5 Steps to Take Now that You're Engaged

Congratulations, you just got engaged! This is an exciting time filled with love and excitement for the future. It's important to prioritize your vision and joy throughout the entire wedding process, from planning to the big day.

It’s natural that after the initial excitement of getting engaged wears off to be a little lost as to what you’re next step should be. No worries, though – we’ve put together the most important five steps that you can take to start your wedding planning journey. So, take a deep breath, enjoy the moment, and let's dive into the excitement of wedding planning.

1. Enjoy the moment:

After your initial excitement settles, take some time to enjoy being engaged. This is a big milestone in your relationship; savor the moment before diving headfirst into wedding planning. This is a great time to have an engagement party, get engagement photos taken, and share with social media if that’s your thing.

If you're ready to get a jump on a few things, start dreaming up ideas and discussing your visions with your partner. Consider things like budget and guest counts to better understand how to start planning. Meet your new B.F.F. – Pinterest!

2. Pick the right season for you:

Maybe you’ve always envisioned a romantic spring wedding or a cozy winter celebration. Choosing the season that fits your wedding style is one of your first decisions. Whatever that perfect day looks like in your mind is important for narrowing down the calendar and ultimately selecting your wedding date.

Each season offers a unique ambiance and sets the tone for your special day. As you narrow down your options, here are some things to consider:

• Weather patterns during that time of year.

• Style of photography and what you want your backdrops to look like.

• Availability of venues and potential vendors.

This is where you’ll start reaching out to a range of potential venues and getting a better idea of their availability. Once you have done your outreach, you’ll be able to narrow down your list to only the venues that have availability for your dream date.

To inquire about our availability at The Lumen House, click here.

3. Find your dream wedding venue:

Finding the perfect wedding venue can be a daunting task. There are so many amazing venues, especially in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. To help narrow your search, make a list of your non-negotiables when it comes to your venue. This can include things such as:

• Location

• Capacity

• Amenities

• Ambiance

• Outdoor/Indoor

• On-Site Lodging

• Preference of Vendors

Once you have a good idea of what you don't want to sacrifice when it comes to your venue, you’ll be able to narrow down your search to only a few venues to tour and meet with.

To meet with our team at The Lumen House, click here to inquire and schedule a free call.

4. Set your wedding date:

After you select your dream venue, it's time to secure your date and get it on everyone’s calendars. By this point, you likely already have an idea of dates that work best for your wedding. Remember, during peak wedding season, Fridays and Saturdays fill up quickly so you’ll want to secure you’re date with your venue once you’re set.

All venues manage securing wedding dates differently, but you’ll typically pay a deposit to reserve your date, then get set up on a payment plan to cover the entire cost.

After all the logistics of getting your date on the calendar, you’re ready for the fun stuff such as sending out save the dates and picking your vendors.

5. Create your dream team:

The wedding planning process can be overwhelming, which is why a great team is crucial. From photographers to wedding planners, your wedding day wouldn't be complete without a dream team of vendors. Vendors play a crucial role in bringing your vision to life and letting you fully enjoy the experience. Check out your venue's preferred vendors list, and research the vendors that best fit your style.

Getting engaged is just the beginning of an exciting journey that culminates in your wedding day. Set yourself up for a stress-free and memorable wedding planning experience so you can enjoy the whole process, not just the big day. Remember, this is a time to embrace the love and joy surrounding you.