Your partner’s popped the question and you’ve shouted from the mountain top “YES!” Now What?! What do I do after getting engaged?

I am here to provide you with the necessary tools to tackle wedding planning with confidence.

Most newly engaged couples rush to join bridal groups and ask what their next steps should be now that they are engaged. To make it easier, I have curated universal steps to guide you through your wedded journey. Whether you’re just starting or have planned this day for years, this blueprint will help you stay on track. Read to the end for a special bonus tip.

1. Savor the Moment: Celebrate Your Engagement Before Diving Into Planning

Many couples forget to slow down and enjoy this milestone. YOU JUST GOT ENGAGED! Unless you are trying to get married next month, TAKE IT EASY, my friend!! Enjoy this moment for a few weeks. Use this time to cherish the times you’ve had with your significant other that has brought you to this point. Call your family and facetime your friends and talk about the proposal. Believe us your family has also been anticipating this moment as well.

Take a picture of your ring and post it to your social media and watch the hearts flood in. Psst, people love this stuff. Jumping into planning too soon can feel overwhelming, so take your time. Remember, it’s your wedding, you control the timeline. So moral of the story…STOP AND BREATHE. JUST BREATHE!

2. Set the Date: Choosing the Perfect Wedding Day for Your Dream Celebration

This is for sure your next to-do item to check off your list. Your wedding date will dictate every major decision. It determines vendor availability, the season of your wedding, and your overall planning timeline. Whether you opt for a short or long engagement, setting a date early will streamline your planning process.

Pick a meaningful date—perhaps your anniversary or the day you first met—or check your dream vendor’s availability. If you’re planning a wedding within the next 12 months, start assembling your vendor team immediately. Many top-tier vendors book out at least nine months in advance. A longer engagement gives you more flexibility, reducing stress and expanding your options.

Free Budgeting tip: Booking your wedding during the off-season can significantly cut vendor costs. Always ask about off-season rates—each vendor structures pricing differently!

3. Define Your Budget: Allocating Funds for a Memorable Wedding Experience

Your budget is the foundation of your wedding vision, so establish it before booking vendors or getting lost in Pinterest inspiration and wedding magazines. Costs can spiral when excitement takes over, so list estimates for each vendor and detail to stay on track.

Refine your wedding vision by identifying your top priorities. For those with a limitless budget, the sky’s the limit, so skip to step 4. Those with a smaller budget may require further adjustments, such as opting for an intimate guest list or rethinking luxury details. Whether its bespoke details or focusing on select Chicago wedding vendors, your budget will help focus your wedding dreams while ensuring a refined, elegant celebration.

4. Curate Your Guest List: Finding the Perfect Balance of Intimacy & Elegance

Guest count is a key factor in curating an elegant, seamless wedding experience. Before securing your dream venue, have a rough estimate of your guest list to ensure it aligns with its capacity.

An intimate 50-person soirée differs greatly from a grand 200-guest celebration, impacting catering, service quality, and overall ambiance. High-end venues often price per guest, so understanding this early helps refine your budget for an elevated experience. Prioritizing guest experience ensures a flawless, luxurious wedding tailored to your vision.

5. Build Your Dream Vendor Team: Securing the Best in the Industry

Now for the exciting part—booking the vendors who will bring your vision to life. If you have your heart set on a specific venue, photographer (hint: that’s me!), or planner, reach out to them as soon as possible. Top-tier vendors, especially in Chicago, book out years in advance due to high demand.

To ensure an exclusive, flawless experience, prioritize vendors who align with your aesthetic and values. Once secured, you can focus on the finer details that elevate your wedding from stunning to truly unforgettable.

6. Gather Inspiration: Crafting a Vision That Reflects Your Love Story

With your elite vendors secured, it’s time to curate the aesthetic of your dream wedding. Explore high-end bridal magazines, luxury wedding blogs, and exclusive Instagram pages for inspiration—but focus on creating a one-of-a-kind celebration that reflects your personal style.

From opulent floral designs to sophisticated color palettes, define what elements are essential and what can be refined. You’ve handled the major planning—now, indulge in the artistry of crafting an unforgettable wedding experience.

**BONUS TIP**

7. HIRE A PLANNER: Why Expert Guidance Elevates Your Big Day.

Feeling overwhelmed or short on time? I highly…HIGHLY recommend hiring a professional wedding planner (or at least a Month of Coordinator) to transform your wedding experience. These experts handle the heavy lifting, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy your engagement.

Your wedding should be joyful—not stressful. Don’t let planning take that away from you. If you’re unsure where to start, I am happy to recommend some of Chicago’s top wedding planners we enjoy working with!

These early steps will save you time, stress, and unnecessary headaches. I’ve only scratched the surface, but I hope this guide helps!

If you’re still searching for a Chicago Wedding Photographer, explore my Portfolio or Contact Us to chat about capturing your dream wedding. I’d love to be part of your special day!

Happy Planning!