Congratulations on your recent engagement! The holidays are a magical time to say “YES!” to forever, and now the excitement begins as you embark on the journey of planning your wedding. But where do you start?
Table Of Contents
- Top of Page
- The First 3 Steps to Take After Getting Engaged
- Celebrating and sharing the news
- When to book your engagement photos
- Booking vendors and securing contracts
- Choosing a wedding date and venue
- Hiring a wedding planner or coordinator
- 2024 wedding trends
- Enjoying the engagement
The First 3 Steps to Take After Getting Engaged
Tips and Ideas
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’re here to guide you through the first three steps to take after getting engaged during the holidays, ensuring you have the best possible transition into fiance status.
Step 1: Celebrate and share the news with loved ones. Let the world know about your engagement by throwing a small gathering or announcing it on social media. This is a special milestone in your life and should be celebrated with those closest to you.
Step 2: Start envisioning your dream wedding. Before diving into the nitty-gritty details, take some time to decide on your wedding style, location, and budget. This will help you set the foundation for the planning process.
Step 3: Begin researching and assembling your wedding team. From finding the perfect venue to hiring a wedding planner, it’s essential to gather a team of professionals who will bring your vision to life.
So, grab a pen and paper, and get ready to dive into the exciting world of wedding planning. Let’s make your dream day a reality!
Celebrating and sharing the news
The first step after getting engaged during the holidays is to celebrate and share the news with your loved ones. After all, this is a special milestone in your life and should be celebrated with those closest to you.
Consider throwing a small gathering to announce your engagement. This can be an intimate party with close friends and family or even a virtual celebration if you’re unable to gather in person. Share your joy and excitement with your loved ones, and let them be a part of this special moment in your life.
In addition to hosting a celebration, you can also announce your engagement on social media. Share a photo of the two of you and let the world know about your upcoming nuptials. This is a great way to connect with friends and acquaintances who may not be able to attend your celebration in person. Remember to use a personalized hashtag to make it easier for everyone to follow your wedding journey.
When sharing the news, don’t forget to reach out to those who are closest to you. Pick up the phone and call your parents, siblings, and best friends to share the exciting news personally. Let them know how much their support means to you and how thrilled you are to have them by your side as you plan your dream wedding.
When to book your engagement photos
Choosing the right timing for your engagement photo session is crucial, as it sets the tone for your entire wedding planning process. Here’s a few tips on when to book your engagement photos to ensure you get the most out of this memorable experience:
Capture the Early Excitement
Strike while the iron is hot! Consider scheduling your engagement session shortly after the proposal to capture the raw emotions and fresh joy of the engagement.
Embrace the Season
Think about the season for your photo session. Each season offers a unique backdrop – spring blooms, summer’s golden glow, autumn’s warm hues, or the magical winter landscape. Choose the one that resonates with your vision.
Save-the-Date Planning
If you’ve set a wedding date, sync your engagement photo session with save-the-date timelines. This way, you’ll have captivating images to accompany your announcements, setting the tone for your upcoming celebration. Don’t forget that photographers will need time to deliver your photos. We always send a sneak peek asap so no worries if you’re on a time crunch!
Secure Your Photographer: Plan Ahead
Quality photographers get booked quickly, especially during peak seasons. Reach out to your preferred photographer as soon as your plans take shape to ensure their availability. This proactive step ensures you secure a photographer whose style aligns with your vision.
Choosing a Date and Finding Vendors
Choosing a wedding date and venue are two interconnected decisions that will set the tone and atmosphere for your big day. Start by considering the season, weather, and any significant dates or holidays that hold meaning to you as a couple. This will help you get started on finding your dream vendors–from finding the perfect venue to hiring a wedding planner, it’s essential to gather a team of experts who will bring your vision to life.
Start by researching different venues that align with your wedding style and budget. Visit their websites, read reviews, and reach out to schedule site visits. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and envision how your wedding day would unfold in each space. Here’s a peek at some of our fave Spokane wedding venues to get you started!
The venue is one of the most critical aspects of your wedding, so take the time to visit different locations and explore your options. Consider factors such as capacity, aesthetics, and amenities when making your decision. Once you’ve found the perfect venue, don’t forget to secure the date by signing a contract and paying a deposit.
Once you’ve narrowed down your venue options, it’s time to book your vendors. This includes hiring a caterer, photographer, videographer, florist, and any other professionals you may need for your big day. Take your time to research different vendors, compare what they offer, and review their portfolios. Schedule consultations to get a better sense of their style and personality to ensure they align with your vision.
If the thought of coordinating all these details seems overwhelming, keep reading–we are about to chat more about why you may want to consider hiring a wedding planner or coordinator. They will be your point person throughout the planning process, helping you stay organized, managing vendor contracts, and ensuring your wedding day runs smoothly. A wedding planner can also provide valuable insights and recommendations based on their experience in the industry.
Hiring a wedding planner or coordinator
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but with the right team by your side, it can also be an enjoyable and stress-free experience. Your wedding planner will be your point person throughout the planning process, helping you stay organized, managing vendor contracts, and ensuring your wedding day runs smoothly. A wedding planner can also provide valuable insights and recommendations based on their experience in the industry.
Depending on your preferences and the complexity of your wedding, you may also want to hire a wedding day coordinator. These professionals have the experience and expertise to handle all the logistics and ensure that your big day runs smoothly. They can help with all the moving-parts, set-up, and managing vendors, allowing you and your family to relax and enjoy the process.
We have a whole blog post about this topic because it’s that important!
So, grab a pen and paper, and get ready to dive into the exciting world of wedding planning. Let’s make your dream day a reality!
2024 wedding trend inspiration
To kick off the wedding planning process with some ideas
Once you’ve found vendors you love, it’s important to secure their services by signing contracts. Contracts protect both parties and outline the expectations, services, and fees involved. If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to ask the vendors for clarification.
Here’s some 2024 wedding trends we love:
1. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Celebrations:
Embrace eco-conscious choices by opting for sustainable decor, locally sourced flowers, and reusable materials. Couples are increasingly prioritizing environmentally friendly practices, creating a wedding that leaves a positive impact.
2. Micro-Weddings with Macro Impact:
Intimate gatherings continue to be on-trend, allowing couples to focus on meaningful connections. Create a personalized experience for your guests with carefully curated details and bespoke touches that make your celebration truly unforgettable.
3. Technology Integration:
Leverage technology to enhance your wedding experience. From virtual guest attendance to live-streaming ceremonies for loved ones who can’t be there in person, technology plays a crucial role in connecting couples with their global support system.
4. Non-Traditional Venues:
Think beyond traditional banquet halls. Unique and unconventional venues, such as art galleries, industrial spaces, or even outdoor locations, are gaining popularity. These settings add character and personality to your celebration.
5. Bold and Vibrant Color Palettes:
Move over pastels – 2024 is all about bold and vibrant color choices. Jewel tones, rich hues, and daring color combinations are making a statement, adding flair and personality to every aspect of the wedding, from attire to decor.
6. Customized and Inclusive Experiences:
Couples are personalizing their weddings to reflect their unique stories and backgrounds. Celebrate diversity and inclusivity by incorporating cultural elements, personalized vows, and diverse cuisine to create a wedding that truly represents you.
7. Statement Florals and Greenery:
Floral arrangements take center stage with oversized blooms, hanging installations, and cascading greenery. Make a statement with your florals, creating an immersive and enchanting atmosphere for your ceremony and reception.
8. Interactive Food and Beverage Experiences:
Move beyond traditional catering with interactive food and beverage stations. From build-your-own cocktail bars to interactive dessert displays, let your guests engage their senses and savor every moment.
9. Sustainable Fashion Choices:
Incorporate sustainability into your attire choices. Consider ethically made wedding dresses, and eco-friendly fabrics, or even choose pre-loved or vintage pieces to make a stylish yet eco-conscious statement.
10. Nostalgia with a Modern Twist:
Blend the old with the new by incorporating nostalgic elements into your wedding. Vintage-inspired decor, classic motifs, and retro details paired with modern aesthetics create a timeless and charming ambiance.
Enjoying the engagement and looking forward to the wedding
Amidst the hustle and bustle of organizing the perfect day, take the time to revel in the joy of being engaged. Whether it’s stealing a quiet moment together, reminiscing about the proposal, or simply reveling in your shared dreams, these precious moments are the foundation of your journey toward marriage. Cherish the laughter, embrace the excitement, and relish in the love that surrounds you.
Spokane Engagement Packages
We hope you were able to get some ideas and inspiration from this blog about what to do after getting engaged and feel more prepared now to have a great experience during your wedding planning. When it comes time to find the perfect Spokane engagement photographer, I’d be SO excited to talk to you!
We also include engagement photos in each of our wedding packages. Take a look at our engagement session details and availability here to get a feel for what we offer, and then please reach out to me here so we can start chatting all things engagement sessions and get you on our calendar! I can’t wait to hear from you!!
MORE ENGAGEMENT PHOTO IDEAS + INSPIRATION CAN BE FOUND HERE:
Dreamy Engagement Photos at Lake Coeur D’Alene
Downtown Spokane Engagement Session
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