First of all, congratulations on your engagement! You’ve said “YES!” and now it’s time to dive into planning your dream wedding. But, wait—where do you even begin? You might be feeling overwhelmed by all the choices, decisions, and to-do lists that come with wedding planning. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here’s a friendly guide to help you navigate the exciting next steps after getting engaged. Let’s get you on the right track for the best wedding day ever!
Step 1: Celebrate the Big News!
Before you even think about vendors, venues, or guest lists, take a moment to celebrate! You just got engaged—this is a huge milestone in your life. Whether you’re sharing the news with family over dinner, posting a pic on social media, or throwing an engagement party, take time to enjoy the moment and soak in all the love and excitement. You’ve earned it!
Tip: Don’t forget to post those engagement photos online with the hashtag #JustEngaged—it’s a fun way to share your joy and connect with others going through the same experience!
Step 2: Set Your Budget (And Stick to It!)
Now that the excitement is starting to settle, it’s time to get down to business: budgeting. Sit down with your partner and talk about your ideal wedding vision. What’s most important to both of you? Is it a lavish venue, incredible food, or a dream photographer? Setting a realistic budget will help you prioritize what matters most. Remember, weddings can be expensive, so it’s important to set limits from the start.
Step 3: Pick a Wedding Date (And Book That Venue ASAP!)
The next big decision is choosing a wedding date. The timing of your wedding can greatly affect your venue, vendor availability, and overall vibe of your celebration. Do you want a summer wedding under the stars, or maybe a cozy winter ceremony? Once you have your date, it’s time to book your wedding venue.
Here’s a pro tip: if you’re eyeing a popular venue, like Chateau Joli (a stunning venue located just outside Fort Worth, Texas), book early to secure your date! Wedding venues can get booked months, or even a year, in advance. Think about your dream ceremony location—do you want an outdoor wedding venue with gorgeous views or a modern indoor space with tons of charm?
Step 4: Build Your Wedding Vision and Create a Style Board
Okay, now comes the fun part: dreaming up your wedding vision! What’s your style? Are you leaning toward a boho chic wedding or something elegant and classic? Start browsing Pinterest, bridal magazines, or Instagram for inspiration. Create a style board to visualize all the pieces coming together.
Step 5: Hire Your Dream Team of Vendors
Now that you’ve got your budget, date, and style figured out, it’s time to assemble your dream team of wedding vendors. This includes your wedding planner, photographer, florist, caterer, and DJ (or band). You’ll want to take your time researching vendors, reading reviews, and scheduling interviews. Check out local wedding planning blogs or ask friends and family for recommendations to find trusted professionals in your area.
Step 6: Start Your Wedding Website and Send Save-the-Dates
One thing many couples forget about early on is creating a wedding website. This is a great way to keep all your guests in the loop with your wedding details. You can share your registry info, the schedule for the big day, hotel accommodations, and more! After setting up your website, it’s time to send out save-the-dates so your guests can mark their calendars.
Step 7: Take a Deep Breath and Enjoy the Process!
Wedding planning can feel like a whirlwind, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Take breaks, celebrate milestones along the way, and don’t forget to enjoy this special time with your partner. And remember, you don’t have to do it all alone. Ask for help when you need it, and trust the professionals you’ve hired to help guide you through the process. The wedding day will be here before you know it, so embrace the journey!
Chateau Joli Venue, Hidden Springs Venue, and Circle of Seven Ranch are locally owned and operated businesses. We sincerely hope to encourage couples to learn more about the value and importance of choosing a locally owned business when it’s time to book the perfect venue and vendors! We are thrilled to support wedding venue owners from around the country with a weekly shoutout in our blog. You can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.