04/14/2025
Asked & Answered, Now What?
The question was asked, the question was answered, and you’re engaged – congratulations! The next obvious question is, “Now what!?”! Before you start ordering invitations, there are just a few things you’ll want to get on right away, so here’s a rundown for you!
Call Family and Friends
Before you post the big announcement online, pick up the phone to let your family and close friends know! They’ll love hearing the news straight from you. After that, you can share your big news online.
Insure Your Ring
Engagement rings are a big investment! You never expect anything to happen to it, but it’s wise to get it insured just in case. Check to see if you can add it to an existing policy or get separate jewelry insurance.
Enjoy the Moment
These early weeks are special – don’t rush! Take a moment to cherish this special time.
After you get used to the ring on your finger, it’s time to get wedding planning! By breaking it down into steps, planning will be a lot easier.
Discuss Your Wedding Vision
What do you think…Big, traditional ceremony? A small, intimate one? Either way, deciding on the key points such as the style, size, location, budget, and date will help to reduce stress later.
Divide Wedding Responsibilities
Split up the to-dos so you’re both involved. Teamwork will make the whole process more enjoyable.
Set a Budget
This is important! Break it down into categories, such as venue, catering, rentals, attire, photography, and other costs. We recommend researching the average costs in your area to set realistic expectations.
Plan Your Engagement Party
It can be as simple as a dinner or a backyard gathering. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy this time before the wedding planning is in full swing.
Book Your Engagement Shoot
These photos can be used for save-the-dates and invitations, so they’re handy to have. With our venue rental at Ainsworth House & Gardens, we include time on the property for save-the-date or engagement photoshoots!
Choose a Date
You’ll want to consider season, location, and guests’ availability. If you want an outdoor wedding in Portland, aim for late spring to early fall for the best chance of sunshine. Once you choose a date, planning becomes much easier.
Draft Your Guest List
Knowing your numbers will help determine which venues you should tour and will also help you when booking other vendors later.
Research and Tour Venues
Venues book fast – sometimes up to two years in advance – so start your search early! Think about what’s included, guest capacity, and whether they have preferred vendors.
Choose Your Wedding Party
Decide who you want by your side on the big day. Ask them 6 to 12 months in advance so they can prepare for the events leading up to the wedding day.
Start a Wedding Checklist or Hire a Planner
Creating a checklist can help keep things on track. If you feel overwhelmed, consider hiring a wedding planner. They can help with suggestions and manage logistics.
Book Key Vendors
These are vendors like your venue, caterer, photographer, and florist. If there’s a vendor you absolutely love, book them as soon a you are able so they don’t get snatched up by someone else for your date!
Start Your Wedding Website
Wedding websites will help keep guests informed. You share details like dates and locations and link your registry. It’s also a great way to manage your RSVPs.
Start Dress and Suit Shopping
Dress shopping should start at least 8 to 10 months before the wedding to give ample time for alterations. Grooms should start looking for suits 2 to 4 months out.
Send Save-the-Dates and Invitations
Save-the-dates go out around 6 to 12 months before your wedding. Wedding invitations should go out 8 to 10 weeks before the big day. If you have out-of-town guests, consider sending invitations out even earlier.
Research Additional Vendors
Once the big vendors are booked, investigate others. Additional vendors to consider would be a hair/makeup artist, officiant, dance instructor, and rentals. Do some research, schedule trials, and get these booked!
Plan Pre-Wedding Events
Your wedding shower and bachelor(ette) parties usually happen 1 to 4 months before the wedding. If you have people traveling, consider having these events close to the wedding to save on travel costs for guests.
Have Fun With It!
Wedding planning takes time and effort, but it shouldn’t feel like a chore. Make sure to celebrate the small milestones along the way. At the end of the day, this is all about starting your life together.
Taking the process step-by-step makes wedding planning much more manageable. Stay organized, chat with your planner, and the process!
Image courtesy of Pixabay.com.
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