV show called Bridezillas that highlights brides who have lost control under the pressure. While a completely stress-free wedding might not be realistic, it’s certainly possible to minimize the chaos with plenty of preplanning.
At the Chaldean News, we consulted experts to create a simple yet comprehensive guide to wedding planning. We hope this helps you navigate the process and reduce some of the stress that comes with planning this life-changing event.
Setting a Budget
One of the first things you and your partner need to decide on is your wedding budget. This can be tricky and, unfortunately, is often a source of pre-marital tension. To avoid this, agree on a total budget early on that you can comfortably afford, factoring in any contributions from family members if applicable. Be sure to also set up a way to track expenses to prevent overspending—a common pitfall in wedding planning.
Talk with your partner about what aspects of the wedding are most important to both of you. Allocate the bulk of your budget to those elements. According to The Knot, the average wedding in metro Detroit will cost over $30,000 in 2025, and if you’re following trends, your budget might need to stretch even further. A Chaldean wedding for 500 guests will average around $125K-$200K
As The Knot explains, couples are prioritizing connection and quality over quantity, leading to more personalized touches like custom details and unique guest experiences.
Dalia Attisha, from The Event Planner, also points out that trends this year include dramatic head tables and a variety of late-night snack options. She suggests couples start planning early—sometimes years in advance—to secure their preferred date and venue. Booking venues during off-peak times can help stretch your budget further.
Lawrence and Andrew from Top That Table also note current trends like draped fabric, deconstructed floral arrangements, and bold, monochromatic floral designs. Unique dining experiences and interactive guest activities, like photo stations or signature cocktail bars, are also popular but can quickly add to your costs. Wedding cakes are also trending larger, with prices ranging from $1,500 to $2,500, according to The Pastry Guru, Jonathan Elias.
Many wedding planners have established relationships with preferred vendors and may even be able to get a discount on rental items. Hiring a professional could save you many sleepless nights. If possible, reserve 5% of your budget as a “just in case” fund to help avoid overspending. Setting a realistic budget (and sticking to it) is extremely important if you want your wedding to be stress-free.
Setting the Date & Creating a Timeline
Once your budget is in place, it’s time to settle on a wedding date. When choosing your date, consider the season (floral prices will vary), the significance of the day, and the availability of venues. Don’t forget to check with your bridal party to make sure they’re free as well!
Consider a package deal with the venue that has all-inclusive pricing and can handle both the wedding and the reception to save on transportation costs. Some venues are so beautifully decorated that they can save you money on décor.
An event planner that works with the venue can also offer suggestions for saving money, such as food and appetizer stations—which generally cost less than table service and passed hors d’oeuvres. Choosing food that is in season will help, as will limiting the number of entrees. Remember, simple can be delicious. You can also offer a signature drink rather than an open bar, but this option is more controversial for guests that look forward to (and expect) a premium bar.
A well-planned menu does more than satisfy hunger—it’s an experience. It sets the stage for connection, conversation, and unforgettable memories shared around the table. Deciding on the right menu can feel like a big decision. With options ranging from plated dinners to buffet-style spreads and interactive food stations, each has its pros and cons and needs to be considered early in the wedding planning process.
A wedding timeline is another key element to keeping things organized. Send out your save-the-date cards 6-9 months in advance, and make sure they align with your wedding theme. Attisha suggests using QR codes for RSVPs to save both time and money on traditional mail responses.
Creating a Guest List & Hiring Vendors
Finalizing your guest list early is critical for determining the size of your venue and catering needs. Downsizing the guest list is an easy way to cut costs. Keep in mind that some vendor costs, like those for photographers or DJs, are fixed regardless of how many guests you have, while others—like catering—will vary.
Wedding planning requires coordinating many vendors: caterers, photographers, florists, videographers, DJs, and more. According to The Knot, couples typically hire an average of 14 vendors. These costs add up quickly. As Attisha points out, she has established strong relationships with trusted vendors, which makes the process smoother for her clients. Having an experienced planner who you trust and can communicate with effectively can greatly reduce stress.
One of the first vendors to book is your photographer. Wilson Sarkis of Wilson Sarkis Photography and Cinematography advises couples to secure their photographer as soon as possible, especially if they are getting married during peak season. His company only accepts one wedding per day to ensure full focus on each client.
“We have many bookings for 2026, and, unfortunately, have had to turn away couples for next year because we already have that date booked,” said Sarkis.
The Last Word
Advance planning is key to a smooth wedding experience, or at least as smooth as it can be! We hope this guide has covered the essentials, from setting a budget to choosing a venue, hiring vendors, and creating a timeline. Remember to stay organized, communicate openly with your partner and vendors, and always focus on what’s most important to both of you.
Most importantly, relax and enjoy the process—this is a celebration of love and commitment! On your big day, take a moment to soak it all in and cherish the memories you’re making with your friends and family. With these tips in hand, you’re on your way to creating the wedding of your dreams.