Just Got Engaged? Here's Everything You Need To Think About First

Congratulations, you're engaged! However long it's been since that ring landed on your finger, I hope you're still catching yourself staring at it. This season is such a good one. Completely overjoyed and completely overwhelmed, all at the same time, and if that's where you're at right now, you are so normal. I put together a real list of everything worth thinking about in these first few months, so let's go through it together.

Right after you get engaged

Before you do anything else, actually enjoy this part. Let yourself be engaged for a minute before you dive into spreadsheets and Pinterest boards! Then dive in! So much goes into a wedding!

1. Sit down and talk through a real budget, including who's contributing and how much
2. Get a rough idea of your guest count, since it affects almost every decision after this
3. Pick a wedding date, or at least narrow it down to a season
4. Decide what kind of wedding you actually want. Big and formal, small and intimate, a destination trip, a backyard party, or a barn wedding. There's no wrong answer here, just what feels like you

Locking in the big pieces

This is the part that tends to feel the most urgent, and honestly, it kind of is. The best venues and vendors book up fast.

1. Book your venue as early as you can. For popular dates, nine to twelve months out is not too soon
2. Decide if you want a wedding planner or just someone to help coordinate the day itself. Even if you're the type who loves being organized on your own, a good day of coordinator means you actually get to enjoy your wedding instead of running it.
3. Choose your wedding party
4. Start dress shopping. Between ordering and alterations, it takes longer than most people expect

Finding your photographer

I'm putting this in its own spot because I truly believe it deserves the extra attention. At the end of the night, once the cake is gone and the flowers have wilted, your photos are the thing you'll actually still have. They're what you'll pull up on your anniversary, what you'll show your kids one day, what you'll hand down. The pictures on the wall and the wedding album will be what you look back on to remember the happiest day of your life.

So when you're looking for a photographer, look past the pretty portfolio for a second and ask yourself if you actually feel comfortable talking to this person. You are going to spend hours with them on one of the biggest days of your life, so personality fit matters just as much as style. Ask about their experience, how they handle timing on the wedding day itself, and how quickly you'll get your photos back.

And don't forget to book early. Photographers, especially the good ones, tend to book up a year or more in advance. I only take on a limited number of weddings each year so I can give every couple the attention they deserve. If you love what you see here and think we might click, I would genuinely love to hear about your day. Reach out and let's talk.

Book an engagement session If you haven't thought about an engagement session yet, let me talk you into one for a second.

Beyond just being a really fun date night, an engagement session is honestly one of the best things you can do to prepare for your wedding day. It gives you a chance to get comfortable in front of the camera and in front of me before the big day, so by the time your wedding rolls around, you're not feeling awkward or stiff in front of a lens. It also gives you a whole set of photos to use for save the dates, your wedding website, invitations, or just to post because you're excited and in love and you should get to show that off. ♥

A few of my wedding packages actually include a complimentary engagement session, so it's worth asking about when you reach out.

Getting the word out

Once the big pieces are in place, it's time to actually tell people what's happening.

1. Build a simple wedding website with your details, so guests always have a place to check
2. Send save the dates once your venue and date are locked in. This is a great spot to use those engagement photos
3. Set up your wedding registry. People will start asking sooner than you'd think.  Besides, it’s so much fun!
4. Send your formal invitations as your date gets closer

Ceremony and celebration details

This is where the day itself starts feeling real.

1. Choose your wedding officiant and start thinking about vows and readings
2. Book your hair and makeup trials
3. Sort out transportation for your wedding party and guests if you'll need it
4. Think through your rehearsal dinner and who's hosting it
5. Book your remaining vendors. Caterer, florist, DJ or band, videographer if you're having one

The practical stuff people forget

1. Look into your state's marriage license requirements. Every state is a little different, and there's usually a window for when you can apply
2. Start planning your honeymoon early. Flights and hotels are almost always cheaper the sooner you book
3. Give yourself grace. You will forget something, a detail will not go exactly as planned, and that is okay. The people who love you are there for you, not for a flawless event.  The most important part of your wedding is that you are there with the people that you love and that in the end you get married.  That’s what really matters.  ♥

If you're in the Newton or Wichita area and are just starting to think about your photographer or an engagement session, I would love to talk with you. This is genuinely one of my favorite parts of this whole job, getting to know a couple right at the very start of all this excitement, before a single detail is locked in. Reach out and let's see if we're a good fit for your day.