In this blog post, we are guiding you through the steps to take after you get engaged and offering our insights and tips to ensure that your wedding planning process is stress-free and enjoyable.

Congratulations on your engagement! This is undoubtedly one of the most exciting times in your life, and the beginning of an incredible journey towards your wedding day. 

Now that you are calling each other “fiance” and flashing a sparkling new ring on your finger it is time to start thinking about the next steps in your wedding planning journey. As a wedding venue, we understand the importance of making this experience as seamless and memorable as possible. Let’s dive into the 6 steps to take after you get engaged.

Celebrate your engagement

Before you dive into the details of wedding planning, make sure to take time to enjoy this special moment with your partner. Share the news with those closest to you and celebrate the happy occasion with loved ones. 

Whether it’s an intimate dinner, a weekend getaway, a simple gathering with family and friends or an extravagant engagement party, take the time to revel in the joy of your engagement. 

This could be a great time to have some professional engagement photos taken to cherish the memories. You can also use these for your save-the-date cards. Please reach out to us if you need any North Georgia Photographer recommendations.

Set and allocate your wedding budget

One of the first and most crucial steps to take after you get engaged is to establish your wedding budget. Knowing your financial constraints will help you narrow down your options and make informed decisions throughout the planning process. 

This will involve determining how much you’re willing to spend on different aspects of your wedding, including the venue, catering, photography, and other essentials. It can be tricky to figure out but we love this Wedding Budget Breakdown from the Knot to use as a guide on how to allocate your wedding budget based on real data.

As a wedding venue, we recommend allocating a significant portion of your budget to the venue itself, as it sets the tone for the entire celebration.

Define your vision

This is the fun part – now take time to discuss and define your vision for your dream wedding and what it means to you both as a couple. 

What style of wedding do you envision? Are you dreaming of a romantic beach ceremony, a glamorous ballroom celebration, or perhaps a rustic barn wedding? 

Consider the guests you want to invite too, do you picture a grand celebration with all your friends and family or a smaller, more intimate affair?

Start gathering inspiration to help envision the type of wedding you want. Pinterest is a great source to collect images, ideas, and styles that match your vision. 

Remember that clearly identifying your priorities and preferences will help guide your decision-making throughout the wedding planning process.

Choose a wedding date

Once you have a rough idea of your budget and vision, it’s time to choose a wedding date. Picking a wedding date is crucial, and it often depends on factors such as season, personal preferences, and venue availability. 

It is important to try and be flexible with your dates, especially if you have a specific venue in mind. Popular wedding venues can book up quickly, sometimes years in advance, so having a few potential dates in mind will increase your chances of securing your ideal location.

Research and book your venue

Once you have a vision, budget, and date in mind, you can begin researching potential wedding venues. 

Choosing the right venue is important as this sets the stage for the whole celebration. Look for spaces that align with your vision and can accommodate your guest list. Schedule visits to your top choices and be sure to ask lots of questions about the packages they offer, inclusions and any restrictions they may have.

Remember to think about the logistics of your wedding day to ensure a smooth and enjoyable celebration. Does the venue provide in-house catering, or do you need to hire external vendors? What about parking, accommodations for out-of-town guests, and accessibility for those with special needs? 

We actually have a helpful blog post on this topic – Things to consider when choosing your space.

Once you’ve found the perfect wedding venue that checks all the boxes, it’s time to secure your date. Most venues require a signed contract and a deposit to reserve the space, so be prepared to make a commitment. 

Booking your venue early in the planning process is essential, as it sets the foundation for other decisions, such as choosing vendors and finalizing your guest list.

Select your vendors

With your venue now secured, you can start the process of selecting other key vendors for your wedding day. You will want to collaborate with vendors who fit your budget and can bring your vision to life.

This includes hiring caterers, wedding photographers, florists, entertainment and other professionals you may need. 

As a wedding venue, we have a list of preferred vendors we’ve worked with before, so don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations.

To help with this process, we also have an awesome wedding vendor checklist which will guide you through the questions to ask when searching for vendors and order to book your wedding vendors.

Your wedding planning journey

Getting engaged is just the beginning of an incredible journey towards your wedding day. 

We hope that this helps guide you through the next steps to take after you get engaged. While planning a wedding involves many details, it is important to try and stay flexible and enjoy the journey. Things may not always go as planned, and that’s okay. Embrace the process, lean on your support system, and remember that your wedding day is a celebration of your love.

As a wedding venue, we are here to support you every step of the way, and we can’t wait to help bring your dream wedding to life. Congratulations once again, and happy planning!

If you are thinking of planning a wedding in North Georgia, be sure to learn more about our beautiful, rustic white barn wedding venue located in Auburn, Northeast Georgia.