Wedding Planning 101: You’re Engaged! Now What?
Congratulations on your engagement! This is such an exciting time in your life, and you're probably feeling a mix of emotions—from joy and excitement to a bit of overwhelm. But don't worry, we're here to help you navigate the next steps with ease. Here are some of the first tasks to tackle on your wedding planning journey.
Celebrate the Moment
Before diving into wedding planning, take a moment to celebrate this special milestone. Share the news with close family and friends, throw an engagement party, or simply enjoy a quiet evening together to savor the moment. This is a time to bask in the joy of your commitment to each other.
Set Your Vision
Sit down with your partner and discuss your vision for the wedding. Talk about your preferences for the size, style and location of the wedding. Consider what aspects are most important to each of you and start to develop a shared vision that reflects both of your personalities and desires.
Determine Your Budget
One of the most important steps in wedding planning is setting a budget. Determine how much you can afford to spend on your wedding and who will be contributing financially. Be realistic about your budget and prioritize the elements that matter most to you. This will help guide your decisions and keep you on track throughout the planning process.
Use our free budget tool to start the budgeting process as you begin researching and booking your vendors and venue.
Start Drafting Your Guest List
Drafting a guest list early on will give you an idea of the size of your wedding and help you choose the best suited venue. Your preliminary list doesn’t need to feel final. Be prepared to make adjustments as you finalize your budget and venue.
Pick Your Date + Venue
Consider the time of year, weather and availability of key guests when choosing a date. Visit potential venues and think about how they align with your vision and budget. Once you secure a date and venue, you can start booking other essential vendors.
Inquire and Book High Priority Vendors
Ideally, your most important vendors should be booked 9-12 months in advance. These vendors include:
Photographer/videographer
Caterer
Band or DJ
Florist
Begin inquiring with key vendors early on in your planning stages so you can prioritize availability and pricing of the vendors you want most included in your day.
Start a Wedding Planning Timeline
Whether you select a wedding day 8 weeks or 18 months away, create a timeline that outlines all the tasks you need to complete before the wedding. This will help you stay organized and ensure you don't overlook any important details. Break down the timeline into monthly or weekly tasks, and keep track of your progress as you go.
Plan + Schedule Your Engagement Photos
If you’re on a tight timeline and plan to use engagement photos for save-the-dates, you’ll want to schedule a session with a photographer sooner rather than later. Traditionally, save-the-dates are sent out six to eight months before your wedding day.
Start Thinking About Your Wedding Attire
Begin browsing for your wedding attire. The sweet spot for wedding dress shopping is 8-10 months to allow time for ordering and alterations.
Consider Your Wedding Party
Decide who you want to be part of your wedding party and ask them early on. This will give them plenty of time to prepare and help with the planning process. Consider their roles and responsibilities and how they can support you leading up to the wedding.
Wedding planning is an exciting and sometimes challenging task, but it’s also a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Embrace the journey, cherish the moments and remember what it's all about—celebrating your love and commitment to each other.