Your Engaged! Now what?

First off, Congratulations!

You’re probably feeling a mix of excitement and eagerness to dive into wedding planning. It's a thrilling time, and we understand both the joy and the potential stress that come with it.

We've put together some practical advice to help you get started. Remember, this is your special day. Keep things as simple or elaborate as you wish and maintain realistic expectations throughout the process.

Step One: Celebrate

Your Engaged! Celebrate with your friends and family. Relish the moment before diving into wedding planning.

Step Two: Set a Budget

Setting a budget might not be the most exciting part of planning your wedding, but it’s essential. This foundational step will influence all your subsequent decisions, so take the time to plan it carefully.

Start with an open and honest conversation with your partner about your financial situation and how much you're both willing to spend on the wedding. If family members plan to contribute, have a clear and respectful discussion about their comfortable contribution levels. Also, discuss any expectations they may have in return for their support.

Based on your discussions, determine a total budget that feels manageable and comfortable. Make sure this amount won't cause undue financial stress. Decide which elements of your wedding are most important to you, such as the venue, photography, attire, food, or entertainment, and allocate more of your budget to these high-priority areas. List all major wedding components and estimate the costs for each, including venue, catering, decorations, entertainment, and more.

Remember, no matter the size of your budget, thoughtful planning and prioritization can make your special day incredible.

Step Three: Guests

As a close second in importance to your budget, your guest count significantly impacts many other planning decisions. The more guests you invite, the less you can spend on each individual. If having all your loved ones present is essential and you can't imagine leaving anyone out, you might need to make sacrifices in other areas. Conversely, if you prefer a more elevated and personalized experience for each guest, you may need to limit the guest list to your closest circle. Both approaches can lead to fantastic celebrations, so decide what matters most to you and your partner.

Once you're engaged, create a list of the people who are truly important to you and whom you can't imagine not having at your wedding. Don't worry about inviting someone you haven't spoken to in years, even if they invited you to their wedding a while back. To help you decide, think about who you've seen in the past year and who you anticipate staying in touch with in the future. Another perspective is to consider the cost per guest – if it’s $200 for food and drinks, ask yourself if their presence is worth the investment of your time and money. This approach may seem a bit blunt, but it can be very effective in making your guest list more manageable.

Step Four: Date

When locking in a date for your wedding, be sure to be flexible as your dream venue may be booked, so spare a few dates to ensure locking in your perfect vendors.

Consider the season in which you wish to hold your wedding, such as summer or winter, as well as whether it will take place on a weekday or weekend. Keep in mind that off-peak days are often more cost-effective.

If you are planning a destination wedding, be sure to give your guests ample notice to make the necessary arrangements. This ensures they have enough time to organize their travel plans and accommodations.

Step Five: Venue

Choosing the perfect venue for your wedding is both an exciting and meaningful process. Start by identifying your ideal setting—whether it’s a rustic barn, a charming flower garden, a stunning beach view, a historic church, or an elegant marquee.

Few things to consider when looking for your preferred venue:

Venue Capacity - Ensure the venue can comfortably accommodate your guest list while allowing for your desired styling. A venue that matches your guest count will enhance the comfort and atmosphere of your event.

Location - Choose a venue that aligns with your wedding theme and is accessible for all guests, including the elderly. For more remote locations, make arrangements for guest transportation to ensure everyone can easily attend.

Wet Weather Option - Since we can't predict the weather, it’s essential to have a backup plan. Verify that the venue offers suitable indoor alternatives or other options to guarantee your celebration remains seamless, regardless of weather conditions.

Step Six: The Fun Stuff (styling + Theme)

Time for the fun stuff.. Choosing a style can be overwhelming. Dig into your pinterest boards and find your overall style. Your style will set the tone for your event and goes down to the finest of details, decor, florals, catering etc.

A few of our favourites styles are:

Classic B & W - A timeless style in the wedding industry.

Rustic - A countryside Feel

Bright Bloom - a modern, yet refreshing style