You're engaged! Now what? Before you start pinning every wedding dress on Pinterest and taste-testing every cake flavor in town, take a moment to pause and plan. Here are five essential things to do after getting engaged to avoid wedding planning chaos and create the big day you've dreamed of.

1. SAVOR THE MOMENT

Before diving into the whirlwind of wedding planning, take some time to bask in the joy of your engagement. This special period is fleeting, so make the most of it.

Why it's important: Engagements are a unique time in your relationship. It's a chance to celebrate your love and commitment before the hustle and bustle of wedding planning begins. Savoring this moment allows you to strengthen your bond and create lasting memories.

Tips for enjoying your engagement:

• Plan a romantic date night to celebrate just the two of you.

• Host an engagement party with close friends and family.

• Take engagement photos to capture this special time.

• Start a journal to document your feelings and experiences.

There’s no rush to jump into planning mode immediately. Give yourselves permission to enjoy being fiancés for a while!

2. SET A BUDGET

While it might not be the most glamorous task, setting a budget is crucial and should be one of your first priorities.

Why it's important: Your budget will influence every decision you make about your wedding, from the venue to the guest list size. Having a clear financial plan helps prevent overspending and reduces stress throughout the planning process.

Tips for creating a wedding budget:

• Have an honest conversation with your partner about your financial situation.

• Determine if any family members will be contributing and discuss their expectations.

• Research average wedding costs in your area.

• Prioritize what aspects of the wedding are most important to you.

• Don't forget to include often-overlooked expenses like alterations, tips, and marriage license fees.

A beautiful and meaningful wedding is possible at any budget. Be realistic and focus on what matters most to you as a couple.

3. DRAFT A GUEST LIST

Creating a preliminary guest list early in the planning process is more important than you might think.

Why it's important: Your guest list directly impacts your budget, venue choice, and overall wedding style. Having a rough idea of your guest count will help you make informed decisions as you move forward with planning.

Tips for creating your guest list:

• Start with your immediate families and closest friends.

• Decide on plus-one policies early.

• Consider whether you'll invite children.

• Think about how many guests your ideal venue can accommodate.

• Be prepared to make compromises and have difficult conversations if necessary.

Your wedding is about celebrating with the people who matter most to you. Quality often trumps quantity when it comes to your guest list.

4. CHOOSE A DATE AND BOOK A VENUE

Selecting your wedding date and securing a venue are often intertwined tasks that should be tackled early in the planning process.

Why it's important: Popular venues can book up quickly, especially for peak wedding seasons. Having your date and venue locked in provides a solid foundation for the rest of your planning, from booking vendors to sending save-the-dates.

Tips for choosing a date and venue:

• Consider the pros and cons of different seasons (weather, pricing, availability).

• Think about any significant dates for you as a couple.

• Be flexible with your date if you have a dream venue in mind.

• Visit multiple venues before making a decision.

• Read contracts carefully and ask about what's included in the price.

• Don't forget to consider logistics like parking and accommodation for out-of-town guests.

Your venue sets the tone for your entire wedding, so choose a place that reflects your style and personality as a couple.

5. HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER (OR START ORGANIZING YOURSELF)

Whether you decide to hire a professional or tackle the planning yourselves, now is the time to start getting organized.

Why it's important: Wedding planning involves many moving parts. Having a system in place from the beginning will help you stay on track and reduce stress as you navigate the planning process.

Tips for hiring a wedding planner:

• Research professional planners in your area and read reviews.

• Schedule consultations with a few different planners to find the right fit.

• Be clear about your budget and expectations.

• Ask about their experience with your venue or wedding style.

Tips for self-planning:

• Invest in a good wedding planning book or binder.

• Create a dedicated email address for wedding-related communications.

• Set up a shared document or planning app with your partner.

• Start researching and reaching out to vendors early.

• Create a timeline of tasks and deadlines.

Getting engaged is an exciting milestone, but it's just the beginning of your journey towards marriage. Take these key steps early in your engagement, you'll set a strong foundation for the planning process ahead.

The Bell Tower on 34th is a leading Luxury Wedding Venue in Houston, TX.

Our elegant venue, featuring a grand staircase and beautiful garden setting, is a short drive from downtown Houston.

Contact us to schedule a tour.

The Bell Tower on 34th

901 W 34th St, Houston, TX 77018

(713) 868-2355