I Just Got Engaged… What’s Next?

“I just got engaged, what do I need to do first?”

I often receive this question from newly engaged couples.  Planning a wedding can be overwhelming. Where should you start? The following four decisions should be made to kick off your wedding planning process.

1. The date. Sit down with your fiancé and decide on a date. Maybe there is a specific venue where you would like to marry and you will go with whatever date the venue has available. You might decide that you can be flexible with the date. Terrific! But most couples do not know where they would like to hold their wedding celebration, so you need to select a date or at least a month/season.
2. The guest list. This step comes as a surprise to some – it is necessary to put together a guest list now (yes, it is one of the first things you need to do), so you have an idea of the size wedding you are planning. The number of guests dictates the size of venues you should consider as well as your budget.
3. The budget. You do not need a detailed budget yet, but you do need to know how much you are willing to spend on the wedding. If others will be contributing, this is the time to have a discussion with them.  Be honest about your budget with wedding professionals.  They are used to working with all sizes and will do their best to work within your budget. The budget will also help in determining your venue options, which leads me to the last decision to be made when beginning your wedding planning.
4. The style. What style are you looking for? A large traditional wedding in a ballroom, a more casual celebration in a barn, a chic industrial style, or a small sit down with your closest family and friends in a private home or restaurant? Determining the style of the wedding will guide you to the venues in which you will be most interested.

Planning your wedding should be exciting and fun. If it feels overwhelming or you are looking for a professional to assist you in any aspect of the planning, Tulip Hill Weddings is here to help.  Contact us today!

Photo Credit:  Gift Habeshaw