Planning a wedding can be a huge fete and it is so important to enjoy the season of life that you are in.  Whether you have been dreaming of your wedding day forever and are ready to jump into the planning head first or you are overwhelmed by all the things, here are the first action steps you should do after getting engaged.

Celebrate and enjoy the moment.

Share the good news, cheers the champagne and soak it all the excitement.  Treat yourself to a fresh mani (my fav color is Bubble Bath by OPI), show off that new bling and get excited for the journey that is before you.  Then.. just stare at that those pretty digits and your blinding ring.  It is ok to stare at it- it is YOURS!

Create an Inspiration Board.

One of my favorite places to compile all my favorite ideas from home decor to wedding planning is Pinterest. Together, with your fiance (he is part of this process too), discuss what you want your wedding to look like, feel like and encompass.  Remember, this day is a reflection of the two of you and your love for each other.  Pin all the things that you both love.

Discuss the Budget.

Now it is time to get realistic.  Have an honest conversation with your fiance, your parents and his parents in regards to expectations and who plans to contribute what to the wedding.  Don’t know where to start with the budget?  Consider consulting with a planner in your market to get a better idea of what weddings cost in your area.

Create Your Guest List.

Create an Excel Google Document begin plugging in your dream list of guests, invite your fiance, his parents and your parents to contribute to the list.  While the guest list does not need to be perfect or exact, these numbers will help you have a better idea of guest count for where you will hold the celebration, how much the wedding will cost (prices typically increase with guest count), etc.

PRO TIP: Gather addresses sooner than later.  One of the biggest hold up in the printing and mailing of Save the Dates and invitations is that we are waiting to receive a complete guest address file.

PRO TIP 2: Make a count of how many guests will need accommodations to properly book hotel group blocks.

Hire a Wedding Planner.

Whether you are looking for a planner to assist with the entire process or someone for solely event management (you plan the wedding and hand over the reigns), a planner is going to become one of your best friends in the planning process.  As I often say, while you might speak fluent Spanish, I speak weddings fluently.  A planner is going to help you navigate through the planning process from ensuring you are hiring the best vendors for your wedding day to keeping you on task.

Select Your Ceremony and Reception Venue.

If your Ceremony will be at a separate location from your reception, it is ideal to book this space first.  With Church Ceremonies, it is important to lock that location in as quickly as possible. Then, book your reception venue based upon your guest count, budget and style.

Secure Your Remaining Vendors

We all love the pretty details, but creating a strong foundation to your event is imperative.  Following the booking of ceremony and reception venues, book the vendors that can only work one event in a day: photography, videography and band/DJ.  After these key vendors, work to determine catering and bar.

Once your foundation for your celebration has been built, it is easier to forecast how floral, linens and tabletop can work into your budget.

Now, the most important thing to do is BREATHE and CELEBRATE!
Relax and enjoy every single minute of engagement!