01. CELEBRATE!!

Call all your favorite people, post that ring selfie and then…take a breather. Don’t start wedding planning just yet! Enjoy the bliss and throw an engagement party!!

02. SIZE IT + INSURE IT!

Get your ring sized (if needed) and INSURED! I know, it’s not the most exciting thing to do, but it could really end up saving your butt in the long run! Protect that beauty!!!

03. START THINKING ABOUT A DATE!

Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall? Now it’s time to begin thinking about a date! The most desirable wedding dates and venues book up faster than you think! It’s a good idea to pick a date that’s about a year to a year and a half out, this will give you the best chance on booking your desired vendors!

04. BUDGET TIME!

Before you can fully move forward, you need to determine your wedding budget and what’s most important to you on your wedding day. Create an overall budget amount by talking with your spouse, your parents and his parents. THEN create a priorities list. Determine what’s most important to what’s least important.

Example: Let’s say your overall budget is $20,000. Your TOP priorities are; Venue, Wedding Planner, Photography and Catering. Those are the areas where you are going to spend the most out of your budget. Figure out what you’re comfortable spending in each category and then move on to your least important aspects with the rest of your budget.

05. RESEARCH + BOOK YOUR TOP PRIORITY VENDORS!

You can’t pick a date till you’ve booked your dream venue, so do this first! Research online and schedule tours. This is also a good time to determine your approximate guest count, you need to be sure your venue can accommodate for that amount! After you’ve booked your venue and officially have a date, it’s time to book those next few priority venders on your list!!