Congratulations you’re engaged If you recently said “yes,” you’re stepping into one of the most exciting seasons of your life. Engagement season is very real. Around 40% of engagements happen between late November and mid-February, with December often being the single most popular month to propose. It’s a time filled with celebration, reflection, and dreaming about the future.If you’re feeling a mix of excitement and “Where do we even start?” You’re not alone. Here’s a gentle, stress-free guide to help you begin your wedding planning journey with clarity, intention, and heart.
Celebrate the Moment (and Consider a Trip Together)
Before diving into checklists and timelines, pause. Celebrate this milestone.Call your loved ones, host a small get-together, or share the news on social media and if you can, consider planning a short trip together. An engagement getaway, romantic escape, or even a long weekend away gives you space to slow down, reconnect, and truly soak in what this chapter means.Travel often becomes the moment where couples start dreaming about their wedding, honeymoon, or even a destination celebration. Stepping away from everyday life allows those conversations to happen naturally and joyfully.
Set a Comfortable Wedding Budget
Your budget is simply a guide not a limitation.Start with a number that feels realistic for you and know that it may evolve as you research venues and vendors. Prices can vary more than expected, and that’s okay. Having an initial budget helps reduce stress and gives you confidence as you make decisions moving forward.
Create a Flexible Guest List
Your guest list helps shape nearly every decision in the planning process. A helpful approach is to create two lists: Must-Have Guests — people you truly can’t imagine the day without Would-Love-to-Have Guests — if space and budget allow This method gives you clarity while leaving room to adjust once your venue is confirmed.
Choose Your Wedding Venue
Your venue is one of the biggest early decisions and often the most overwhelming.
- Your wedding date
- The overall vibe and atmosphere of your day
- Guest capacity
- A large portion of your overall budget
Secure Your Officiant & Build Your Vendor Team
After your venue is booked, it’s time to start building your vendor team.This typically includes booking your officiant, followed by professionals such as wedding planners, photographers, and DJs. Many sought-after vendors book well in advance, so reaching out early helps ensure availability and peace of mind.Your officiant plays a deeply meaningful role guiding the legal side of your marriage while helping tell your love story in a way that feels personal, authentic, and reflective of who you are as a couple.
Ready for What Comes Next?
Whether you’re planning a heartfelt ceremony, dreaming about a honeymoon, or considering a destination wedding or engagement getaway, having the right support makes all the difference.I’m here to help you navigate both the wedding and travel side of this journey calmly, thoughtfully, and with your love story at the center of it all.
