How to Start Planning Your Raleigh Area Wedding in 5 Simple Steps
Planning a wedding near Raleigh? Then you're embarking on one of the most exciting journeys of your life! But before you exchange vows, there’s plenty to organize, and it can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. Whether you’re a bride-to-be, groom-to-be, or someone helping the happy couple, this guide will simplify the process.
To help you get kick-started, we’ve created this blog on how to start planning your Raleigh area wedding in 5 simple steps. From setting your budget to locking in venues, here’s everything you need to get started.
Exchanging vows in the Enchanted Forest of our near Raleigh wedding venue.
Step 1: Set a Realistic Budget
Your wedding budget isn’t just a number; it’s the compass that will guide all your decisions. Whether your dream wedding involves a small, intimate gathering or a grand event, you need to think realistically about your finances.
How to Set Your Budget
Discuss with Key Stakeholders: Sit down with your partner and any family members contributing financially. Be clear about what you can and cannot spend.
Research Local Averages: Weddings in the Raleigh area typically cost around $30,000 on average, according to industry reports. Use this as a benchmark to assess what’s feasible for you. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a lovely wedding for less, but you need to set your budget so you know what you have to work with.
Somos Family Weddings & Events is a beautiful and affordable hidden gem near Raleigh and Raven Rock State Park. To make it easier for our couples to plan, we show our transparent pricing and what is included with the rental on our website.
Break It Down: Allocate portions of your budget to each category, such as venue, catering, photography, florals, attire, and entertainment. Don’t forget to set aside around 5-10% for unforeseen expenses. Decide what is most important to you so you can prioritize where your budget will go.
Tools like budget calculators can help you track this effortlessly. Starting with a budget in hand will make all future decisions (like selecting a venue or vendors) much easier.
Gems, pearls, and bling added for personalized bridal bouquets.
Step 2: Create Your Guest List
Before you start touring venues or browsing catering menus, you need to determine your guest count. The size of your wedding will heavily impact your costs, venue choices, and overall logistics.
Tips for Building Your Guest List
Start Broad: List everyone you might want to invite. Think of family, friends, coworkers, and even distant relatives.
Prioritize: Divide your list into categories like “must-have guests” and “nice-to-have guests.” This will help you narrow things down later.
Be Realistic: Consider the size of the venue you want and your budget constraints when finalizing numbers.
Remember, the number of guests will influence costs for food, drinks, favors, and other details, so get this step done early.
Sealing their vows with a kiss during their Enchanted Forest wedding ceremony.
Step 3: Find the Perfect Venue
One of the most crucial steps in planning a wedding is selecting your venue. The Raleigh area offers a variety of stunning options, from romantic barns to upscale hotels and historic estates.
How to Choose the Best Venue
Decide on Vibes: Do you envision a rustic barn wedding, an elegant ballroom, or an outdoor celebration amidst nature? Your venue sets the tone for your big day.
Scout Early: Venues in the Raleigh area book months (or even years) in advance. Start your search immediately after picking your date.
Somos Family Weddings & Events shows available dates on our website to make it easier for you when deciding on your wedding date.
Read Reviews: Talk to other couples or check reviews online to get insights into the best locations. You’ll want a venue that is accommodating, responsive, and within budget.
Pro Tip: Many Raleigh venues also offer wedding packages, which could include catering, decorations, and rentals, saving you time and money. At Somos Family Weddings & Events, we also offer our couples use of items and decor from our Something Borrowed Closet at no charge, in addition to many other inclusives to the rental fee.
Groom carrying the bride across the lawn for wedding photos. How romantic is that?
Step 4: Secure Key Vendors
The right vendors can elevate your wedding, making it a magical, seamless experience. From photographers and caterers to florists and DJs, these professionals bring your vision to life.
Vendor Booking Timeline
Start Early (9-12 Months Out): Most talented vendors book up fast, especially during peak wedding season in Raleigh (spring and fall). Prioritize hiring photographers, caterers, and planners first.
Schedule Meetings: Meet with potential vendors to ensure their style matches your vision and they understand your needs. If possible, attend tastings (for catering) or visit florists to see examples of their work.
Get Everything in Writing: Contracts are crucial. Make sure everything from pricing to deliverables is documented to avoid miscommunication later on.
Some standout vendors in the Raleigh area include Rocky Top Catering for exceptional food, and CE Rental for beautiful tableware and furniture.
This wedding cake is gorgeous and nestled among custom gourmet cupcakes on our custom bar.
Step 5: Personalize Your Wedding
Now comes the fun part—adding personal touches to make your wedding uniquely yours! Raleigh couples often bring their personalities to life through custom décor, thoughtful favors, and unique entertainment options.
Ideas for Personalization
Pick a Theme or Color Palette: From Southern elegance to modern chic, having a theme guides decor choices and ensures a cohesive look.
Local Elements: Showcase Raleigh’s charm by incorporating local flavors, like Vintage Scoops Events, into your dessert lineup with farm fresh ice cream or having cornhole boards at your cocktail hour.
Create a Memorable Experience: Think outside the box—live painting during the ceremony or hosting a fun beverage experience (check out TapTruck NC) for guests are Raleigh favorites!
Personalizing your special day ensures that it’s not just another wedding—it’s an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
Make Your Raleigh Wedding Unforgettable
Planning a wedding may seem overwhelming, but by following these five steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating a magical day near Raleigh. Start by setting a budget, building a guest list, and locking in those vital vendors and venue. This leaves plenty of time to focus on the details that will make your wedding uniquely yours.
To make the process even smoother, consider working with local wedding planners who know the Raleigh market inside and out. They can help streamline bookings, create timelines, and bring your vision to life with ease.
Remember, planning a wedding is a deeply personal experience, and every couple’s priorities are different. Whether you’re striving for a luxury celebration or planning on a tight budget, there are countless ways to make your wedding uniquely yours.
For more wedding tips, themes, and step-by-step guides, be sure to follow our blog.
Happy planning!
Our venue, Somos Family Weddings & Events, is a locally owned, family business. When planning your wedding, choosing a locally owned venue can make your day even more special and meaningful. These venues offer a level of warmth and care that’s hard to find elsewhere, with personalized service that makes every detail feel uniquely yours. Additionally, booking a local venue directly supports the community, helping small businesses thrive and contributing to the local economy. By selecting a locally owned space, you're not just celebrating your wedding—you’re creating heartfelt connections with the people and the place that make it truly special. In an effort to support locally owned wedding venues, we will feature five small business wedding venues in each of our blogs.
Stone Ridge Estate
Triple T Farm
The Barn at Poplar Springs
Legacy Farms TN
Sunnyside Farm
