Congratulations, you’re engaged! The excitement, the happy tears, the ring selfies, and all the celebrations have begun. This is such a special season of life, and while you’re probably floating on cloud nine, you might also be wondering… Where do we even start?
First, take a breath. You don’t have to plan your entire wedding overnight! Wedding planning should be an exciting journey, not an overwhelming to-do list. With a little organization, thoughtful conversations, and a clear vision, you can create a celebration that feels authentically you.
Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate garden wedding, a romantic ballroom celebration, or a weekend-long destination wedding, here are the first 10 steps to take after saying YES!
Courtesy of Winter Engagement at Lake Louise
Celebrate Your Engagement!
Before you dive into spreadsheets, Pinterest boards, and venue tours, take time to enjoy this moment. You’re engaged!
Celebrate with your closest friends and family, plan a special date night, pop some champagne, or simply spend an evening soaking it all in together. This season goes by quickly, so don’t let the excitement of planning overshadow the excitement of being engaged. Enjoy every minute!
Talk About Your Wedding Vision
Before making any big decisions, sit down together and talk about what you envision for your wedding day.
Think about:
- Do you imagine a large celebration or an intimate gathering?
- Are you dreaming of something classic, modern, romantic, rustic, or contemporary?
- Would you prefer an indoor or outdoor wedding?
- Do you picture a formal plated dinner or a relaxed cocktail-style reception?
- What moments are most important to you?
You don’t need to have every detail figured out. The goal is to establish a shared vision and understand what matters most to both of you.
Set Your Wedding Budget
Let’s talk about everyone’s favourite wedding planning topic… the budget!
Your budget will help guide almost every decision you make, from your venue and guest count to your photographer and floral design.
Start by discussing how much you’re comfortable spending. If family members are contributing, have those conversations early so everyone understands expectations.
A helpful tip: Build a little breathing room into your budget for unexpected expenses. There are always a few!
Remember, a beautiful wedding isn’t about how much you spend. It’s about creating a meaningful experience that reflects your relationship.
Create Your Guest List
Your guest list and budget go hand in hand. Before booking a venue, start putting together a preliminary guest list.
Consider immediate family and close relatives, your closest friends, extended family, work colleagues and other important people in your lives.
You don’t need a final list just yet, but having an estimated guest count will help you narrow down venues and understand the scale of your celebration.
Choose Your Wedding Date or Season
Now comes the fun part: choosing when you’ll say “I do!”
Think about the season you love most and how it fits into your wedding vision. Are you drawn to lush summer gardens, colourful autumn leaves, a cozy winter celebration, or fresh spring florals?
Keep in mind that popular wedding dates and weekends can book well in advance.
If you’re flexible, consider having a few preferred dates or even an entire month in mind. This can give you more options when searching for your dream venue and vendors.
Start Researching Wedding Venues
Your venue is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make because it helps set the tone for your entire wedding.
Start researching locations that fit your style, guest count, and budget. Consider what is included in the venue rental, such as tables, chairs, catering, getting-ready spaces, and accommodation options.
When touring venues, ask questions about:
- Available dates and rental fees
- Guest capacity
- Catering and bar options
- Ceremony and reception spaces
- Setup and teardown requirements
- Rain plans for outdoor weddings
- Vendor restrictions
Take photos, notes, and time to envision what your wedding day could look like in each space.
Gather Wedding Inspiration
Now it’s time to start dreaming!
Create a Pinterest board, save Instagram posts, or start a wedding inspiration folder. Collect ideas for everything from colour palettes and floral arrangements to table settings, stationery, attire, and overall atmosphere.
As you gather inspiration, look for common themes. Maybe you’re consistently drawn to soft neutrals, candlelit receptions, romantic florals, or modern minimalist details.
Rather than trying to recreate someone else’s wedding, use inspiration to discover what feels most like you as a couple.
Research and Book Your Key Vendors
Once you have a date and venue in mind, it’s time to start connecting with wedding professionals.
Some of the most popular vendors book well in advance, so it’s worth starting your research early.
Consider prioritizing:
- Wedding planner or coordinator
- Photographer and videographer
- Caterer, if not included with your venue
- Florist
- Entertainment or DJ
- Hair and makeup artists
- Officiant
Take your time researching portfolios, reading reviews, and scheduling consultations. You want a team of professionals who understand your vision, communicate well, and make you feel confident throughout the planning process.
Consider Hiring a Wedding Planner
If there’s one investment that can make your wedding planning experience feel more enjoyable and organized, it’s having the right planning support.
A wedding planner can help with everything from budget management and vendor recommendations to timelines, design concepts, logistics, and coordinating all the moving pieces.
Not every couple needs full-service planning. Depending on your needs, you might consider:
- Full-service planning: Support from the early planning stages through your wedding day.
- Partial planning: Help with specific planning tasks and decisions.
- Month-of or wedding management: Professional support with final details, timelines, and wedding-day coordination.
Having someone in your corner can take a lot of pressure off, allowing you to be present and enjoy the experience.
Enjoy the Engagement Season
Here’s your reminder that wedding planning isn’t just about the big day. It’s also about the journey that gets you there.
Make time for date nights that have absolutely nothing to do with wedding planning. Celebrate the little milestones, enjoy the engagement parties, and remember why you’re getting married in the first place.
There will be decisions to make, details to organize, and moments when things feel a little overwhelming. That’s completely normal! The most important thing is that your wedding reflects your love story, your personalities, and the life you’re building together.
Final Advice: You Don’t Have to Do it All at Once!
Getting engaged is the beginning of such an exciting chapter, and there’s no need to rush through it.
Start with these 10 steps, take things one decision at a time, and surround yourself with people and professionals who make the experience enjoyable.
Your wedding day will be beautiful, but the memories you make along the way will be just as special.
Happy planning, and congratulations again on your engagement!
