With engagement season right around the corner following New Years Eve, many couples will begin the process of planning their wedding. And like many couples, this is their first wedding and knowing what item to check off the list first can be confusing. So which should come first? The wedding venue, or the guest list?

Depending on what your goals are for your wedding reception, that will tell you where you need to start. If you’re looking for one stop shopping, a venue is your best bet. When searching for venues, it’s important to find out first what their minimums and capacity limits are. From there, you can get down to pricing for catering, service and any other add ons that you might want for your special day. Once you clear indication of the wide range of prices and packages, determine which venue gives you everything that you are looking for and go from there. When you set your budget, now you can begin putting your guest list together. Start from your closest family and friends and branch out through your list. Don’t forget, most guests will be bringing a plus one so that will double your number.

But if you’re planning to have your wedding in a tent outside or in a non-traditional venue, the guest list might be able to be taken care of first. Of course you want to find out what it would cost for tent rental, table, chairs, linens, flatware and the rest. But the possibilities are endless. You also have to consider climate control, parking, catering and sanitation. With tented weddings, you could easily have 300 guests, or you can have an intimate affair of 25 in the backyard. Either way, its up to you.

But if we had to give our professional opinion, we’d choose the venue first. Don’t be discouraged. Not every wedding is massive, and not every wedding is tiny. Find the wedding venue, and budget that works best with your priorities to give you and your guests the wedding you’d always dreamt of.