Congratulations, you’re engaged! This is one of the most exciting moments of your life, and you should enjoy this season and take time to soak it all in before diving into wedding planning. Engagement season for every couple can look a little different, depending on when you get engaged and how much time you have to plan the wedding. If it feels daunting to know where to start your wedding journey after the big question and the ring, we’ve got you covered!
Here’s a guide to help you transition from being engaged to planning your big day, with a clear idea of what happens next, and how to best put things into order.
Celebrate Your Engagement
First, take a deep breath and enjoy this magical time with your fiancé. Whether it’s a quiet dinner at home, popping champagne with friends, or snapping pictures to show off your beautiful ring, give yourself permission to take in the moment and season of life. These early days are filled with joy and excitement, so live them fully!
Share the News & Dream Big
Once you’ve had time to celebrate yourselves, it’s time to announce your engagement! Whether it’s a social media post, a call to close family, or even a small celebration party, decide how you’d like to share your big news.
This is also the time to start thinking about who you’d like by your side for the wedding. From the wedding parties to key family members, consider how you want to involve your loved ones as the planning begins. It’s important to make note of these important people early in the planning so that you can make sure they are some of the first people you tell when you have chosen a date.
Photo by Malorie Gwyn Photography
Size and Protect Your Ring
Your engagement ring is precious, so make sure it fits perfectly and is appropriately insured. Schedule a sizing appointment if needed and contact your insurance provider to add a policy or rider for your ring. This step brings peace of mind that your new and very meaningful accessory is safe.
For more insight on getting your ring covered, read this helpful blog by Brides.com!
Pick Your Wedding Season and Tentative Dates
Next, sit down with your partner and discuss the overall vibe and aesthetic you want for your wedding. A spring garden party, a cozy winter celebration (there’s lots of perks to a winter wedding!), or a summer wedding? Once you’ve picked a season, start narrowing down potential dates or weekends. Flexibility is key at this stage since venue availability may influence your final choice. Consider several dates as possibilities so you will have room for changes if dates are already booked at venues.
Dive Into Wedding Inspiration
Now that you have an overall idea of what you would like your wedding to look like, Pinterest, Instagram, and wedding blogs will become your best friends. Start saving ideas for themes, color palettes, and décor that speak to you. Don’t feel like you need to lock down every detail right now—this is the dreaming phase, so have fun with it!
Photo by Tom Pyper Photography
Explore Venue Options
Begin researching venues online to see what’s out there. Consider venue styles (rustic barn, elegant ballroom, outdoor garden), available packages, and pricing details. If you fall in love with a specific venue style, it can help shape the overall aesthetic of your wedding. If you and your partner are from different cities, consider which city makes the most sense for hosting your wedding. Where will most of your guests be traveling from?
Build Your Budget and Initial Guest List
While you are starting to look into venue options, you should also be working on finalizing your wedding budget and an initial guest invite list. Decide what parts of the wedding budget you will cover as a couple together, versus what will be covered by family members if they have offered help. Knowing how much you have in your budget should help draft a guest list. A rough count will help you narrow down venues based on capacity and affordability.
Finalize Your Guest Count and Book a Venue
Once you’ve homed in on your budget and guest list, it’s time to book a venue! Tour your top 3-5 venue selections to see how they fit your vision and check availability for your preferred dates. Booking your venue is a significant milestone—it sets your wedding date and opens the door to booking other key vendors!
Photo by Mckaylee Pendleton Photography
One Step at a Time
Remember, you don’t need to plan everything overnight. Taking these first steps will lay a solid foundation for the rest of your planning journey. And remember wedding planning should be enjoyable, not stressful. Embrace the process, lean on your partner, and savor every step of bringing your dream day to life!
Ready to explore venue options? We’d love to help you plan your big day. Contact us to learn more about our packages, book a tour, or chat about how we can make your wedding dreams a reality!
