January 4, 2023

I’m engaged, now what? A step-by-step guide to planning your wedding.

Filed in: Real Weddings

This is it—the moment you’ve been waiting for. You said, “I do.” 

Now that the question has been popped, you’re probably wondering what comes next. No need to panic, we’re here for you. Let’s walk through the steps you should take to get hitched without a hitch. 

Enjoy the moment.

The excitement is real, and you will likely feel a mighty urge to tell the whole world, but this special, unforgettable moment is yours to enjoy. Instead of jumping straight into planning mode, take as much time as you need to bask in your shared joy and savor the beginning of a new stage in your life.

Alekon Pictures

Talk it over.

As you may have experienced throughout your relationship, over-communication is a great trait to put into practice when moving toward a shared goal. Before breaking the news, take a moment to chat about your expectations for the big day. Remember, every couple’s vision and timeline are different.

Make it known.

Once you’re on the same page and ready to go public, your nearest and dearest should come first. Make your way to your favorite bar or bistro for some celebratory bubbly. Regardless of the setting, make sure to enjoy each other’s company—and snap pictures that capture that newly engaged glow.

Carolina Guzik

Crunch some numbers.

Proactively breaking down your budget is an important part of ensuring your wedding day is peachy keen. In most cases, your guest list will help inform costs, as it will influence your venue and catering choices—about 40% of your budget. Prioritize must-haves and set aside a buffer for incidentals.   

Get organized.

When it comes to keeping costs in check and simplifying logistics, event planners are worth their weight in gold. We leverage market insights, industry connections, creative brain power, and technical know-how to bring your vision to life. We’re here to help you navigate any roadblocks along the way.

Blue Spark Photography

Look for inspiration.

Whether you’re a Pinterest maven or prefer to go the Trapper Keeper route, start archiving styles and themes that catch your eye. From stationery to bouquets, reserve a spot for images that reflect the mood you’re hoping to evoke. We can help you transform these into a unique, cohesive experience.   

Lock in the date.

Seasons are likely to shape other event decisions, like your color palette, décor choices, and whether it will be held indoors or outdoors. Other factors to consider when selecting your date include the timing for obtaining a marriage license (about 60 days), guest availability, and seasonal pricing fluctuations. 

Blue Spark Photography

Book the venue.

Still, debating which venue to pick? Here’s a neat trick: On average, 20% of event invitees will politely decline to attend, and out of those who RSVP, about 5% will be unable to make it. These insights come in handy when narrowing down your location, layout, parking, and additional accommodations. 

Jessica Vichez

When in doubt, delegate.

You’ve got your hands full with fittings, registries, and vows—we can help carry the load. From liaising with vendors to tracking RSVPs, we’ll ease your “anxiety”, so you have time back to ponder about the dreamier, more glamorous aspects of your wedding, like what to pack for your honeymoon. 

Warm up Weddings

Bring out the noms.

Weddings are for toasting and champagne-sipping. If you opt to have your event catered, we can help you curate a knockout menu that reflects your tastes and impresses your guests. From seating charts to plating, we’ll connect you to experts offering a variety of tablescape, cuisine, and mixology options.

Make time for self-care.

When the planning gets tough, find time to unwind and remember why you’re getting hitched in the first place. Focus on cultivating the right mindset so you can fully immerse yourself in the celebration. Leave the heavy lifting to us—rest assured we’ll place the utmost care into making your day magical.

Forever has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? Once you’ve taken care of these starting points, you’ll be more than well-prepared to walk the aisle and have a wonderful time. Congratulations on tying the knot! 

Emily Harris

Need a to-go version of this guide? Download our handy dandy wedding checklist.

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