You’re engaged! The excitement and joy that come with this milestone are unforgettable. Now that you’ve said “yes” to forever, it’s time to turn that excitement into action as you start planning the wedding of your dreams. But with so many things to consider, where do you begin?
As a wedding photographer with years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of helping countless couples navigate this journey. I’ve seen how overwhelming the planning process can be, and I know the steps you take in the first few months after your engagement set the stage for everything that comes after.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the essential first steps after getting engaged—everything from setting a wedding date to booking vendors, and why taking engagement photos should be one of your first priorities. Whether you’re overwhelmed by the options or just unsure where to start, this post will help you stay organized, on track, and stress-free as you begin your wedding planning journey.
Step 1: Celebrate Your Engagement
Before diving into wedding planning, take a moment to simply celebrate your engagement! This is a monumental life event, and you should savor the joy of being newly engaged. Whether you share the moment with close friends and family or just spend some quiet time together as a couple, don’t rush into planning right away. Allow yourselves the time to reflect on this exciting new chapter in your life.
Consider planning an engagement party or a casual get-together to celebrate with your loved ones. This is a wonderful way to announce your engagement and start your wedding planning journey with a sense of excitement and fun.
Step 2: Set Your Wedding Date (Or a Timeframe)
One of the very first things you’ll need to decide after getting engaged is your wedding date or, at the very least, a general timeframe. Setting a wedding date is essential because it affects your venue choice, vendor availability, and everything else related to your wedding.
When choosing a date, consider factors like:
- Season and Weather: Do you envision a sunny summer wedding, or do you dream of a cozy fall celebration? Consider how the season may influence your venue and attire.
- Guest Availability: If you have certain family members or friends who must be there, make sure the date works for them.
- Venue Availability: Some popular wedding venues book up quickly, sometimes over a year in advance, so the sooner you have a date in mind, the better.
- Personal Milestones: Do you want to get married on an anniversary or another meaningful date?
Remember, your wedding date should feel right to you and your partner. Don’t feel pressured to choose a date just because it seems popular or convenient for others.
Step 3: Create a Wedding Budget
The budget is the backbone of your entire wedding planning process. Before making any big decisions, sit down with your partner and anyone else contributing financially to the wedding (such as parents) to establish a clear budget. Your budget will determine how much you can allocate for each aspect of your wedding, from the venue and catering to photography and florals.
Here are some key things to consider when setting your wedding budget:
- Venue: Your venue will likely consume a large portion of your budget. Determine if you want to have a lavish affair or a more intimate celebration.
- Photographer: As a wedding photographer, I cannot stress enough how important it is to invest in quality photography. Your wedding photos are memories you’ll cherish forever, so make sure you allocate a reasonable amount for this.
- Food and Drink: Catering costs vary greatly depending on the type of meal you want to offer your guests (buffet, plated, or family-style). Make sure you get quotes from a few different catering companies.
- Entertainment: Will you be hiring a DJ, live band, or perhaps both? Entertainment can range in price depending on the length and quality of the service.
- Other Vendors: Consider florists, hair and makeup artists, and transportation costs when building your budget.
Pro Tip: Always leave a little room for unexpected costs. Things can often run over budget, so having a buffer is always a good idea.
Step 4: Start Your Wedding Vendor Search
With your wedding date and budget set, it’s time to research and hire vendors. These professionals will play a key role in making your wedding day everything you’ve envisioned. Some key vendors you’ll need to book early include:
Wedding Photographer
As a professional wedding photographer, I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to start your search for a photographer early. Your wedding photos will be with you for a lifetime, so you want someone who can capture the special moments in a style that resonates with you.
When researching photographers, consider the following:
- Photography Style: Do you prefer a traditional, posed approach, or are you more into candid, photojournalistic shots? Look through the photographer’s portfolio to see if their style aligns with your vision.
- Experience: Wedding photography is an art that requires experience. Look for a photographer who has experience shooting weddings similar to yours.
- Reviews and Testimonials: Check reviews and ask for references. A reputable photographer should have great feedback from previous couples.
Venue
Your wedding venue sets the tone for your big day and often dictates your wedding style, so this is one of the most important decisions to make early on. Do you want a traditional church wedding, a garden ceremony, or a rustic barn wedding? Be sure to book your venue well in advance to secure your preferred date.
Other Key Vendors
In addition to your photographer, some essential wedding vendors to book early include:
- Caterer: If your venue doesn’t include catering, book a trusted caterer with a great reputation.
- Florist: Flowers play a significant role in creating the ambiance of your wedding, so hire a florist who can bring your vision to life.
- Hair and Makeup Artists: Wedding-day beauty preparations are crucial for looking and feeling your best.
- Wedding Planner: If you’re overwhelmed by the details, a wedding planner can help you coordinate everything.
Step 5: Schedule Your Engagement Photo Session
Engagement photos are a wonderful way to document the joy of your engagement, and they also give you a chance to get comfortable in front of the camera before your big day.
Booking an engagement session has several advantages:
- Practice for the Wedding Day: Engagement photos allow you to get familiar with your photographer and the types of poses that work best for you as a couple.
- Capture Your Relationship: These photos represent a special time in your life—before the wedding, when you’re just starting your journey as an engaged couple.
- Use the Photos for Invitations or Your Wedding Website: Many couples use their engagement photos for save-the-dates, wedding invitations, or their wedding website.
Be sure to choose a location that holds significance to you as a couple—whether that’s where you met, a favorite park, or a place you love to visit together.
Step 6: Begin Shopping for Your Wedding Dress
Once you’ve booked your venue and chosen your vendors, it’s time to start looking for your wedding dress. Ideally, you should begin the dress shopping process about 9-12 months before the wedding day. This gives you plenty of time for fittings and alterations.
When shopping for your dress, keep these tips in mind:
- Budget: Be clear on your budget before you go shopping.
- Style: Whether you’re into boho chic, classic elegance, or something entirely unique, be open to trying different styles.
- Comfort: Remember, you’ll be wearing this dress for hours on your wedding day, so comfort is key.
Step 7: Create a Wedding Website
A wedding website is a great way to keep your guests informed about all the important details of your wedding. Your website should include:
- Wedding date, venue, and time
- RSVP links
- Registry details
- Travel information for out-of-town guests
- Your engagement story and photos
A website is not only a practical tool for logistics but also a fun way to share your story and build excitement for your big day.
Here’s a few website options:
Step 8: Enjoy the Process!
Wedding planning can be stressful, but it’s important to enjoy the journey. Take moments to savor the joy of planning your wedding with your partner. There will be ups and downs, but remember that the most important thing is the love and commitment you’re celebrating.
In conclusion, the months following your engagement are full of excitement and big decisions. Start by celebrating your engagement, setting a wedding date, and sticking to a budget. Book your key vendors early, including a professional photographer who can capture your memories, and make time to schedule your engagement session. Most importantly, remember to enjoy the process—this is your time to create the wedding of your dreams!
Happy planning, and may your engagement be the start of a beautiful, unforgettable journey!
