To all of our newly engaged couples Congratulations on this exciting milestone!
We're here to guide you through the early stages of your wedding planning journey. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let's dive in! Our very first episodes dive deep into various parts of finding your venue so in this episode we’re going to cover:
1st steps
Finding your dream venue
Fun and meaningful ideas
Just Engaged: Your Guide to the First Steps of Wedding Planning
So, you said "yes" and you're floating on cloud nine. Now what? In this segment, we'll discuss the crucial first steps to take when you're newly engaged. From announcing your engagement to setting a budget, creating a vision board (hellooo Pinterest!), and compiling an initial guest list, the 1st 2 (and best) thing you can do for yourself is #1 CELEBRATE and live in the moment and then #2 get organized. This will kickstart your wedding planning process in the least stressful way possible. If you’re not naturally a planner/type A (hi that’s me!) listener who gets a weird peace when organizing like I do then let me reassure you. Taking the time to get organized is WORTH it and will save you so much time and energy further down the road.
Here are the main things you need to get organized with right now:
Guest list (yours, theirs, and any family/parents lists)
Excel sheet! List their names, if you already have a mailing address (yay) and note how many adults and kiddos.
Cheat: Share the doc with anyone adding people to the guest list and have them type in the addresses and details themselves.
Budget:
We dove deep in episode #49 “Budgeting: Who pays?”
Priorities!!
What is important to you each,
We've also shared some heartwarming stories from our guests about their own engagement experiences and the lessons they've learned along the way. Go check out mini episodes and proposal stories!
Venue Hunting: Finding Your Dream Wedding Venue
Choosing the perfect venue sets the stage for your big day. The best thing you can do is grab our FREE venue guide that has more than 40 questions you should ask, it explains why each question matters and also includes worksheets to keep all the answers you get organized too. We also made episodes #1 - 3 to walk you through the guide so you can listen in for extra tips specifically when in that phase of planning.
Those insider tips and tricks to help you find the wedding venue of your dreams.
I also recommend taking the time to explore the different types of venues available, from grand ballrooms to intimate gardens, rustic barns, and modern or industrial-styled locations. You may be surprised by what you like!
Be sure to consider when selecting a venue, such as location, capacity, amenities, and the overall vibe.
Celebrating Your Engagement: 3 Fun and Meaningful Ideas
Your engagement is a time to celebrate the love and excitement that fills your hearts. Before we wrap up today we want to share three fun and meaningful ideas for newly engaged couples to celebrate this special milestone.
A popular way is by hosting an intimate engagement party with your immediate family, and/or close friends. It can be a reserved room at your favorite local spot, or your own back yard the setting can be wherever you choose. You can go big and elaborate or keep it sweet and simple - whatever you choose just make sure it brings you EXCITEMENT, not stress.
My personal favorite is going on an adventure-filled weekend getaway just the two of you. If you like hiking or camping, there are many places right here in North Texas or within a short drive for you to escape. No need to use up your vacation time (save that for the wedding and honeymoon!), a long weekend will be perfect.
Another way you can enjoy the moment and remember it always is by capturing it with stunning engagement photos, a bonus you can use those photos on your Save the Date and wedding website as well as around your rehearsal dinner venue and reception.
Get ready to create lasting memories and cherish this unique time in your lives!
Remember, this is just the beginning of your wedding planning journey, and we're here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes, feel free to reach out. Congratulations once again, and we wish you all the joy and love as you embark on this incredible adventure.
Listen to the Episode HERE