Wedding Planning Starter Kit

A wedding planning guide designed for newly engaged couples that want to start wedding planning with clarity.

Where To Start with Wedding Planning

Flatlay of wedding invitation, wedding rings, and pearl beaded bridal shoes

Between Pinterest boards, family opinions, and timelines that seem to start before you even have a venue — wedding planning can feel like a full-time job.

The Planning Starter Kit helps you cut through the noise with expert guidance and clear next steps, so you can make confident decisions from the start.

Created by Birdcage & Blushers, a Chicago-based planning studio known for thoughtful design and calm expertise, this guide reflects the same heart and precision we bring to every celebration.

Get The Starter Kit

Everything you need to start planning with purpose.

This guide is designed to help you get clear without getting overwhelmed. Inside, you’ll find:

  • The first five decisions that shape your entire planning journey

  • An early timeline snapshot to guide your pace

  • Expert insights on budgets the reflect your values

  • Common planning pitfalls (and you to avoid them)

  • Chicago wedding planning tips and venue inspiration for couples near or far

Just pop in your details below and your Starter Kit will be sent straight to your inbox!

Get Your Starter Kit

First steps towards an effortless and unforgettable wedding

Bride and Groom holding hands in Marble Lobby of 190 S LaSalle

You value quality and connection over quantity — presence over perfection.
You want a celebration that reflects your story with design that feels authentic, personal, and timeless.

This guide is your first step toward planning a day that feels as meaningful as it looks.

A woman in a white wedding gown holding a bouquet of flowers, smiling indoors near a window with brick walls and wooden floors.

Marissa (started planning 18 months out)

“Working with Alyson made our wedding planning process very simple and easy. Now the first thing I tell people planning a wedding is to hire a great planner! Beginning with the initial venue list, which was very thorough and helped us nail down our eventual wedding location, to the initial mood board and floral/decor recommendations, Aly fully listened to our wants and needs and helped us execute them. She had great insight on vendors around the city, especially makeup, which we used. Overall, Alyson was great to work with, and we'd recommend her services to any couple looking for a great planner.”

Wedding and event designer styling a table setup with flowers and candles

Still feeling unsure about what comes next?

The Planning Starter Kit is your first step—but if you’re craving more personalized guidance, the 90-Minute Wedding Planning Power Session will get you there.

In one focused session, we’ll create a clear, customized roadmap for your planning journey—so you can move forward with confidence and ease.

Bonus: If you move forward with a planning service, the cost of your Power Session is credited toward your package.

Book Your Power Session

Your planning journey starts here.

Download your Wedding Planning Starter Kit and get clarity on what comes next — no pressure, no gimmicks.

Inside, you’ll find guidance to help you take the next confident step in your planning process — and when you’re ready for personalized support, Birdcage & Blushers is here to make it seamless.

Ready to Take the First Step? Let’s Talk.

We’re currently booking for 2026 weddings and would love to learn more about your vision. Whether you’re dreaming of an elegant city soirée or an intimate garden celebration, we’ll guide the process with care, creativity, and calm.

Start Your Inquiry