The Pines Weddings & Events- Start Planning

Your Celebration Starts Here

Planning a wedding or special event should feel exciting—not overwhelming. Whether you are dreaming of a traditional wedding, an intimate elopement, a relaxed bridal shower or a milestone anniversary, The Pines Weddings & Events can help you take the first step.

You do not need to have every detail figured out today. Begin with a few simple questions about the celebration you want, the people you want beside you and the amount you feel comfortable spending.

Most importantly, remember: This is your celebration. Traditions, trends and other people’s expectations can offer inspiration, but they do not get to make the decisions for you.

The Pines Wedding Planner

What Are You Planning?

Choose the celebration that best fits your plans:

• Anniversary or other special event
• Traditional wedding
• Small or budget-friendly wedding
• Elopement
• Rehearsal dinner
• Bridal shower
• Bachelor or bachelorette party

Planning a Traditional Wedding

A traditional wedding may include a ceremony, cocktail hour and reception, but “traditional” does not have to mean formal, expensive or predictable. Your wedding can be held in a ballroom, barn, garden, church, restaurant, historic home or another setting that feels right to you.

Start with these questions:

• What do we want our wedding day to feel like?
• Do we picture something formal, relaxed, romantic, rustic, modern or completely different?
• Would we like the ceremony and reception at the same location?
• Do we prefer an indoor celebration, an outdoor setting or both?
• What season and time of day do we prefer?
• Which traditions are meaningful to us?
• Are there traditions we would rather leave out?
• What are the three things that matter most to us?

Your priorities may be the venue, photographs, food, flowers, music or simply having everyone you love together. Knowing your top three priorities makes it easier to decide where to spend and where to simplify.

Next step: Explore local venues, wedding planners and other professionals throughout The Pines.

Planning a Small or Budget-Friendly Wedding

A smaller budget does not make your wedding less meaningful. A backyard gathering, restaurant reception, community venue or intimate ceremony can be beautiful, personal and full of wonderful memories.

Start with these questions:

• What is the most we can comfortably spend?
• What can we afford without relying on credit cards or loans?
• Which parts of the day matter most to us?
• Could we shorten the guest list?
• Would we consider a weekday, morning or off-season wedding?
• Could the ceremony and reception take place at one location?
• Would a restaurant, small venue or private home work for us?
• Are there things we can borrow, reuse or skip altogether?
• Do we genuinely enjoy do-it-yourself projects, or would they create more stress?

Saving money does not mean doing everything yourself. Sometimes hiring the right professional prevents expensive mistakes and last-minute problems.

Next step: Explore budget-friendly wedding ideas and smaller venues in The Pines.

Planning an Elopement

An elopement can be just the two of you or a small ceremony shared with a few of your closest people. It can be simple and spontaneous or carefully planned with beautiful attire, flowers, photography and a celebratory meal.

Start with these questions:

• Do we want the ceremony to include only us or a few guests?
• Where would the moment feel most meaningful?
• Do we want an officiant, photographer, flowers or music?
• Would we like to exchange private vows?
• Do we want a special dinner, cake or gathering afterward?
• Will anyone feel hurt by our decision, and how do we want to communicate it?
• Would we like to announce the marriage afterward or host a later celebration?
• What legal details must we complete before the ceremony?

Eloping is not “less than” having a traditional wedding. It is simply another way to celebrate your commitment.

Next step: Find intimate venues, officiants, photographers and elopement services.

Planning a Rehearsal Dinner

A rehearsal dinner gives the couple, wedding party and close family members time to relax together before the wedding. It may be a formal dinner, backyard cookout, catered gathering or casual evening at a favorite local restaurant.

Start with these questions:

• Who needs to attend the wedding rehearsal?
• Who would we like to invite to dinner afterward?
• Are out-of-town guests included?
• Would we prefer a private dining room, restaurant, venue or home?
• Do we want a seated meal, buffet, cookout or cocktail-style gathering?
• Will there be speeches, gifts or a welcome toast?
• Who is hosting and paying for the event?
• How close should the location be to the rehearsal or guest accommodations?

The rehearsal dinner does not need to compete with the wedding. It should feel welcoming, comfortable and easy to enjoy.

Next step: Explore local restaurants, private dining spaces and caterers.

Planning a Bridal or Wedding Shower

A shower is an opportunity to gather, celebrate and help the couple prepare for married life. It may include brunch, afternoon tea, cocktails, games, gifts or an activity everyone can enjoy together.

Start with these questions:

• Who is hosting the shower?
• Is the celebration for one partner or both?
• Who should be invited?
• What type of gathering would the guest of honor actually enjoy?
• Would a home, restaurant, garden or event space work best?
• Will there be a meal, light refreshments or desserts?
• Are games part of the fun, or would guests prefer time to mingle?
• Is there a registry or preferred way to handle gifts?
• What budget can the host comfortably afford?

As a general courtesy, people invited to a wedding shower are usually also invited to the wedding, unless the event is a workplace gathering or another special circumstance.

Next step: Find shower venues, caterers, bakeries, florists and gift ideas.

Planning a Bachelor or Bachelorette Party

This celebration should reflect the guest of honor—not pressure them into someone else’s idea of fun. It can be a night out, weekend away, spa day, golf outing, creative workshop, dinner, concert or relaxed gathering at home.

Start with these questions:

• What would the guest of honor genuinely enjoy?
• Do they want one evening, a full day or an overnight trip?
• How much can each person comfortably spend?
• Who should be invited?
• Will everyone pay their own expenses?
• How will the guest of honor’s costs be divided?
• Does anyone need transportation or overnight accommodations?
• Are there activities or surprises the guest of honor would not enjoy?
• How close to the wedding should the celebration take place?

Talk openly about cost before reservations are made. No one should feel pressured to take on debt or financial stress to participate.

Next step: Discover local dining, entertainment, activities, transportation and accommodations.

Planning an Anniversary or Other Special Event

Milestone anniversaries, vow renewals, engagement parties, retirement celebrations, birthdays and family gatherings all deserve thoughtful planning.

Start with these questions:

• What are we celebrating?
• Who is the celebration honoring?
• Do we want the event to be a surprise?
• How many people would we like to attend?
• Would we prefer a meal, reception, party or meaningful ceremony?
• Are photographs, music or family memories part of the event?
• Will guests be traveling from outside the area?
• What budget feels appropriate for this occasion?
• What would make the honoree feel truly celebrated?

Next step: Explore local venues, caterers, entertainers, photographers and event professionals.

What Can You Comfortably Spend?

Before choosing a venue or contacting vendors, talk honestly about money.

Couples married in 2025 spent an average of approximately $34,000 nationally, with an average guest count of 117 people. However, the national median was lower at approximately $24,000, meaning many couples spent far less than the average. These numbers are helpful for perspective—not a rule for what your wedding should cost. The Knot 2026 Real Weddings Study

Your budget may be $5,000, $15,000, $35,000 or considerably more. The right budget is the one that works for your finances and priorities.

Discuss these questions together:

• How much do we already have available?
• How much can we realistically save before the wedding?
• Is anyone contributing financially?
• Does a contribution come with expectations or conditions?
• Are we willing to use credit, and what would repayment look like?
• What other goals are important to us after the wedding?
• Which three wedding expenses matter most?
• Where are we comfortable spending less?
• Have we included taxes, service charges, gratuities and delivery fees?
• Can we reserve 5%–10% for unexpected expenses?

A wedding creates one special day of memories, but it should not create years of financial stress. You do not need to go deeply into debt to prove how much your marriage, family or friendships mean.

Our complete Wedding Planning & Budget Checklist will help you assign a planned amount to every category and track deposits, payments and remaining balances.

Button: View the Wedding Planning & Budget Checklist

How Many People Do You Want to Invite?

Your guest count affects nearly every part of your wedding, including the venue, food, drinks, rentals, invitations, transportation and favors. Before creating a list of names, decide approximately how large you want the celebration to be.

A simple starting point:

• Elopement: the couple alone or only a few guests
• Intimate wedding: fewer than 30 guests
• Small wedding: approximately 30–75 guests
• Traditional wedding: approximately 75–150 guests
• Large wedding: more than 150 guests

These are planning guides, not rules.

Who do couples typically invite?

Guest lists often include:

• Parents, grandparents and siblings
• Close relatives
• Closest friends
• Members of the wedding party and their partners
• Friends the couple regularly spends time with
• Important coworkers or mentors
• Family friends who are actively part of the couple’s lives
• Children, when the couple chooses to include them

Questions to help shape your list:

• Who do we genuinely want beside us?
• Have these people supported our relationship?
• When did we last speak with or spend time with them?
• Would we take this person out for a meal that cost the same as their wedding attendance?
• Are we inviting someone because we want them there or because we feel obligated?
• Will children be invited?
• Will single guests receive a plus-one?
• How will we handle coworkers and extended family?
• Can our venue and budget comfortably support this number?

Parents may have people they hope to invite, especially when they are contributing financially. Listen respectfully, set clear limits and agree in advance on how many invitations each family may add.

Remember: This is your day. You are allowed to choose an intimate guest list, an adults-only reception or a celebration that does not include every relative, acquaintance or person who once invited you to their wedding.

Picture the Day You Want

Before searching for colors, decorations and Pinterest ideas, think about the overall experience.

• Where do you picture yourselves getting married?
• What season feels most like you?
• Do you want guests dressed formally or comfortably?
• Would you rather have an elegant dinner or a lively party?
• Is dancing important?
• Do you want children included?
• Do you prefer local traditions or something unexpected?
• What do you want guests to remember most?
• What moments do you want time to enjoy?
• What would make the day feel unmistakably yours?

Write down three words that describe your ideal celebration:

________________ ________________ ________________

Use those words when comparing venues, vendors and ideas. If something does not support the experience you want, you may not need it.

Choose Your First Three Decisions

You do not have to plan everything at once. Begin here:

1. Choose a comfortable budget range.
2. Estimate your guest count.
3. Select a preferred date, season or several possible dates.

Once those decisions are made, you can begin exploring venues and determining which local professionals are available.

Ready for the Next Step?

Whether your celebration takes place in Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen, Seven Lakes, Sanford or somewhere beyond, The Pines Weddings & Events is here to connect you with local ideas, helpful planning resources and the professionals who can bring your plans to life.

Buttons:

• Explore Local Venues
• Find Wedding & Event Professionals
• View the Planning & Budget Checklist
• Return to The Pines Weddings & Events Home Page

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where should we begin planning our wedding?

Start with three decisions: your comfortable budget range, estimated guest count and preferred date or season. These details will help you determine which venues and wedding professionals fit your plans.

How much should we budget for our wedding?

There is no single budget that is right for every couple. Consider how much you already have, what you can reasonably save and whether family members plan to contribute. Choose an amount that supports your priorities without creating years of financial stress.

How much does a wedding typically cost?

Wedding costs vary significantly depending on the location, guest count, venue, food, entertainment and services selected. National averages can provide perspective, but they should never determine what you spend. Your wedding can be meaningful whether your budget is $5,000, $15,000, $35,000 or more.

How much should we set aside for unexpected expenses?

Consider reserving approximately 5%–10% of your total budget for unexpected costs. Commonly overlooked expenses include taxes, service charges, gratuities, delivery fees, vendor meals, alterations and overtime charges.

How does the guest count affect our budget?

Your guest count influences the venue, catering, beverages, rentals, invitations, transportation, favors and staffing. Reducing the guest list is often one of the most effective ways to lower the overall cost.

Who should we invite to our wedding?

Invite the people you genuinely want beside you—those who support your relationship and are meaningfully involved in your lives. You are not required to invite every relative, coworker, acquaintance or person whose wedding you once attended.

Do we have to give every single guest a plus-one?

No. Couples often establish a consistent guideline, such as inviting spouses, fiancés, live-in partners and members of the wedding party with a guest. Whatever you decide, apply the policy as fairly and consistently as possible.

Is it acceptable to have an adults-only wedding?

Yes. An adults-only wedding is perfectly acceptable, especially when the venue has limited space or the couple wants a particular atmosphere. Clearly address invitations and envelopes, and communicate the decision kindly but firmly.

Who traditionally pays for the wedding?

Traditional expectations have changed. Today, weddings may be paid for by the couple, one or both families, or a combination of contributors. Discuss contributions early, including whether the person contributing expects input into the guest list or other decisions.

Do we need a wedding planner?

Not every couple needs a full-service wedding planner. However, a planner can be helpful when coordinating many vendors, planning from out of town or managing a complicated celebration. A day-of or month-of coordinator may be a more affordable option for couples who want to handle most of the planning themselves.

How far in advance should we book a venue?

Popular venues and sought-after dates may book a year or more in advance. Begin your venue search once you know your approximate budget, guest count and preferred season. Couples planning a smaller wedding, weekday celebration or off-season event may have more flexibility.

Should we choose a date or a venue first?

It helps to have a preferred season and several possible dates before contacting venues. If a particular venue is your top priority, remaining flexible about the exact date may give you more options.

Can we plan a beautiful wedding on a smaller budget?

Absolutely. Consider a shorter guest list, small venue, restaurant reception, weekday or morning celebration, off-season date or ceremony and reception at the same location. Spend intentionally on the elements that matter most to you and simplify the rest.

Is an elopement only for the couple?

No. An elopement can include only the couple or a small group of close family members and friends. It may be simple or include an officiant, photography, flowers, special attire, cake and a celebratory meal.

What areas does The Pines Weddings & Events cover?

The Pines Weddings & Events highlights planning resources, venues and professionals throughout Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen, Seven Lakes, Sanford and surrounding communities in Moore and Lee Counties—and beyond.

Can we use this website to plan events other than weddings?

Yes. The guide also includes resources for rehearsal dinners, bridal and wedding showers, bachelor and bachelorette parties, anniversaries, vow renewals and other special celebrations.

How can we keep wedding planning from becoming overwhelming?

Focus on one decision at a time. Begin with your budget, guest count and preferred date or season. Then choose a venue before booking the professionals whose availability depends on the date. You do not need to make every decision at once.

How do we handle opinions from family members?

Listen respectfully, but remember that this is your celebration. Discuss boundaries early, especially when family members are contributing financially. Make final decisions based on your shared priorities, budget and the experience you want to create.

What should we do after completing the Start Planning guide?

Use the Wedding Planning & Budget Checklist to allocate your money, track expenses and identify the services you need. Then begin exploring local venues and wedding professionals through The Pines Weddings & Events.