Congratulations, you’re engaged! This is such an exciting time in your lives – but once the reality of planning a wedding sets in, it can also feel a little daunting. 

While it may seem like there’s a mountain of tasks ahead, it’s important to take a breath and remember that this experience should also be enjoyable, rewarding and fun.

Not sure where to begin? From discussing your priorities to sourcing inspiration, read on as we share our wedding planner’s guide to the first 6 things you should do after getting engaged.

Image via Jac Lee Weddings

Soak Up the Love Bubble.

Before you dive headfirst into wedding planning, take some time to bask in the joy of your engagement! Share the news with your loved ones, revel in the warm congratulations, and celebrate with your partner. This is a magical moment in your life, and it’s important to savour it. So enjoy your date nights, stare at your new ring, and relish the feeling of being in your love bubble.

Discuss What’s Truly Important.

The foundation of your wedding planning journey should begin with a heart-to-heart conversation with your partner about what truly matters to both of you. So, sit down over a glass of wine and discuss your shared values for the big day.

For example: do you want an intimate ceremony, a lavish celebration, or something in between? Are there specific traditions or cultural elements you want to incorporate? Do you want to plan a local wedding or a destination wedding? 

You’ll also want to agree on your top priorities for the day, and this will vary from couple to couple. For some couples, food and drink will be the number one priority, while for others, it may be music and entertainment. Having these discussions early will guide your decision-making, and ensure the end result aligns with your shared vision.

Image via Taylor Kezia

Choose a Date.

Selecting a wedding date is a significant milestone and one of the first concrete steps in planning your wedding. There are a few things to take into consideration, including the season, any significant dates that hold a special meaning to you, and the availability of your desired venue.

Here on the Gold Coast, our peak wedding season is typically between March – May and again from September – November. With this being said, we are absolutely spoilt for choice with mild weather all year-round, making winter weddings a beautiful choice, too! Find our tips for planning the perfect Gold Coast wedding here.

Create a Rough Budget and Guest List.

Now, it’s time to talk numbers. Establishing a budget early on will help you make informed decisions about all aspects of your wedding. Start by determining how much you and your families (if applicable) can contribute. This rough budget will serve as a guideline as you begin planning.

Simultaneously, you’ll want to start working on your guest list. Keep in mind that the size of your guest list can significantly impact your budget, so consider your priorities when finalising your numbers.

Image via Taylor Kezia

Start Gathering Inspiration.

Next, it’s time to dive into the world of wedding inspiration. The most obvious places to find wedding inspiration are platforms like Pinterest, Instagram and bridal blogs – but you can also find inspiration everywhere from interior design magazines to your very own wardrobe. It could be the decor from your favourite restaurant in Italy, or the pattern from a fabric you adore. We love when our couples find inspiration in unexpected places!

Keep an eye out for particular themes, colour palettes and details that resonate with your vision. And remember: your wedding should reflect your unique personalities and preferences. While it’s great to be inspired by trends, make sure your choices also feel authentic to you as a couple.

Reach Out to a Local Wedding Planner.

Planning a wedding can be a time-consuming and intricate process, and you may find it overwhelming. This is where a wedding planner comes in! 

A local wedding planner can help you manage all of the logistics involved in your day, including venue and vendor recommendations, budget management, timeline creation and more. They can also provide valuable insights and take a huge weight off your shoulders, leaving you to focus on enjoying the journey. Remember that your wedding planner should be someone you trust and feel comfortable working with, as you’ll be spending a lot of time communicating with each other.

Image via Taylor Kezia

As wedding planners, we love working with couples at all stages of their wedding planning journey – whether you’re seeking full-service planning or day-of coordination. 

Based on the Gold Coast, we plan weddings right across Brisbane, Byron Bay, the Tweed Coast and beyond. Learn more about our wedding planning services here, or get in touch to confirm availability for your event date.