Blog post 4- You’re engaged!
First Steps in Wedding Planning After You Get Engaged
Congratulations! Getting engaged is an exciting milestone in any couple's journey. Once the initial excitement settles, the reality sinks in: it’s time to start planning your wedding! Luckily for you, we have done a wedding (or two) at The Haycraft. Here are some essential first steps to help you navigate this thrilling process smoothly.
Engaged! You’ve got the ring, now what?
1. **Take a Moment to Celebrate**
Before diving into planning, take some time to enjoy your engagement. Celebrate with your partner, family, and close friends. This period is a beautiful time in your relationship, and acknowledging it makes a difference! Host your first engagement party- it doesn’t have to be big, just celebrate!
2. **Set a Budget**
One of the first and most crucial steps in wedding planning is establishing a budget. Discuss with your partner what you are comfortable spending and make a list of priorities. Consider the contributions from family members, if any, and remember to allocate funds for unexpected expenses.
3. **Create a Timeline**
With a budget in place, it’s time to create a wedding timeline. Consider the season or specific date you envision for your wedding, then outline crucial milestones leading up to that day. A typical wedding planning timeline spans from 12 months to 18 months, but yours may vary based on your personal circumstances. At The Haycraft we are OFFICIALLY open for our 2026 wedding season, and Saturday dates fill FAST. Other planning timeline tips are found here on our friends blog too!
Are Fall Wedding colors the look you’re going for- What season are you wanting to plan your big day?
4. **Draft Your Guest List**
Creating a guest list early on will help you gauge the size of your wedding. Discuss it with your partner and decide on the kind of event you want — intimate or grand. Remember to take into account the venue size and budget when finalizing the list. Our venue comfortably holds up to 250 guests! There are lots of options when deciding a layout in both of our rooms to best suit your guest count and size.
5. **Choose a Theme or Style**
Think about the kind of wedding you envision. Would you prefer a formal setting, a rustic outdoor ceremony, or a fun destination wedding? Research different themes and styles to determine what resonates with both of you and start gathering inspiration. Looking for an industrial vibe? We’ve got you covered! Is a rustic barn more your thing? We love the space at The Barn at Magnolia Farm
GLAM, black and white, and statement glasses describes this bridal party perfectly
6. **Research Venues and Vendors**
Start researching potential wedding venues that fit your vision and budget. Once you have a shortlist, visit them if possible. At the same time, look into other vendors, such as photographers (Emma Jaimes Photography did this below of Mr and Mrs Craig!) caterers (Have you had Southern Lady’s Catering? YUM!), florists (Mulberry Florist is a great choice!), and entertainers such as MPE Entertainment as a DJ. Reading reviews and asking for recommendations can be incredibly helpful.
Mr and Mrs Craig @Emma Jaimes Photography
7. **Enlist Help**
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, so don’t hesitate to enlist help. Whether it’s family, close friends, or a professional wedding planner, having extra hands can ease the burden and bring new ideas to the table. Did you know we offer affordable in house Day of Coordination at the Haycraft? Let us know if you would like more information- you can email to book a Day Of Coordination quote here!
8. **Stay Organized**
Create a wedding planner binder or use digital tools to keep track of your ideas, contacts, and important information. Staying organized will help you feel more in control and less stressed throughout the planning process. A lot of our brides LOVE this handy one here or envelopes here.
9. **Enjoy the Process**
Lastly, remember that wedding planning should be an enjoyable experience for you both! Don’t let stress overshadow the joy of preparing for your future together. Take breaks, celebrate small victories, and most importantly, make time for each other amidst the planning.
Remember its about YOU as a couple!
By following these first steps in wedding planning, you’ll be well on your way to creating a memorable and meaningful wedding day. Congratulations on your engagement, and happy planning! Remember if you need anything you can always message or email us!
Thank you for stopping by our blog! We hope that you will consider hiring a locally owned wedding venue for your big celebration. Locally owned wedding venues provide the best wedding experience, they tend to have little to no turnover, they support the local economy and they are part of the community. Choosing a locally owned wedding venue means the world to our small owned wedding venues. In an effort to support locally owned wedding venues, we will feature five small business wedding venues in each of our blogs. Find locally owned wedding venues in the wedding venue map on WeddingVenueOwners.com
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