First of all—congratulations! You’re engaged! Take a deep breath, stare at that ring a little longer (go ahead, I won’t judge), and soak in this incredible moment. Whether you’ve been dreaming about your wedding for years or you’re just starting to wrap your head around planning, I'm here to help you take those exciting first steps toward saying “I do.”
1. Celebrate Your Engagement
Before you dive into planning, take time to celebrate! Call your loved ones, pop some bubbly, and maybe even throw an engagement party. This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment—enjoy it!
2. Start Dreaming
What kind of wedding do you want? A romantic garden ceremony? A chic city celebration? A beachfront “I do”? Grab your partner, browse wedding blogs, scroll Instagram, and start getting inspired. No need to make big decisions yet—just let yourselves dream.
3. Set a Budget (Yes, It’s Time to Talk Money)
I know, budgets aren’t the most exciting part of wedding planning, but they’re essential. Sit down with your partner (and any family members contributing financially) to set a realistic budget. This will guide every decision moving forward!
4. Draft a Guest List
Before you pick a venue, you’ll need a rough idea of how many guests you want to invite. Will it be an intimate affair or a grand celebration? Start with a draft and refine as you go.
5. Pick a Date (or at Least a Season!)
Do you envision a cozy winter wedding, a spring garden party, or a summer sunset ceremony? Locking in a season—or a few potential dates—will help with booking your venue and vendors.
6. Book a Venue & Set the Tone
Venues book fast (sometimes two years in advance!), so this should be one of your first big decisions. Your venue will shape your wedding’s vibe, so choose a location that feels right for you as a couple.
7. Hire a Wedding Planner (or Start a Planning Checklist!)
If wedding planning feels overwhelming, consider hiring a planner to keep things on track. If you’re taking the DIY approach, a solid checklist will be your best friend! (Hint: I have the perfect 18-month wedding planning checklist to guide you.)
8. Enjoy Being Engaged!
While wedding planning is exciting, don’t forget to simply enjoy this chapter of your love story. Go on date nights, snap engagement photos, and take time to celebrate you two—because that’s what this is all about.
Your wedding journey has officially begun, and I'm here to help make it as fun and stress-free as possible. Now go show off that engagement ring, and let’s start planning the wedding of your dreams!