⚜︎ O. M. G. ⚜︎
You’re engaged!!! 🥹💍
Okay, okay.. deep breath. Wipe the happy tears, stare at your ring one more time (I know you did), and let the excitement fully hit… because this is where the fun begins.
If you’re here, you’re probably thinking: “Okay… now what?”
And honestly? Totally normal. Planning a wedding can feel like a mix of euphoria, Pinterest boards, and mild panic all at the same time.
But don’t stress. I’ve walked through this phase with so many couples, and I’ve got you. Before you dive into colors, venues, dresses, and all the dreamy chaos, here are a few little tips to ground you, help you breathe, and make those first steps feel a lot less overwhelming.
Let’s get you started the right way. 💛
⚜ Before too much fun starts..
Alright, let me slip into my “mom friend” role for two seconds…
Get. Your. Ring. Insured.
I know, I know. Not the glamorous part of being engaged. But the former insurance P/C girlie in me is SCREAMING at you from across the room. Accidents happen. Rings slip. Diamonds get loose. Dogs get chaotic. Life’s… well… life.
So before you dive head-first into planning, call your insurance agent and get that baby added to your homeowners or renters policy. Trust me, future you will be SO glad you did.
⚜ Pick a Season.
Yep, you read that right, a season.
Not a date, not a venue, not the Pinterest-perfect timeline everyone on Facebook suddenly becomes a wedding expert about.
Just think about the time of year that feels right to you.
Do you picture fall colors? Spring blooms? Golden summer sunsets?
There’s zero pressure to rush into locking down a specific date right this second.
Start simple: find a season you and your fiancé naturally vibe with.
Once you know the general timing, everything else (venues, dates, vendors) starts falling into place so much easier.
Things to consider
I. SET A BUDGET.
Let’s rip the Band-Aid off early: you need a realistic budget.
Not a Pinterest budget. Not a “maybe my aunt will help pay for flowers” budget.
A real-life, based-on-your-wallet budget.
Here’s the thing, money does not make a wedding meaningful.
Your day isn’t less beautiful because your budget isn’t unlimited.
Pick a number (or individual category budgets) that feels doable and gives you room to breathe.
Your wedding is about love, not who can out-spend who on Instagram.
Start with what you’re comfortable investing, and we build from there. 🖤
II. MAKE A ROUGH DRAFT OF YOUR GUEST LIST.
I know, I know, you don’t even have a date yet and here I am asking who you’re inviting.
Just trust me.
Your guest count affects literally everything. Your venue options, your budget, your catering, your seating chart stress level (lol).
Ask yourselves two things:
1. “How many people do we genuinely want there?”
2. “How many people can we realistically afford to host?”
You don’t need the final list yet, just a ballpark number so you’re not touring 300-guest venues for a 75-guest wedding.
It’s basically your first “wedding math” moment. You’re doing great.
III. LOCATION. LOCATION. LOCATION.
Now that you’ve got a season, a budget, and a rough guest count, you can actually start venue shopping (aka the fun overwhelming part).
Think about the vibe:
⚜ Indoors or outdoors?
⚜ Moody, elegant, rustic, modern?
⚜ Close to home or a dreamy little destination?
Most venues list their available dates online, which is super helpful and this is usually the point where your “season” turns into a wedding date.
Grab a notebook, make a list of your top locations, and start scheduling tours.
This is the moment it starts feeling real, and it’s honestly one of the most exciting steps! ✨
Once the venue is locked in, it becomes the foundation that guides the rest of your planning decisions, everything starts to flow from there.
⚜ Find your Photo/Videographer.
When it comes to choosing who documents your wedding day, treat it with the same care you’d give to choosing your venue or dress.
Photography and videography aren’t just services, they’re the legacy of your day.
Look for an artist whose work genuinely moves you. Someone whose style feels intentional, refined, and aligned with how you want your story told. Not the cheapest option. Not whoever is most available. The right fit. We want those vibes 😎
You should feel confident in their ability, comfortable in their presence, and at ease trusting them with your most important moments. That trust is what allows you to be fully present and it’s what creates images that feel effortless and timeless.
Most wedding photographers book 12–18 months in advance, so once your venue and date are finalized, reach out to your favorites early. Securing the team you love ensures that the moments you’ll cherish decades from now are captured exactly as beautifully as they felt.
⚜ Most importantly..
Planning a wedding can feel like a lot, but taking it step by step makes the entire experience feel intentional instead of overwhelming.
Take a breath. Really… pause for a second.
here’s the truth: everything will fall into place exactly the way it’s meant to.
Your wedding season?
It’s about joy, intention, and the moments you’re going to remember for the rest of your life. So let yourself enjoy them. Lean into the excitement. Let the magic happen.
And above all…
Congratulations!! You’re getting married! 🎉 💍
That deserves to be celebrated every single step of the way.❤️
