When does the fun part begin?

seakreature

trying out new ideas. we will see what happens...

fashionx

We've definitely taken breaks between booking major stuff but I haven't been fed up with anything. We looked at and booked a venue within a month and a half of getting engaged (picking the date was easy for us though), and then took a few weeks off. I then booked the florist and worked on the STD and gathering ideas, without making other major decisions. My FI chose what he wanted his "jobs" to be but didn't want to work on them right away, but that was fine too. After STDs went out, again I took some more time off, and have started to gather things for decor and invitations but am not really working on anything "all the time". 

I think you just need to take things one step at a time, and be happy when you accomplish it, rather than wanting everything done at once. And it's totally ok to go to the courthouse or hire a wedding planner if planning a big party is not what you're into. Start with a date (or month, or season), and try to figure out what size guest list you'll have, and I would start with the venues first, and go from there.

lindseyann410

You have no date yet, so that means you have one crucial thing on your side: Time!  I was a bit overwhelmed at first too, but then I realized there was no rush. First things first: come up with a budget and approximate number of guests.  This will help you focus your search for venues (size, cost pp).  My FI and I didn't care about a specific date, so we decided to find a venue first, and then pick a date based on their availability.  Having these numbers in mind will help tremendously when it comes to knowing how much you need to save and make it seem much more manageable.

The internet is your best friend.  Use google maps and type in "banquet halls" or "wedding venues".  That will give you specific spots in your area. Also, it could help to be open to some non-traditional venues.  We are getting married in a beautiful horticulture center, and it's a great deal.  From that look on their websites to find ones that are within your budget and fit your style.

Keep in mind you don't HAVE to do anything.  Figure out what's important to you and your fiance, then work out it from there.  Just breathe and take it one thing at a time!

Good luck!

  

Scarlet Starlet 31

I think you need a break from it.  Whenever planning becomes more stress than fun, you need to walk away for a while-be it a week, a month, whatever you need to refresh yourself and come back to it with open eyes.

A lot of couples make the mistake of trying to do everything all at once.
It's important to take things one at a time.
From my experience, it's best to figure out your budget, who is paying, and guest list.  If you've already done this, that's awesome-these are the foundation for what you have to work from.
Next up is researching venues-post on here for recommendations in whatever area you want to have it in, google 'banquet halls in (name of area)", look in yellow pages, drive around the area you want and see what you can find-there are tons of resources to discover venues, and like a previous poster said, keep an open mind and think outside the box, especially if you're on a tight budget. 
Tour the venues with everyone who is contributing for their input. 
Once you have the venue decided on, then start working on your vendors-photographer, DJ, florist, etc. 
The knot has a checklist feature that helps you remember what all there is to do, but since you're already frustrated, it might just overwhelm you.  Once you have a better handle on things, start using it and everything WILL fall into place!

But, I go back to my first point-I really think you should take a break from it.  When you're ready to come back to it, go back to basics and don't worry about the little stuff like what favors to give out-start with the big stuff and the rest will come together in time!

Good luck!!!!

skybrie

I agree.  We got engaged in December and already had our date in mind (exactly 18 months from when we got engaged)  First We worked out a budget and a ballpark guest list.  Using that we boked a venue in March.  Now I am taking a break and in a few months with start the dress process.  I will probably take a break again and then focus on the decor, ect

rombacja

I have definitely felt like this and taken breaks months at a time! If you need to shove those books under your bed, DO IT! I even spent one straight week with my phone off just trying to avoid my mother, fmil, bridesmaids everything. Remember the important thing - the guy you're going to marry. Everything else is small potatoes. Is that a legit saying? It sounds off...

Deep breath! You'll be fine.