So, you said yes!! Congratulations! I’m sure you are feeling like you are cloud nine, but you are also wondering “What’s the next step?” Wedding planning can feel very overwhelming, but breaking down what needs to be done, step by step, will help ensure you enjoy every moment of this amazing journey.
Here at The Hidden Abbey, we want every couple to be stress-free and we have curated some essential wedding panning advice and tips to help you get started in the first 30 days after getting engaged.
1. Share the News
Take a moment to savor the bliss you’re feeling! Don’t feel rushed into wedding planning. Share the big news with your closest family and friends first. Once you let all of your favorite people know, you can consider how you’d like to announce your engagement. Whether that be on social media, having a small gathering, or even throwing a fun engagement party! If you’re thinking about hosting your engagment party, check out our 5 Hour Rentals!
2. Set a Date (or a Range)
One of the first questions people will ask is, “When’s the big day?” While you don’t need to set an exact date, having a rough idea of when you would like to have your wedding day will help with the wedding planning. Consider a few things for when you want to have your wedding like the season, your ideal wedding venue’s availability, and any special dates that are meaningful to you and your significant other. We provide our Calendar so couples can see what dates are available to choose from when looking to book a wedding.
3. Discuss a Budget
This is going to be one of the most important steps that you need to take when wedding planning. Think of this step as the “foundation”. You and your partner need to think about how much you are willing and able to spend on your big day. Knowing this number will be a guide to making major decisions like the venue, other wedding vendors, and even the guest list. Always remember that you need to plan for unexpected expenses, so setting aside a small contingency fund is a smart idea.
4. Start a Guest List
Drafting a preliminary guest will help figure out your budget and help you narrow down the venue based on its capacity. The list doesn’t have to be finalized, but knowing a general number will help you with the early stages of wedding planning. Need help with your guest list? We’ve got you covered with a detailed guide on “How to Create your Wedding Guest List”—make sure to give it a read!
5. Research Venues
The venue you pick will set the tone for your wedding day. Did you envision an outdoor ceremony, a rustic barn, or a modern and sleek ballroom? Once you figure out your vision, you will need to search for the perfect venue as soon as possible. We encourage every couple to come and tour our venue and all it has to offer. It is best to see the venue in person to make sure that it is what you have envisioned your day to be.
6. Create a Vision Board
Making your dream wedding a reality, you need to visualize it first. Create a vision board with wedding themes, color palettes, and décor ideas that resonate with your personal style. Using platforms like Pinterest or browsing galleries on venue websites can be places for inspiration.
7. Book a Photographer
Just like venues, photographers can book up fast, especially ones in high demand. It is wise to start early when looking for a photographer. When you look for a photographer, look at their shooting style to see if it matches your vision. Some photographers shoot true-color pictures, while others’ pictures may have a moodier tone. It is also important to check their availability for your chosen date.
8. Choose Your Wedding Party
Picking family and friends to stand by your side is one of the fun parts. The people you choose can assist you with the planning process. Once you have chosen, you can start discussing responsibilities and involving them in planning.
9. Consider Hiring a Wedding Planner or Coordinator
If your budget allows, hiring a wedding planner or coordinator can save you time and stress. These professionals can bring expertise, vendor connections, and can ensure everything runs smoothly. Getting a full wedding planner will relieve a lot of stress and our friends from Always Whimsical can help you plan your big day! If the budget doesn’t allow for a full wedding planner, then consider a coordinator. The Hidden Abbey’s sister company, Happy Occasions, offers Wedding Coordination services.
10. Explore Wedding Insurance
There are some not so glamorous parts of planning and one of those parts would be considering wedding insurance. Wedding insurance can provide peace of mind with options that protect against foreseen circumstances like venue cancellations or weather disruptions. Some plans can cost as little as $100 to add depending on the policy.
Planning a wedding is a memorable experience. This is unique period in your life, learn to lean on your loved ones for support, and remember that the ultimate goal is to celebrate your love with those that matter most!
The Hidden Abbey Event Center is a locally owned and operated business. We sincerely hope to encourage couples to learn more about planning a wedding locally. We want to give a special thanks to some amazing wedding venues across the United States who inspire us and help support our venue. We are also thrilled to support other wedding venue owners from around the country with a shout out in each of our blogs. You can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.
