You're Engaged! A Step-by-Step Guide to Planning Your Wedding
You're Engaged - Now What?
First off, congratulations! You’re officially engaged, and the excitement is real. But after that initial wave of joy comes the big question: what do you do after getting engaged?
If you're feeling a little overwhelmed, don’t worry — you’re not alone. It’s completely normal. Planning a wedding comes with a lot of decisions, and knowing where to start makes all the difference.
The First Step: Talk About Your Wedding Budget.
Let’s start with the most important first step: talk about your wedding budget.
Weddings can range from a few thousand dollars to well over six figures — it all depends on your priorities and what kind of celebration you want to create.
Here are a few things to consider as you start planning:
- How big will your guest list be — intimate or large-scale?
- What kind of venue are you envisioning?
- Will you be hiring a full-service planner or a wedding coordinator?
- Are fresh florals a must-have?
- Will you be working with a caterer or sourcing from a favorite local restaurant?
- Is hiring a professional photographer high on your priority list?
- What about entertainment — DJ or live band?
- How important are decor, dresses, suits, and rentals?
It’s a lot — we get it. But walking through these questions with your fiancé will help clarify what matters most and guide you toward assembling your dream team of vendors.
What Should You Do Next After Getting Engaged?
- Set a mutual budget.
- This will be your foundation for every decision moving forward.
- Book a venue — ASAP.
- Seriously! Venues often book out 12–24 months in advance, so getting your date locked in should be your top priority.
- Hire your photographer/videographer.
- Once you’ve chosen your date and venue, your next big step is securing your wedding photographer. Photographers are some of the most in-demand vendors, and the good ones go fast.
- (P.S. If you love our style, we’d be honored to be part of your day!)
- Build out the rest of your vendor team.
- Think DJ, florist, catering, dessert, bartender, officiant, rentals, etc. You’ll find it easier to make decisions once your top vendors are booked.
Final Thoughts For Newly Engaged Couples
Take a deep breath. Soak in the joy. This is such a special time in your life!
When you're ready, start touring venues and exploring planners. One of the biggest experience-shaping decisions you’ll make is how your wedding day timeline unfolds — including whether or not you choose to do a first look. And when it’s time to talk photography, we’re here and ready to chat with you!
Need vendor recommendations?
We’ve worked with some of the best and would love to share our referral list with you.
💡 Feeling like the big wedding isn’t quite your style? Check out our blog on the benefits of eloping — it might be exactly what you’re looking for.
