Congratulations, you said YES!
Cue the confetti and pop the champagne!
This is such an exciting time for you and your fiancé and let me be the first one to say, CONGRATS! It’s time to start planning that big day you’ve been dreaming about since you were a little girl but now that the glow of the proposal is settling in, you might be thinking, “Okay, now what?” Don’t worry, you’re not alone. As a wedding planner, I’ve helped so many couples take their first steps into wedding planning, and I know it can feel a little overwhelming. Here’s 10 fun, stress-free steps to help you get started planning your dream wedding.
So, what do you do now? First, enjoy this bubble of newly engaged bliss because in a few minutes, you and your loved one will have a whole list of things to accomplish. Ready? Let’s do it.
01. Celebrate!
Before you jump all into wedding planning mode, take time to celebrate first with your Fiance, of course. I mean, he did just put that rock on your finger!
Going from “girlfriend” to “fiance” is kind of a big deal so take some time together to enjoy your new status. Remember, you’re marrying your fiance to spend forever together so don’t forget to prioritize each other over all the planning.
Then, celebrate with all your friends and family! Throw an engagement party, have a girls night out, or take a quick getaway trip with your new fiance. Whatever you do, don’t forget to celebrate this new season of your life before diving into all the craziness!
02. Figure out Your Vision.
Take time to plan out a date night with your fiance, pour that glass of wine and sit down to chat about your must-haves for your big day. Discuss all your big dreams and goals for your wedding day. Figuring out your must’s will help alleviate some stress throughout the process. It’s also a great way to have your fiance partake in the planning. Discuss things like:
- The size of your wedding (intimate vs large celebration)
- The overall vibe (formal, casual, themed, etc)
- Preferred location (local vs destination)
- The time of year (winter vs spring)
- Things you want to have accomplished before the wedding
This is a great time to align your expectations and start creating a shared vision with your fiance. Be sure to be open and honest about what you want/need for the next step.
03. Set a Budget.
Now it’s time to talk numbers. Setting a wedding budget might not feel like the most romantic task, but it’s one of the most important steps to ensure your big day is everything you’ve dreamed of without the stress of overspending. Sit down with your fiancé and any family members who might be contributing to the celebration to discuss what’s realistic for everyone. This is also a great time to prioritize what matters most to you—whether it’s an unforgettable venue, incredible food, or that dream dress. Having a clear budget from the start will guide all your decisions and keep you grounded as you plan the wedding of your dreams. Don’t forget to consider:
- Contributions from family or savings
- Priorities (e.g., photography, venue, or entertainment)
- Creating a spreadsheet or using wedding budgeting apps to track expenses
04. Draft a Guest List.
Creating your guest list is one of the most exciting—and sometimes challenging—parts of wedding planning. Start by sitting down with your fiancé and jotting down everyone you can think of: family, friends, coworkers, and anyone else you’d like to celebrate with. Then, consider your budget and venue capacity to refine the list. It’s helpful to break it into categories, like “must-have” guests and “nice-to-have” guests, to make adjustments easier later on. Remember, this is your day, and it’s okay to prioritize those who matter most to you both. The sooner you have a draft, the easier it will be to plan everything from invitations to seating arrangements.
Tip: Begin by creating a rough draft of your guest list to get an idea of the size of your wedding. Remember, your guest count will influence your venue options, catering costs, and more.
05. Choose a Date and Season.
This is where the magic (and maybe a little negotiation) happens—choosing the date! Start by deciding on a season that matches your vibe. Are you dreaming of a spring garden party, a summer beach bash, a fall festival of love, or a winter wonderland with cozy blankets and hot cocoa? Once you’ve got the season nailed down, dive into the calendar and think about what works best for you, your fiancé, and any VIP guests.
Pro tip: avoid dates that might clash with major sporting events (unless you want your wedding reception to turn into a Super Bowl watch party). Course, if you’re my brother, that might be exactly what you want. And hey, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, just remember: no matter the date, it’s going to be your special day—and that’s what counts!
06. Research and Book a Venue.
Time to channel your inner detective and find the perfect spot to say “I do!” Whether you’re envisioning a grand ballroom, a rustic barn, a sandy beach, or your own backyard, start by browsing venues that match your vibe (and budget). Once you have a shortlist, schedule some tours—because nothing says “wedding planning” like dragging your fiancé to 10 different places in one weekend armed with a notebook and a million questions. Be sure to ask about the important stuff, like availability, capacity, and whether they allow confetti cannons (because priorities, right?). Remember, this is where your love story will unfold in front of your favorite people, so choose a venue that makes your heart skip a beat—and maybe even fits your Pinterest board!
07. Hire a Wedding Planner (aka me!).
Let’s face it—planning a wedding can feel like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle. That’s where a wedding planner (like myself wink, wink) swoops in to save the day (and your sanity). From organizing your Pinterest-worthy ideas to handling those late-night vendor emails, we’re here to make your wedding planning journey as smooth as buttercream frosting. Think of me as your fairy godplanner, turning your “OMG, where do I even start?” moments into “Wow, this is actually fun!” ones. Plus, I’ve got the insider scoop on all the best vendors, tips for staying on budget, and a knack for solving problems before you even know they exist. So, hand over the to-do list, grab a glass of bubbly, and let’s make some magic happen!
If you’re on the hunt for a professional coordinator, shoot me a message so we can start planning your big day together! Email: shannon@sincerelyshannonevents.com
08. Create a Wedding Website.
Welcome to the digital age of weddings, where creating a wedding website is basically a rite of passage. Think of it as your one-stop shop for all things “I do.” Your guests can find everything from the venue address (so Uncle Bob doesn’t accidentally show up at the wrong church) to your registry (because who doesn’t love presents?). Plus, it’s the perfect place to share your love story, engagement photos, and maybe even a countdown clock—because who doesn’t want to see “100 days to go!” every time they log on? And don’t stress about making it perfect; the goal is to make it easy, informative, and totally you. Trust me, your guests will thank you for keeping them in the loop—and for not making them rely on group texts.
Tip: You can use a platform like Zola or The Knot to start creating your Wedding Website.
09. Start Researching Vendors.
Now it’s time to assemble your wedding dream team! Think of your vendors as the Avengers of your big day—they each have a superpower to bring your vision to life. Start by researching photographers who’ll capture the magic, florists who’ll turn your venue into a botanical wonderland, and caterers who’ll make your guests swoon over the food (because let’s be real, everyone remembers the cake). Don’t forget to read reviews, stalk their Instagram portfolios, and maybe even schedule a few tastings (yes, cake samples are absolutely a perk of wedding planning).
Pro tip: book the ones you really love early—these pros are in high demand. With the right vendors on your side, your wedding is guaranteed to be a blockbuster hit!
10. Plan Your Engagement Photos.
Time to strike a pose! Engagement photos are the perfect way to capture this exciting chapter—and get comfy in front of the camera before the big day. Here’s a little insider tip: many wedding photographers include a free or discounted engagement session as part of their wedding packages. So, after you’ve picked your photographer (yay, one more thing checked off the list!), make sure to ask if they include an engagement shoot. It’s a great chance to get to know your photographer, practice your best smolder, and maybe even try out that twirl you’ve been picturing for your wedding day. Bonus: you’ll end up with gorgeous photos to use for save-the-dates, your wedding website, or just to plaster all over Instagram because #engagedlife. So pick a location that feels like you, and get ready to show off that newly engaged glow!
Conclusion
And there you have it- the first 10 steps to take after getting engaged to start planning the wedding of your dreams! From setting a budget to choosing the perfect date, every little detail adds up to a celebration that reflects your unique love story. Yes, it’s a lot to juggle, but with a little organization and a sprinkle of patience, you’ll be ready to walk down the aisle in no time. If all this planning feels overwhelming, don’t worry! As a wedding and event coordinator, I’m here to help make the process stress-free and definitely fun!
Ready to get started?! Reach out today, and let’s make your wedding dreams a reality!
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