Engaged Over the Holidays? Here’s What to Do Next!
Congrats on your engagement! The holiday season is a special time to say “yes.” This is an exciting time celebrating your new engagement, but you might be left wondering “what’s next?” Planning a wedding can feel daunting, but we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Whether you’re envisioning an intimate wedding with your closest friends and family or a large elaborate celebration, this guide will walk you through the next steps to making your dream wedding come true.
Enjoy Being Newly Engaged
First, take time to enjoy is milestone in your relationship. Share the exciting news with close family and friends. Plan to snap a few photos of this magical time and to capture the beginning of this new chapter. Dreaming of an engagement party? Now is the time to plan or have a close loved one plan it.
Don’t forget to soak up the congratulations! Enjoy calling each other “fiancé” for the first time.
Start Talking About Your Wedding Vision
Before discussing the small details of wedding planning, share with each other how you envision your wedding day. A few questions to discuss:
How many guests? A small intimate gathering or a large celebration?
Theme? Rustic barn? Industrial? Inside ceremony? Outside ceremony?
What is most important? Great food, entertainment, photography?
Having a clear vision on what is important to both of you will help you focus on what matters.
Decide On a Date or Season
Deciding on a date or a season will help set everything into motion. Consider:
Your favorite season- Winter wonderland, blooming spring, summer sunsets or gorgeous fall leaves.
Is there a specific date you want to tie the knot on? Some dates have a special ring to them.
Availability of family and friends that your can’t imagine the day without.
Once you understand your priorities, this will guide you to your next steps.
Secure Your Venue
The venue is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during the wedding planning process. The venue will set the stage for every detail on your wedding day. Popular locations tend to book months or sometime years in advance. Book a venue tour early to see in person how the space aligns with your vision. Many venues have virtual tours online.
Build Your Wedding Team
The right vendors can bring your vision to life and make your wedding day run smoothly. Start by hiring key vendors:
Photographer/Videographer: Look for professionals with your desired style and budget. Photos and videos are how you’ll treasure your special day for years to come.
Caterer: Choose your favorite dishes, locally-inspired menus items like pulled pork, sweet corn or signature cocktail.
DJ/Live Music: Quality entertainment sets the tone for how your wedding night. Hiring an energetic person that can read the crowd will keep the party going.
Next, consider florists, hair/makeup artist, Photo Booth services or other guest entertainment.
Decide on Guest List and Send Save the Dates
Once you have secured your venue, it’s time to create a guest list. Knowing your headcount will help make decisions about catering, seating, and budgeting.
Next, send out save the dates. These early notices are important your guests to plan time off work and over night accommodations.
Plan the Fun Details
Now that you have the main things coming together, you can focus on smaller details that make your wedding unique to you and your fiancé:
Color palette: will you go for a classy black and white? A monochromatic moment of white? Or vibrant colors of the season?
Personal touches: Add fun signature cocktails, guest book alternatives, custom signage, fun wedding favors or a Photo Booth.
Wedding day attire: schedule appointment to try on dresses and suits that are a perfect fit for your dream wedding day.
Have Fun Along the Way!
Remember, your engagement is about celebrating your love for one another and stating a new and exciting chapter of your life together. Whether it is catering tasting date, practice that first dance, or a day trip away to destress- find moments to enjoy this process together.
Planning a wedding is incredible journey and a huge milestone in your relationship. Have fun with it!
Thank you so much for stopping by our blog, I hope you found this information helpful. We want to use our blogs to increase awareness and support for locally owned wedding venues. Shout out to fellow locally owned wedding venues around the country!
