OMG! You’re engaged!! Congratulations!! This is such a great moment in your life. Enjoy the overwhelming happiness and complete state you are in right now. I can still remember when Arthur proposed, I knew he was the only one I was meant to spend the rest of my life with. We opted for a small courthouse wedding due to our then circumstances, but that does not stop me from thinking about our vow renewals to make up for that lost moment. I have seen this in many of my brides, after the initial happiness and love shock, as I like to call it, you start to think of all the things that go into a wedding. From a wedding vendor, I know the struggle. This always reminds me of the movie Bride Wars to put it best. Here is the best step-by-step guide for newly-engaged couples to help you start in this next chapter.

1. Enjoy this moment

I know this seems like a DUH moment, but you would be surprised at how often I see so many stressed brides out of the gate. Let this joy and love sink in, and contemplate on what this means for both of you. This is a private moment between the both of you that needs to be acknowledged and celebrated. Of course, if you are choosing a shorter engagement, or on a tight timeline I am not suggesting you have a major delay. Just that you can enjoy this new season of life.

2. Announce the News to the world

Now that you are a FIANCÉ!! How amazing does that sound? I am sure you are itching to tell the world all about one of the best moments of your life. Make a post on social media if you love to do that. Another great way to announce your engagement is to find a photographer for a quick engagement shoot, or better yet make sure your fiancé knows you want a photographer to capture the proposal, so you get photos taken right away!

3. Choose a wedding date

Next is a very important task. Choosing your wedding date will facilitate the process of choosing your vendors. This will ensure you are only spending time with those vendors who are available. It will also help with the kind of vibe you are going for. The key thing to remember is that busy wedding seasons are Spring (March-June) and Fall (September-November). If you are looking for a date within this time frame, you will need to book your important vendors as soon as possible.

4. Start a rough draft guest list

I know what you are thinking, why do I need to start on a guest list if I have so many other things to do first?! This does not mean that you need to have a set list of names, but rather that you have a rough estimate of how many people will attend to book your vendors. For example, your venue will have to be big enough to accommodate the largest amount of people you need.

5. Start a Pinterest board for inspo

Now we are getting to one of my favorite parts. Pinterest!! EEKK!! I am OBSESSED with anything Pinterest. I find that having a board with individual parts of the wedding day helps me stay organized with my wants, but it also makes it easier to go through. For example, do a board for your wedding venue, one for the photo style that you like (bright and airy, dark and moody, documentary, film), one for table decor, etc. Narrowing what kind of vibe you are looking for, will help you tremendously when you are looking for venues, photographers, videographers, florists, etc.

6. Set a Budget

This is one of my not-so-favorite but VERY important things in this checklist. You have to make a budget. The average budget for a wedding in Texas is $27, 000. That does that mean this is YOUR budget. Sit down with your soon-to-be bride/groom, and decide what things are important to you, and if you are allowing people to help. I cannot stress enough how important it is to do your research when it comes to what something you have on your Pinterest board might cost, especially when it comes to flowers. Click here if you want more information on how to set your photography budget.

7. Find a planner/ or find the perfect organizational method for you

Why should I consider a planner/ coordinator? This one is a little tricky, but here is what you need to know. This is by far the best money spent as a bride. This goes beyond just having someone handle the day of duties. I have seen this time and time again, brides are stressed to the point they are unable to enjoy their day. Another great selling point is that they take the research away from most of the other vendors. They have a list of preferred vendors that just builds your dream team. If you decide against hiring a planner or a coordinator, it’s a great idea to get organized. There are so many great guides out there that will help you make sure you are not missing any details. Click here for one of my favorites!

8. Choose a Venue

After you have settled on a budget and what kind of vibe you are shooting for, it’s time to find a venue!! Touring the venues is so fun! First, make a list of the venues that match your vibe, and inquire about their packages. Things to keep in mind, Thursday weddings, and Summer/ Winter weddings are slightly cheaper than the highly sought-after days (Friday and Saturday)/ seasons (Spring and Fall). When you inquire, make sure you are looking at times available for you, what comes included in the rental, the requirements for each vendor, and what their policies are regarding alcohol and food, and whether they allow kids. These things may not be the first things for you to look at but will make all the difference in the planning process.

9. Choose your wedding photographer, and get engagement photos taken

Next is finding your wedding photographer. You want to be able to book your Dallas wedding photographer at least 6 months before your wedding date to ensure that you are getting exactly what you want, in the budget you have set. I will have a blog that goes into more detail to help you better choose your photographer but the key things are that you do your research. Find a style of photography that matches your vibe for example: light and airy, dark and moody, documentary, film-like. Look around at what the starting prices are for that type of photography in your area, and set a budget. Most photographers, have their starting price on their website, like myself, but still require a consultation before booking. This ensures that you have all your questions answered and that you both are a great fit. Keep an eye out for the blog. I will link it HERE when it’s live!

Most of my wedding Collections include an engagement session, this is to better get to know each other, but also makes it feel like a friend is walking into your wedding day instead of some stranger. That makes a huge difference for me. I want to have that connection with each of my clients.

10. Have fun!

Most importantly remember to have fun!!! This chapter of life goes by so quickly, you do not want to miss it. Remember to allow your fiancé to pitch in, you’ll finish the wedding day closer than when you started this journey. You are building a day to tell your love story and show who both of you are in a nutshell. Don’t lose sight of the most important thing about your wedding day, your love. I know, I know super corny haha but you won’t regret being able to enjoy this time. Bonus tip: make sure that the week/ or month before the wedding you take a well-deserved date as bride and groom before becoming Mr. and Mrs. POP THE CHAMPAGNE!!!

Here is to a very happy planning process, and a time for making some great memories.

Remember to inquire HERE if you would like to know more about my wedding packages. If you add the word BLOG into the description you will get a free Engagement Album to use as your wedding guest book when you book a consultation call! Don’t miss out.