Hello Lovebirds!
You’re likely here because you just got engaged and are at the beginning stage of your wedding planning journey. First off, congratulations! There is no better feeling than knowing you get to spend forever with your person, and I am so thrilled for you.
But maybe the newly engaged bliss is starting to wear off as you find yourself inundated with questions, pressured to make big decisions, and trying to balance it all with your personal life. Sound familiar? It’s completely normal to feel a little overwhelmed—after all, planning a wedding is a big deal and social media has just added to the stress! Don’t worry, friend, I’m here to help.
In this blog post we’ll go over the first 5 tasks that I recommend to all of my newly engaged couples.
Ready? Let’s break it down together.
Step One: Soak in the Newly Engaged Bliss
First things first—pause and take it all in! You’ve just said YES to forever, and that’s huge. Share the news with your favourite people, pop the bubbly, and take some time to just BE in this moment. I think it’s easy to get carried away in all of the hustle and bustle that comes with planning a wedding, but I always stress to my couples that they’re not just planning a wedding, they’re planning the first day of the rest of their lives together. So slow down, celebrate, and let it sink in.
Step Two: Go on a Date with Your Fiancé and Dream Big
Take some time to connect with your fiancé over a relaxed date night and start talking about your expectations and desires for your wedding weekend. What kind of “vibe” do you each want? What’s most important to each of you? Having this conversation early on will not only get you both excited but also ensure you’re on the same page.
Questions to Ask Each Other:
- What are your key hopes and expectations for the wedding weekend?
- How do weddings usually look in your family, culture, or community? Do you want to incorporate any of those elements?
- If you could pick three words to describe how you want to feel at your wedding, what would they be?
Pro Tip
Keep the date fun and low-pressure—this isn’t about locking in decisions, but exploring ideas together.
Why This Matters: Many couples start planning their wedding on completely different pages. Whether you’ve been dreaming of this day since you were a child or you have strong opinions shaped by past wedding experiences, it’s so important to share these thoughts and ideas right at the beginning. Open communication lays the groundwork for a wedding that reflects both of you.
Step Three: Draft Your Guest List
The first big decision you need to make is how many people you want at your wedding. Sit down with your partner and start listing your absolute must-haves—those people you can’t imagine your day without. Then, work outward to your “maybe” list. Keep it flexible for now; this is just the beginning.
Pro Tip
Guest count affects everything from your venue to your catering bill. Having a rough number early helps guide the big decisions.
Why This Matters: Your guest list sets the tone for your wedding’s size and vibe. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a huge party, this is your foundation.
Need help deciding who you should invite? Read my blog post about Creating Your Guest List
Step Four: Talk Money
Now that you know approximately what your wedding size will be, it’s time to have the money talk. Sit down with your partner (and anyone who is financially contributing) to talk about what’s realistic. Be honest and prioritize what matters most to you both. Is it the venue? The food? The flowers? Having clarity here makes everything else so much easier.
Questions to Ask:
- What’s our total budget?
- Are any family members contributing?
- What’s most important to us?
Pro Tip
Build in a 10-15% of your total budget for unexpected expenses. It’s always better to be prepared.
Why This Matters: A budget isn’t about limiting your options—it’s about making intentional choices so your day reflects YOU. If family or loved ones are helping fund the wedding, it’s important to acknowledge that they may want a say in certain aspects. While it’s still your special day, being open to their input shows respect and gratitude for their support. If you prefer to avoid outside opinions, self-funding your wedding can give you complete creative freedom.
Need more tips? Check out my blog post 7 Tips for Creating Your Wedding Budget.
Step Five: Hire Your Wedding Planner
Let’s get real for a moment—wedding planning is a huge undertaking, and it can quickly become overwhelming without the right help. That’s why hiring a wedding planner should be your very first vendor decision. Planners do more than just organize; they set the stage for your entire wedding journey by bringing clarity, structure, and expertise to every step.
Why Hire Early? Starting with a planner means you have a trusted expert guiding you from the very beginning. They help you avoid costly mistakes, recommend vendors that align with your style, and create a timeline that keeps everything on track. Waiting too long to hire a planner can mean missing out on their invaluable input during those crucial early decisions like venue selection and budget allocation. Plus, the best planners book up fast, especially for popular dates, so locking yours in early is a must.
Pro Tip
Choose a planner who feels like a perfect fit for your vision and personality. Trust and communication are everything in this relationship.
A Personal Note From Me to You
Your engagement is a time filled with so much love and anticipation for the future, and I’m truly honoured that you’ve taken the time to read this. Planning a wedding is no small feat, and it’s okay to feel a little overwhelmed. Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about creating a day that feels like YOU.
You don’t have to have all the answers right away, and that’s the beauty of this journey. My hope is that this blog gives you a starting point to feel confident and excited about what lies ahead. You deserve a wedding that reflects your love story and everything that makes it special.
How Wild Bloem Studios Can Help
At Wild Bloem Studios, we’re here to make your wedding planning experience smooth, enjoyable, and uniquely yours. From curating a team of vendors who align perfectly with your vision to managing the details that make your day seamless, we’ll be by your side every step of the way. Let us handle the logistics so you can focus on the moments that matter most—celebrating your love story.
Thank you to Emily Michelson Photography for this cover photo! To see more of her work, check out her website!
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