You’re Engaged! Now What? A Guide To Planning Your Dream Wedding

Congratulations! You’re officially engaged to the love of your life, and it’s such an exciting time. You’ve said “yes,” and now you’re stepping into a new chapter together. While it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of wedding planning, remember to take a step back and enjoy the moment. Take time to soak it all in and share the news with your loved ones.

Once you’re ready to jump into planning, we’ve got you covered. Here are some tips, inspiration, and practical steps to help guide you through the first stages of wedding planning and set you on the path to a day that’s truly reflective of your love story.

Enjoy the Moment & Share the News

This is such an exciting milestone in your journey together—congratulations! Getting engaged is a moment worth savoring, so take some time to revel in the joy before diving into all things wedding. Share the news with your loved ones in a way that feels meaningful to you, whether that’s calling close family, posting on social media, or celebrating with your closest friends.

If you’re thinking about hosting an engagement party, it’s a fun, low-pressure way to kick off the planning process. Gather your loved ones, toast to this exciting new chapter, and enjoy the chance to celebrate without jumping straight into the details of planning your wedding. It’s also a great opportunity to start brainstorming ideas together for your big day in a relaxed, festive setting.

Ready to Start Planning?

Once you’ve soaked in the excitement, it’s time to get organized! The key to successful wedding planning is clarity. Take some time to sit down with your partner and answer a few key questions that will serve as the foundation for your entire wedding journey:

• What kind of wedding do you want? Picture your ideal day: Do you see a small, intimate gathering surrounded by your closest friends and family? Or does the idea of a big, celebratory wedding with all the details excite you? Maybe you’re drawn to the simplicity and romance of an elopement, just the two of you in a scenic spot. Whatever you envision, having a clear idea of your wedding style will help guide your decisions and set the tone for booking vendors.

• What’s your wedding style? Your wedding should feel like you. Start by thinking about the overall vibe: Do you love the idea of a rustic barn celebration with cozy charm? Or maybe a romantic boho aesthetic with wildflowers and natural textures? Are you envisioning a moody, modern celebration with sleek details, or do you dream of a whimsical fairytale-inspired day with elegant touches? If you’re not sure, browse inspiration online, create a mood board, or think about colors, textures, and themes you’re naturally drawn to. These choices will shape everything from your venue to your décor.

• What’s your budget? This is one of the most important questions to answer early on. Be realistic about how much you’re comfortable spending and where you want your money to go. Do you prioritize food, photography, or the venue? Knowing your budget helps set expectations and allows you to allocate funds accordingly.

• Where do you want to get married? Think about the location that feels most you. Do you see yourselves tying the knot in a local venue or somewhere farther away for a destination wedding? Are you dreaming of mountains, beaches, or a cozy backyard? Your location will influence the overall vibe and the vendors you’ll work with.

• What kind of venue feels right? The venue plays a huge role in setting the tone of your wedding. Are you drawn to a rustic barn, a sophisticated ballroom, a scenic outdoor location, or a venue with historic charm? Identifying your ideal venue early will help narrow down other decisions like catering and décor.

• What kind of atmosphere do you want? Do you picture a casual, fun celebration where guests can relax and enjoy themselves, or a more formal affair with an elegant feel? Your wedding’s overall vibe will influence your choices in everything from attire to entertainment.

Take Breaks and Enjoy the Journey

While wedding planning can be an exciting and enjoyable experience, it can also be stressful at times. Don’t forget to step away from the planning process and take moments to enjoy your time together as a couple. Make sure to still carve out time for date nights and all the activities you love, free from wedding stress. This is your time to enjoy each other without the pressure of planning a big day!

When to Start Booking Vendors & Which Ones to Prioritize

Wedding planning can feel overwhelming, but it becomes much more manageable when you break it down into manageable steps. The most important thing is to book your vendors early—wedding season can be a busy time for many, so booking early helps you avoid stress and guarantees you have the best team by your side. Here’s a suggested timeline and some thoughts on the importance of each vendor.

10–12+ Months Before Your Wedding: Getting Started

Venue: Start by booking your venue—it sets the tone for everything else and locks in your wedding date. Popular venues fill up quickly, so securing this early ensures you get the spot you want.
Photographer & Videographer: Secure your storytelling team sooner rather than later! Top photographers and videographers often book up a year or more in advance. If you’re hiring both, choosing a team that works seamlessly together will ensure a smooth experience.
Engagement Session: Once you’ve booked your photographer, schedule an engagement session. It’s a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera, build rapport, and create memories for save-the-dates and your wedding website.
Florist: Once you’ve decided on a general wedding style or color palette, book your florist. They’ll help bring your vision to life with bouquets, centerpieces, and decor. Popular florists are often booked far in advance, so don’t wait too long.
Caterer & Bar Service: If your venue doesn’t provide catering, research and book a caterer who matches your tastes. Be sure to consider menu options, tastings, and guest dietary needs.
Entertainment (Band or DJ): Music is key to setting the tone for your celebration. Whether you’re opting for a lively DJ or a dynamic band, book early to secure your favorite choice.
Hair & Makeup Artists: Even if your wedding is months away, book these pros early—especially if you have a specific look in mind or a preferred artist in high demand.

6–9 Months Before Your Wedding: The Details

Cake & Desserts: Meet with bakeries, schedule tastings, and finalize your cake design. This is also the time to consider any additional dessert options for your reception.
Transportation: Whether you’re planning a grand exit or need guest shuttles, book your transportation now. Options like limos, vintage cars, and buses fill up fast during peak seasons.
Lighting & Rentals: If your venue doesn’t include lighting or decor, arrange for rentals such as furniture, drapery, and table settings. Lighting, in particular, can elevate the ambiance of your space.

3–6 Months Before Your Wedding: The Final Touches

Officiant: If you haven’t already, book your officiant. If you’re eloping or prefer something personal, consider asking a friend or family member to get ordained and lead the ceremony.
Timeline & Coordination: Start working on a timeline for your wedding day. If you’re hiring a day-of coordinator or planner, this is the time to nail down those details.
Final Vendor Meetings: Meet with your key vendors—florist, caterer, photographer, and entertainment—to finalize designs, menus, and schedules.

Wrapping It Up

Wedding planning is an exciting journey, and it should feel like one! By taking time to enjoy your engagement and being intentional about your decisions, you’ll be able to create a day that’s meaningful to both of you. The most important thing is that your wedding reflects your love story and feels true to who you are as a couple.

As you embark on this planning process, know that every decision, from the venue to the smallest details, is an opportunity to create an experience that’s uniquely yours.

If you’re ready to start chatting about booking your photographer and/or videographer, we’d love to connect! Click here to reach our inquiry form!

And if you’re wanting to explore more of our blogs & resources, check out our “10 questions to ask your wedding photographer” blog or our “Intimate North Georgia Wedding” blog! So many fun options to explore 🙂