If you do a Google search for “how to plan a wedding,” you’ll find millions of different articles with a variety of wedding planning tips on every conceivable topic.
Here at the Lightner Museum, we believe the wedding planning process should be fun, not stressful! In this guide, we’ve collected the best articles from our blog, and our sister property, The Treasury on the Plaza, so you can cross everything off your wedding planning to-do list (and still have time to sip on a mimosa by the pool with your honey).
Bride and groom photo in frot of the Lightner Museum by Ashlyn Cathey Photography
Proposal Planning & Wedding Planning First Steps
Your first steps in your marriage journey are some of the most exciting!
The coming months are sure to be a whirlwind of planning, parties, and more as you celebrate your engagement with friends and family members. It’s important to stay organized (with our handy Wedding Planning Timeline & Checklist) so you don’t forget an important detail.
Here are some of our top articles on those first exciting steps of the engagement and wedding planning process:
How To Pick an Engagement Ring
Top 10 Proposal Spots in St. Augustine, Florida
Marriage Proposal Guide: Planning a St. Augustine Proposal
Creative At-Home Proposal Ideas
10 Things to Do Once You Get Engaged
Wedding Planning Timeline & Checklist
The Lightner Museum’s Guide to Virtual Wedding Planning
Proposal photo at the Lightner Museum by Life & Love Studio
Create Your Wedding Budget
Finances are one of the biggest stressors when planning a wedding, which is understandable, given that the average wedding costs around $29,000.
But that doesn’t mean you have to scrap your vision for your big day and elope. There are plenty of ways to save money on your wedding day (without sacrificing all of the beautiful ideas you have)!
From narrowing your guest count to planning for unexpected wedding costs, here are some of our top tips to help with your wedding budget:
6 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding
How to Make (or Narrow Down) a Wedding Guest List
Wedding budget breakdown from The Knot
Pick a Location, Find Your Venue, and Set the Date
Most of the wedding planning process can’t start until you’ve booked your wedding venue and set a date for your big day.
Your venue will have a huge impact on the style of your wedding, how many guests you can accommodate, and which vendors you can choose from. Venue availability will also help you determine your wedding date. Once you know your date, you’ll be able to start reaching out to vendors to determine their availability.
Above all, choose your wedding venue carefully. Here are some guides to help you get started:
5 Questions to Ask Wedding Venues Before Booking
Everything You Need to Start Your Search For the Perfect Wedding Venue
Why the Lightner Museum is One of the Most Unique St. Augustine Wedding Venues
Top 6 Reasons St. Augustine is the Best Destination Wedding Location
Wedding venue tour photo by Walls of Jerico Photography
Select Your Wedding Vendors
From caterers to photographers and beyond, your wedding vendors are crucial for bringing your vision to life.
The details from your big day will be immortalized forever in pictures, video, and your memories, so take the time to pick vendors whose styles align with your ideas.
Here are our most helpful wedding planning tips for choosing various wedding vendors:
An Interview With St. Augustine Wedding Coordinator Coastal Celebrations
How to Choose a Caterer For Your St. Augustine Wedding
Wedding Catering Guide and Meal Styles For Your St. Augustine Wedding
Tips For Amazing Engagement Photos From Some of North Florida’s Best Photographers
6 Steps to Choosing the Perfect Wedding Photographer
5 Reasons You Need a Wedding Videographer
From Wedding Bouquets to Floral Decor: Your Guide to Wedding Flowers
Guide to Finding the Perfect Wedding Dress
Wedding Dress Trends to Match Your Venue Style
Destination Wedding Dresses: Everything You Need to Know
Wedding Desserts (Beyond the Traditional Wedding Cake)
Wedding photographer behind-the-scenes photo by Stout Studios
Pick a Wedding Theme and Décor
Some wedding venues—such as the Lightner Museum and our sister property, The Treasury on the Plaza—are so stunning that they don’t need any extra décor to make your guests’ jaws drop.
But adding your personal touch is like the icing on the cake!
The below articles will help you choose a wedding décor style that matches your theme as well as your personality:
5 Gorgeous Wedding Styles To Consider For Your Event
How To Choose Your Wedding Colors
5 Indoor Wedding Decoration Ideas
How to Have Your Wedding Ceremony & Reception in the Same Room
5 Examples of Breathtaking Wedding Ceremony Decor
5 Stylish Wedding Reception Table Design Ideas
How to Host a Halloween Wedding in Style
Wedding theming and decor from Emilee and Cody’s wedding at the Lightner Museum | Photo by Bow Tie Photography
Get Ready to Party
The big day is getting closer and you’re starting to feel the excitement of the past 12 months coming to a head! Celebrating this milestone with family and friends is part of what makes wedding planning such a magical experience for everyone.
Here are some helpful tips to get you ready to party!
Ultimate Guide to Hosting a St. Augustine Bachelorette Party
St. Augustine Bachelor Party Guide
Picking a First Dance Song to Match Your Personality
Wedding Dance Floor Props and Swag to Turn Up the Party
7 Unique Wedding Reception Entertainment Ideas
Wedding reception entertainment from Janelys and Denzel’s wedding at the Lightner Museum | Photo by Acromatico Photography
Other Wedding Planning Tips & Details
It takes a lot to plan a wedding, and it’s important to always keep your personal preferences and situation in mind throughout the whole process. While you’re finding your perfect venue, getting your dress fitted, and more, don’t forget about the rehearsal dinner, picking wedding favors, and more!
Check out some more of our wedding planning blogs to help you along the way.
Our Top Interfaith Wedding Tips
How to Plan a Rehearsal Dinner
Social Media Tips For Your Wedding Day
How To Build Your Wedding Registry
27 Unique Wedding Favors for Your St. Augustine Nuptials
How to Include Family in Your Wedding Ceremony & Reception
Ready to Say “I Do”?
Here at the Lightner Museum, we know the ins and outs of planning a wedding!
Whether you’re looking for an intimate celebration with your closest family and friends or a huge weekend celebration, our incredible team has what it takes to bring your vision to life.
Our historic property is filled with stunning architectural details that work well with any style of event, from modern to traditional. We’ve built relationships with St. Augustine’s top wedding vendors who will be able to help plan a destination wedding that will knock everyone’s socks off!
Schedule a tour to visit the space and let’s start planning your wedding today!
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