Engagement season is here and I don’t know about you, but my Instagram feed is overflowing with engagement announcements starting from Thanksgivng weekend. There is so much love and excitement that surrounds a newly engaged couple.
When the excitement wears off, reality sets it and now you have to start planning your wedding - something that you have may not have any experience in planning so we figured we would help you with your next steps to jump start your wedding planning.
Decide on a budget
Budget is imperative though it's not the funnest or most exciting part of the wedding planning but you really should not do anything before deciding on your budget. Figure out your finances, outside contributions, how much they can contribute and your total budget.
Choose your date
Start by thinking what time of the year you like, consider the weather, work schedules/vacation time and holidays. Choose 2-3 potential dates that would work for you and rank them based on your preference. Consider that most venues still offer lower rates and packages on Friday and Sunday receptions due to their popularity.
Start your guest list
Like the budget, your guest list is another task that might not seem as fun to get started on right after you get engaged but it's necessary since it will provide you an idea of your ideal guest count. Be realistic when you're creating your guests list since you're gonna want to add everyone but know that the more people you have, the more you have to spend. Guest counts typically decrease by the time the wedding day comes around but it is highly important to know how many people you're planning on having in order to make some decisions especially when it comes with your venue and catering.
Decide on your wedding’s style
There are many different styles from modern, rustic, boho, vintage and classic. Do your research and find out what style you're most attracted to and what you envision your wedding day looking like. Know the general style of how you want your wedding to be. Knowing this will help you find your most perfect venue.
Decide on your venue
Deciding on your budget, your ideal guest count, your possible wedding date and your general wedding style will help shape which type of venue you are looking for. Start your research and schedule some venue tours with your possible venues. Take advantage if the venue is offering an Open House event since this will be a wonderful opportunity for you to see the venue all "dressed up" and meet some of your potential wedding vendors. Be prepared when you do your venue tours with the appropriate questions that you need to ask the venue and potentially caterer. Once you have your venue booked and your date secured,
Celebrate with your fiance!
You're off to a wonderful start to your wedding planning.