I'm Engaged, Now What? An Event Planner's Guide to Getting Started

Congratulations, you said yes!

This is one of the most exciting moments of your life, and we couldn’t be happier for you. But after the toasts and congratulations, the reality starts to set in: Where in the world do I begin? 

When it comes to planning your big day, it can be overwhelming, but don’t worry—we’re here to help! As wedding planners, we’ve been able to guide countless couples from the "just engaged" stage to walking down the aisle. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started on the right track.

1. Set Your Priorities as a Couple

Sit down with your partner and discuss what’s most important to both of you. Do you dream of a big, extravagant wedding, or something smaller and intimate? What do you value most, the food, venue, and entertainment? Aligning priorities early will help guide your many decisions moving forward.

Tip: Create a list of your must-haves and nice-to-haves. This can help keep you focused and minimize stress later.

2. Create a Realistic Budget

Before you start touring venues or picking vendors, it’s important to have a budget in place. Discuss who contributes (you, your families, or both) and determine a total spending cap. From there, give out funds to the major categories such as:

·       Venue & Catering

·       Photography/Videography

·       Wedding Attire

·       Florals & Decor

·       Entertainment

·       Invitations

Tip: Leave a buffer for unexpected expenses—they can always pop up and it's better to be prepared!

3. Hire a Wedding Planner

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, this is the perfect time to hire a wedding planner. A planner can help with:

·       Vendor recommendations and negotiations

·       Timeline creation

·       Budget management

·       Event design and logistics

·       Day-of coordination to ensure everything runs smoothly

Having an experienced professional in your corner will make the planning process smoother, more enjoyable, and stress-free. Let us help YOU!

4. Choose Your Venue & Set a Date

Your venue helps set the tone for your wedding, so choose carefully and thoughtfully. Think about location, style, guest capacity, and availability. Once you find your perfect spot, book it! Locking in a venue will allow you to officially set your wedding date and move forward in this amazing process.

5. Start Looking into Vendors

Once your venue and date are set, prioritize booking the vendors that can only accommodate one wedding per day. This typically includes:

·       Photographer/Videographer

·       Officiant

·       Entertainment (Band/DJ)

·       Caterer (if not provided by the venue)

After you have secured these vendors, you can move on to flowers/cakes/hair and makeup/etc!

6. Find Inspiration & Develop Your Wedding Style

Now for the fun part! Explore platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, and wedding blogs to gather ideas for your theme, color palette, and overall aesthetic. Whether you envision a boho garden party, elegant ballroom wedding, or rustic barn celebration, creating a mood board will help you stay focused on your style.

Tip: Save your inspiration images and share them with your planner, florist, and decorator for collaboration.

7. Enjoy the Process & Take It One Step at a Time

Remember, wedding planning is a journey—it’s not just about the big day but about creating memories along the way. Lean on your support system, ask for help when needed, and take breaks to avoid burnout. Your wedding is a celebration of your love story, which matters most.

Ready to start planning? Contact us today, and let’s create something unforgettable together.

You’re engaged, and the adventure is just beginning! By taking it step by step, setting priorities, and trusting the professionals, you’ll be well on your way to creating the wedding of your dreams. Need more guidance? That’s what we’re here for.

By: Emma