I’m Engaged – Now What?

Congratulations on your engagement!  I know you are excited to get into planning the wedding.  Before you jump into booking venues and choosing flowers, step back and create a plan.  Here’s a helpful guide to get you started on creating a wedding plan.

1. Celebrate the Engagement

   Take a moment and enjoy the moment of being engaged!  Share the news with friend and family before you announce it on social media.  Have an engagement party to celebrate this monumental occasion.

2. Set Your Priorities

   Before making any decisions, sit down as a couple and discuss your vision for the big day.  What is important to you both? Is it the venue, the food, guest experience or entertainment?  Knowing your priorities will help in the planning process.

3. Determine Your Budget

   Discuss who is contributing to the cost of the wedding and how much.  Be realistic and allocate the funds to your top priorities. Check out our blog on creating a wedding budget for more help.

4. Create a Guest List

   Your guest list will influence the choice of your wedding venue and budget.  Start with a rough draft, but be prepared to make adjustments as you plan.

5. Choose a date or season

   You don’t have to have an exact date right away, but having a general timeframe or season will help in researching venues and vendors.

6. Research and hire key vendors

   Start with the vendors that tend to book up quickly, such as venues, photographers, and wedding planners.  If you are planning on hiring a wedding planner (we highly recommend it), now is the time – they can help streamline your planning and help you connect with trusted vendors.

7. Consider an Engagement Shoot

   Many couples opt for an engagement photo session to commemorate this special time.  It’s also a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding day.

8. Get inspired

   Explore wedding themes, colors, and styles.  Social media platforms such as Pinterest and Instagram are excellent resources for finding inspiration.  

9. Pre-Wedding Events

   Start thinking about event leading up to the wedding, such as bridal showers, bachelorette party or rehearsal dinner.  These do not have to be planned right away but it good to keep them in mind.

10. Enjoy the Planning

    Planning your wedding is about celebrating your love story.  Do not get stressed, take breaks when needed, and savor the moments leading up to your big day.

    Your engagement is a time to dream, plan and prepare for one of the most memorable days of your life.  Take it one step at a time and you’ll ensure the process is as joyful as the celebration itself.

    Thanks for checking out our blog, we hope this information is helpful.

    Check out our website for more blogs.  www.SwanLakeOverlook.com

    Here is a shout out to some of our favorite locally owned wedding venues: The Creek Haus, Rose Haven Event Venue, and Antler Ridge Weddings and Events