Just Engaged! Your Next Steps in Wedding Planning

Congratulations! Whether your proposal was a total surprise or something you planned together, this is such an exciting time. Once the initial glow settles and you’ve shared the news with friends and family, it’s normal to wonder: Okay… now what?

Wedding planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This guide will walk you through the most important next steps - one bite-sized decision at a time!

1. Soak It In (Yes, Really)

Before diving into spreadsheets and Pinterest boards, give yourselves permission to enjoy being engaged. Celebrate together and be with each other, take photos, call loved ones, and let the moment sink in. This chapter goes by quickly so don’t rush past it.

2. Talk Big Picture: Your Vision

It is worthwhile to set aside time for a relaxed conversation to talk about what you both imagine for your wedding day. Close your eyes and choose just one important moment - think of your surroundings and the people but not the details - there are no right or wrong answers here, it's just a way of understanding what might be important to you. Your vision may involve you and your children playing or it may be an intimate moment together as a couple away from guests. Talk through your visions together and prioritise what is vital for you both.

Things to discuss:

• Wedding size: intimate or grand?

• Overall vibe: formal, casual, romantic, modern, destination, simple?

• Season or timeframe: spring, fall, next year, or further out?

• Non-negotiables: live band, cultural traditions, specific locations, or guest experiences?

  
  

This conversation becomes your planning compass when decisions pile up later.

Another great idea at this stage is to find other wedding examples or Pinterest boards that inspire you as this can help you convey your ideas to your partner and give you something to refer back to, however, don't get drawn in to other weddings and limit your time looking on websites for now.

3. Set a Realistic Budget

Budget talk isn’t glamorous, but it is empowering. Knowing your budget early helps you make confident choices and can navigate you in avoiding unnecessary stress.

Start with:

• Who is contributing financially - yourselves, family etc

• A comfortable total number

• Your top 3 priorities (venue, food, photography, entertainment, decor etc.)

  
  

Remember: your budget should support your values and not someone else’s expectations.

Having spoken about your ideal wedding during Step 2 now is a good time to look at those moments you decided were most important and whether your budget is realistically going to cover them.

Don't worry if you think your budget won't stretch, remember your important moment from the visualisation in Step 2? This is a great way to help make cut-backs that won't ruin the feel you want for your day.

E.g I don't need an expensive venue to enjoy playing with my children but I do need to prioritise some space and entertainment.

4. Draft a Guest List (Yes, Early!)

You don’t need a final list yet, but a rough estimate is essential. Your guest count affects nearly every major decision, especially your venue and catering costs, and will impact how far your budget will go.

A helpful approach:

• Create an A list (must-invites)

• A B list (would-love-to-invite)

• Compare your list with your budget and vision

  
  

This step alone can save you time, money, and tough conversations down the road. Try to include everyone from your A list and B list, but if your budget doesn't allow then you will need to decide if you make cut backs on other areas or your guest list. If making cut backs on your guest list, do you remove all B list and have an intimate wedding? Or do you remove individual people? The former may be easier to justify to those you don't invite but the latter means involving more people on your special day.

Later, once you have decided on your final guest list, stick to your chosen guest list and avoid the temptation or pressure to invite more guests.

5. Choose a Date (or a Date Range)

When it comes to choosing a wedding date then flexibility is your friend - especially if you’re early in the planning process. Many couples choose a season or a few potential dates before locking one in.

Consider:

• Venue availability

• Work schedules

• Travel ease for key guests

• Weather and seasonal pricing

  
  

Once you’ve secured a venue, then your date becomes official. Just don't forget a registrar, if necessary!

6. Book the Big Priorities First

Some vendors book up quickly, especially during peak wedding seasons, it's best to book your vendors early to avoid disappointment. Once you’ve confirmed your date and budget, focus on the essentials:

Typically booked first:

• Venue

• Wedding planner or coordinator

• Photographer/videographer

• Caterer (if not included)

• Entertainment (band or DJ)

  
  

Hiring professionals you trust will make the rest of the planning process much smoother. Ensure your supplier is prompt and willing to answer your questions - no matter how 'silly' you think they will be. Good and regular communications between yourself and the supplier will help ease stress leading up to and on your wedding day.

7. Start a Planning System That Works for You

Whether you love color-coded spreadsheets or prefer a simple checklist, find a system you’ll both actually use. Using a planning system will help you keep on track of payments, communicate effectively with your suppliers and keep you both in the loop!

Ideas:

• A shared digital folder

• A wedding planning app

• A physical binder

• Monthly planning check-ins together

  
  

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s staying organised and sane.

At this stage it is worth creating a rough timeline of events and sharing with your vendors, in doing so, you can iron out any problems early. Be cautious of venues/vendors who will only finalise your timeline a few weeks before your wedding day, you need time to communicate your timeline to all vendors and guests and you don't want to be going backwards and forwards the week before your big day!

8. Remember: This Is About the Two of You

There will be opinions. Lots of them. When things feel overwhelming, come back to this question:

“Does this choice reflect who we are and what we want?”

If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track.

Final Thought

Wedding planning is a journey—one filled with excitement, learning, and a few inevitable challenges. Take it step by step, communicate openly, and remember to enjoy the process.

And don't forget, if you really are not enjoying wedding planning, are too busy, or you have very little time between now and your wedding date, hiring a wedding planner is always recommended. A good wedding planner will be worth their salt, reducing your stress, getting more for your budget and providing inspiring ideas.

Looking for More Wedding Planning Inspiration?

If you’re feeling inspired and want even more helpful tips, real wedding stories, and planning advice, we’d love to welcome you over to www.weddingsbygouldphotography.co.uk.

Expert insights from friendly Bristol wedding photographers

to beautiful, real-life celebrations, our blog has ideas to help you plan a wedding day that truly feels like you. Whether you’re just getting started or finalising the details, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Happy wedding planning!