Engaged Now What?
Congratulations on getting engaged! After saying "yes" and relishing the feelings of this new step on your journey together you might be wondering what to do next. The wedding planning process can seem daunting with so many decisions facing you, but below are some steps you can start taking right away to set yourself up for wedding planning success.
Couple Dreams:
After getting engaged you will want to savor your new status and take some time to enjoy your engagement before jumping right in to planning your wedding. It is important to communicate with one another about your goals and dreams and to begin focusing on what really matters most to both of you. Some things you may want to discuss can include:
Deciding how you want to share your happy news with your loved ones
Planning an engagement photo shoot with a photographer
Planning an engagement party or dinner
Considering attending pre-marital counseling as a step to strengthen your relationship and build a solid marital foundation
Deciding how long you want to be engaged
Discussing what type of wedding you envision. Small and intimate or a big celebration? What style, season or atmosphere do you desire for your big day?
Deciding if you want to hire a wedding planner or plan and coordinate on your own
Once you and your fiancé have had a chance to get acclimated to this new exciting chapter and you have begun to have a vision for your post-engagement season and wedding, let the planning begin!
Create a Budget:
A necessary step early on in the wedding planning process is setting a budget. Knowing how much you have to spend on your wedding will determine things like your venue, size of your guest list, type of reception, bridal party size and which vendors you can hire. There are various wedding budget guides and tools online that can help you tailor a budget that is right for you.
Choose a date or season:
Consider what time of year you would like to get married. Which season best fits with your vision and locale? This decision will effect many of the other decisions you will have to make. The time of year you have your wedding will determine your venue, choice of an indoor or outdoor ceremony, which flowers you choose, the color palette you go with, and even the availability of certain vendors during prime wedding months.
Create a guest list:
Creating a guest list before choosing a venue will help you know what type of location will work for your guest count and budget. Work together to choose people you will want to celebrate with you on your special day. Keep in mind, it is proper etiquette to ask you and your fiancé’s families who they would like to invite to the wedding, especially if they are helping to pay for the expenses.
Choose a wedding venue:
Choosing your wedding venue is among your most important decisions. Once you have your budget and guest count figured out you can begin looking for a venue that will match up to your needs and desires. There are many types of venues, from all-inclusive to ones that provide you with more a la carte options. Things to consider when choosing your venue might include:
location (how far will our guests have to travel?)
capacity (will it hold everyone we are inviting?)
availability (is it booked for the season/date we want?)
type of property (indoor, outdoor, or both)
layout (can it accommodate elderly, etc. guests, check ease of getting around)
rates (is it in our budget?)
restrictions (can we do everything we are planning?)
facility extras (catering, bartending, rentals)
reception area
In addition to these considerations, you and your partner will also want to make sure the venue fits the vision you have for your wedding day. Does it fit your desired aesthetic? Is it naturally beautiful or will it need work to make it look like you want? Visiting the venues you are considering and walking the grounds is an excellent way to get a feel for the location and ambiance and if they match up to what you envision for your wedding day.
Choose a wedding party:
Take the time to consider what you want in a wedding party. If having a group of close family and friends stand by you on your special day is what you want then begin thinking through options. Do you want a specific number of bridesmaids and groomsmen? Will your venue accommodate that number for the ceremony and pictures? Who in your life fits the roles and will be able to handle the responsibilities leading up to and on the day of the wedding? You will want a wedding party that will help make this a pleasant experience and not add stress to your special day.
Get inspired:
Now that you have narrowed down a season, chosen a venue and who you would like to stand beside you on your wedding day it is time to get inspired! Envision with your fiancé the wedding you both want. Look at Pinterest and other social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok as well as bridal magazines, blogs and wedding photographer sites for wedding themes and ideas. Create a wedding mood board where you and your partner (as well as any family or friends you invite into the process) can put your inspired ideas for style, color palettes, flowers, tablescapes, wedding and bridesmaids dresses and any décor you love. Keep an eye out for wedding expos or shows where you can see vendors and styled wedding setups that will help you visualize your big day.
Get organized:
The process of wedding planning can feel overwhelming with all of the details and tasks that need to be completed along the way. To guide your planning and make the process easier it is a good idea to get organized and figure out what you will need to do on a month-to-month basis. There are options available such as online wedding checklists organized by the month, apps you can download to help you stay organized as well as wedding organization binders you can purchase to keep all your documents, contracts and information in one place. Another suggestion many wedding planners give couples is to create a designated email address for all their wedding communication. This helps simplify receiving and sending messages related to the wedding. Finally, consider creating a wedding website where you will have information for your guests related to the wedding festivities, engagement photos, wedding party information, registry lists and links and managing RSVPs. Having all of this in one location will take a lot of stress out of the planning process.
Research and meet with vendors:
Many vendors are booked up a year or more in advance so it is a good idea to begin building your wedding vendor team as soon as you can. This will ensure that you hire the professionals you choose to make your wedding dream a reality. If you are considering using a wedding planner they will have vendor recommendations to help you in your search. If you are unsure of where to start your vendor search you can ask family or friends, search online for vendors in your area, or even ask the staff at your chosen venue for vendors who have worked with them in the past. Once you have made a list of the vendors you need for your wedding, begin setting up consultations to select those that line up with your vision. Some common vendors to consider may include:
photographer
videographer
officiant
caterer
florist
DJ/band
hair and makeup artists
bakery
rental company
The wedding planning process is meant to help you bring your vision into reality. Don't forget to try to enjoy it all and not allow the process to stress you. It is okay and even recommended to take planning breaks along the way to help you be your best emotionally and mentally for your big day. Take a deep breath and begin planning and congratulations on this very special time of your life!
