How to Plan a Wedding: A Simple 4-Step Process to Turn Your Dream Day into Reality

Feeling overwhelmed by wedding planning? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.

In this episode of The Snagged Podcast, wedding expert and educator Sarah Lizabeth shares her signature 4-step wedding planning process to help you plan your dream day with clarity, confidence, and zero chaos.

Inspired by a heartwarming moment with her daughter in the flower studio, Sarah reflects on the childhood dreams we carry about our wedding day—and how those dreams can guide the planning process in a meaningful, personal way.

Whether you're newly engaged, drowning in Pinterest boards, or unsure where to begin, this episode walks you through each key phase:

💭 Step 1: DREAM – Define your vision and what truly matters

🗓️ Step 2: PLAN – Build your timeline and make smart decisions

🎨 Step 3: DESIGN – Create the look, feel, and vibe of your day

✅ Step 4: ACHIEVE – Organize the final details for a seamless, stress-free celebration

You’ll also learn how to join Sarah’s free Wedding Planning 101 class and get access to her full planning system inside The Wedding Planning Process Masterclass.

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✨ Perfect for couples searching for:
how to plan a wedding, wedding planning checklist, wedding planning tips, wedding day schedule, stress-free wedding planning, wedding timeline, what to do after getting engaged

If you need additional resources, check out wedplanpro.com 

🎉 Don’t Forget!

Save your seat for my FREE class:
✨ Wedding Planning 101: How to Start, Simplify, and Effortlessly Plan a Dream Wedding
👉 https://www.theweddingplanningprocess.com/weddingplanning101

Join the Wedding Planning Process Masterclass (my full step-by-step wedding planning system):
💍 https://www.theweddingplanningprocess.com/dreamweddingclass

Grab the Wedding Planning Checklist, Wedding Day Timeline, and more helpful resources:
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Episode Transcript

(00:00):
welcome to the snagged podcast
where wedding planning meets real life
real lessons and a whole lot of unexpected snags
I'm Sarah Lizabeth
a wedding planner and storyteller who has seen it all
from dream weddings
to the beautiful mess that is love and marriage
here
I don't just talk about planning the perfect wedding

(00:20):
I talk about the snags the mistakes
the mishaps
and the moments that taught me the biggest lessons
because let's be real life
love and marriage are never as perfect as we planned
but that's what makes them worth talking about
so whether you're knee deep in wedding planning
navigating marriage or just love

(00:42):
a good story about lessons Learned the hard way
this is your place to feel normal
so grab your coffee or your wine
I don't judge and take a deep breath and let's connect
because sometimes the best stories start with a snag

(01:03):
hey Snagsters
welcome back to another episode of the snagged podcast
today's episode is a little different
and it starts in my floral studio
standing next to my daughter
sorting flowers for a client's event
out of nowhere she looks up at me and she says
hey mom
here is what my future husband is going to look like

(01:24):
and I froze I was like
I have to grab my phone
and I have to record this before you say another word
it was one of those spontaneous
heart melting moments you don't ever want to forget
because even at such a young age
she's already dreaming about her wedding day
her future her person and of course
I had to share this gem of a conversation with you

(01:47):
so here's a little clip from our little chat
alright Parker
so you are just talking to me and you were like
hey mom
here is what my future husband is going to be like yeah
so tell me what do you think he's gonna be like
I think he is going to be either blonde
brunette or um
ginger oh um

(02:09):
I think he's either gonna have blue or brown eyes
uh huh
I think he's gonna be really sweet
really trustworthy and really um
nice to my kids
I think that that is so important
I think that's so important
so how do you imagine your wedding day

(02:30):
like what's your wedding day gonna be like
I think I'm gonna have a really long dress
with a big cape uh huh
I think that I'm gonna have a blue dress
and then everyone else is gonna wear white
it's gonna be like a switch
oh I love that
you know that's that's not very traditional
so I love that
you're thinking outside the box on that one

(02:50):
that's pretty cool
who's all gonna be there
you obviously obby
dad
my sisters yeah
fun what are we gonna do
are we gonna dance or we're gonna have
we're gonna dance we're gonna have cake
if I can have cake I'm going to be able to hopefully
hopefully yeah
if not it'll have to be a egg free cake yeah
we're gonna have cake

(03:11):
I'm gonna let you design my wedding okay
first of all okay
second of all you're designing my flowers
you're designing everything
everything why
why do you want me to do it
because you're a wedding planner mom yeah
that's why well
I am I am a wedding planner
but what makes me special
you're my mom
so when do you
when do you think we need to start planning this thing

(03:31):
now now
yeah oh my goodness
we got some time
because this guy asked me out on a date yesterday what
yeah oh
I'm gonna have to get his mom's number no
no so tell me
what makes someone a very sweet partner in life
then being trustworthy and loving and like

(03:56):
they like what you like
and you guys have a lot in common yeah
and like he supports your stuff that you do
and you support your stuff that they do yeah
I think that's great
I think it's great to be supportive huh
yeah that's awesome
and he's gonna give me flowers
he's gonna love me uh huh
well that's awesome

(04:16):
I can't wait to be a part of your big day
I'm so excited yeah
what are you gonna remember the most about it
the speeches the speeches
your speech is gonna be so am I giving a speech
oh yeah gosh
what would I say
Parker is the best girl she is my favorite daughter
I can't say you're my favorite daughter

(04:36):
because I have two other daughters uh no
you have one right now yeah
yeah yeah
just you yeah OK
yeah OK
well Parker
thanks for sharing
what your wedding day is gonna be like
and your partner's gonna be like
I I pray over you and over your life
that it will be more
it'll be better than what you could ever imagine

(04:58):
thanks for thanks for letting me know about this
you're welcome I'm gonna get to work
love you future self
love you future self I love that
oh my heart is about to come out of my chest
and I couldn't help but think you were her once
you probably dreamed about your wedding day too
what you'd wear how you'd feel

(05:21):
maybe even
who'd be waiting for you at the end of the aisle
and now you're here and the dream is real
and you're probably asking
how do I actually plan a wedding
so today I'm breaking it all down for you
in a way that feels clear
doable and grounded in what matters the most

(05:42):
before we talk about timelines
budgets or venues let's start with perspective
because wedding planning
isn't just about making decisions
it's about honoring your commitment
and stepping into a new chapter with intention
this little girl inside of you
who used to imagine
of what her big day would look like

(06:04):
she deserves a process that feels empowering
not overwhelming
so instead of starting with stress and spreadsheets
let's start with a clear perspective
on why we're planning your wedding
your wedding day is the first day of your marriage
not just a party
and your perspective should stay rooted in that truth

(06:26):
throughout the planning process
if you keep that focus
you'll create a day that's not just beautiful
but truly truly meaningful
hey snagster
quick pause if you are listening to this and thinking
okay Sarah
but where do I even start with planning my wedding
I have got something just for you

(06:47):
I created a totally free class called Wedding Planning
1 0 1
how to start
simplify and effortlessly plan a dream wedding
because I've been where you are overwhelmed
not sure of what comes first
and already second guessing every decision
in this class
I'll walk you through the top 3 wedding planning

(07:08):
mistakes and how they're secretly stressing you out
the truth about wedding planning
that the big wedding planning websites
don't want you to know and my simple
proven 4 step process that helps you save time
reduce overwhelm
and confidently break down your wedding budget
and if you're ready to seriously

(07:29):
level up your planning game
check out my signature course
The Wedding Planning Process Masterclass
it's the full step by step system
I've used for over 20 years to help couples plan calm
meaningful weddings without the chaos
think of it as
having me as your personal wedding planner

(07:49):
at a fraction of the cost
head to Wedplanpro.com for tools
freebies and planning resources I made just for you
alright let's get back to the episode
so here are my four steps to planning a wedding
simple and clear step 1 is dream

(08:09):
let yourself imagine for a minute
how do you want to feel on your wedding day
close your eyes for a second
and really think about that
unless you're driving stay on the road
it's fine pay attention to the road
but really truly
how do you want your wedding day to feel
what really matters the most

(08:31):
is it the vows the dancing
the simplicity of it all the Celebration
this is your foundation do not skip over this step
it is so important
to get clear on what you want your day to feel like
not just what you want it to look like
it's actually one of the first things I ask my clients

(08:54):
when we sit down together
well technically it's the second question
because my first is I always want to know their story
how they met what the proposal was like
and why they said yes
so let's pause for a second on that
why did you say yes
and holding those feelings and those emotions in

(09:15):
as you start to plan your wedding is a game changer
it's actually a lifesaver
because
before I can design or plan a wedding for a client
I want to know them that way
everything we create is hand tailored to their unique
love story in this step

(09:36):
you'll also begin thinking about your vendors
and here's the thing every vendor you choose
should reflect your story in some way
yes even chicken fingers for dinner can be meaningful
if that's what you shared on your first date
or it's your go to comfort food
as a couple
your process and your wedding day should be about you

(09:59):
too that is it
not trends not expectations from loved ones
just your love your way
step 2 is plan alright
now that you've dreamed it
let's start planning it out
this is all about building the schedule of your day
from the moments you wake up
to your big send off at the end of the night

(10:21):
here are a few key things to think through
when you're planning your wedding day timeline
first the morning
where are you getting ready
who's with you
what time do does hair and makeup need to start
are breakfast or coffee runs happening
next is are you going to have a first look or not
are you doing a first look with your partner
or are you waiting until the ceremony

(10:42):
if you are doing a first look
you need to plan time for photos
before all of the festivities take place
the next step is the ceremony processional
who's walking in with
who are your parents or grandparents involved
who's standing where and where
what are the music cues
what's the music going to be for the ceremony

(11:03):
the ceremony content
what do you want your ceremony to feel like
is it emotional is it funny
spiritual quick and sweet
haha you wanna get out of there
what traditions or readings matter to you
what do you want that ceremony to feel like for you

(11:24):
and next is the cocktail hour and the reception
what's the flow are you doing a bridal party entrance
are you gonna do first dances
special dances with your parents
are you doing a cake cutting
bouquet toss garter toss speeches
plan the order and keep things moving with intention
and here's the good news

(11:45):
you don't have to figure it out on your own
you can steal my exact wedding day timeline course
at wedplanpro.com
it's a customizable
step by step course that I created to help couples
build a smooth
stress free wedding day that actually works
because when you plan it with purpose
you can be present for it all

(12:08):
step 3 is design this is where the fun really begins
this is the meeting that all of my clients
would prefer to do first
the dreaming starts to take shape
and your vision comes to life in full color
design is about more than just picking pretty things
it's about creating a feeling

(12:29):
your colors your florals
your decor your vibe
it all works to tell the story
visually for your love story
so ask yourself what do you want people to see
feel and remember about your day
do you want it to feel romantic and elegant
whimsical and playful cozy and intimate

(12:51):
bright and joyful there are no wrong answers
there's just your answers
this is the part where you start building your wedding
mood board thinking through textures
color palettes florals
linen signage
stationary and all the details that bring a cohesive
aesthetics to life

(13:12):
whether you're going all out on installation
or keeping things beautifully simple
the design should feel like you too
here's the truth
you don't have to follow the trends or copy Pinterest
perfect weddings instead
you design to reflect who you are as a couple
maybe it's citrus tones

(13:32):
because you got engaged in Italy
or maybe it's a nod to your favorite book
your favorite date night spot
or your favorite shared hobby
maybe it's soft garden florals
because that's the vibe you love
gentle and steady
your design choices are what make your wedding
feel immersive and intentional

(13:55):
not just pretty
so give yourself space to explore
play and express yourself here
this is your chance
to create a setting that feels like coming home
just a little more magical
step 4 is achieve this is it
the final step the part where everything you dreamed

(14:16):
planned and designed finally comes together
I call this stage the Bible of the day why
because it's the master wedding document
that holds everything from your timeline
to your vendor contact list
to all those little details that make your day seamless
think of it like your wedding day playbook

(14:38):
it's not just about staying organized
it's about making sure that
everyone is on the same page
so that you can be fully present
not pulled in 10 different directions
so this document includes the full wedding day timeline
broken down by the minute
vendor arrivals and contact information
bridal party schedules and their responsibilities

(15:01):
ceremony details
who's walking in with who to what songs
who's walking out with who to what song
all of your ceremony content
it also includes your reception timeline
the toast the first dance
the cake cutting etcetera
the seating charts need to be in this document
a shot list for your photographer

(15:21):
back up plans for weather delays or rain plans
and transportation info the list goes on and on and on
if it matters on the day it belongs in this document
let me say that again
if it matters to you and it matters to your day
then it needs to be in this document

(15:43):
this is the tool that whoever your point person is
they will live by this like I say
if it's not in there it's not truth
that's why I call it the bible of the day
your vendors will reference this
your family will appreciate having
not having to ask you a million questions

(16:03):
and here's the best part
when this step is done right
you let go
you've done the work now you get to live the moment
so whether you're building this document yourself
or using my customizable templates at wedplanpro.com
just know that this is the final key to a smooth

(16:24):
meaningful unforgettable wedding day
you've dreamed it you planned it
you designed it and now it's time to achieve it
when you follow these four steps
you're not just planning a wedding
you're stepping into your promise with clarity and joy
so wherever you are right now

(16:45):
whether you're at the very beginning
or knee deep in the to do list
just remember that you've been dreaming about this day
and now with the right process
you can make that dream real without the chaos
thank you for hanging out with me today

(17:05):
and until next time snagsters
this is where the process becomes the promise