Congratulations! You said “yes” – now what?
Getting engaged is a moment filled with excitement, celebration, and the beginning of a beautiful chapter. But once the champagne glasses are empty and the confetti settles, many couples find themselves wondering: Where do we start? At our luxury wedding planning firm, we’ve guided countless couples through this exact moment. Here are the first steps you should take if you got engaged this summer and are ready to start planning a spectacular celebration.
1. Take a Moment to Savor the Joy
Before diving into logistics and Pinterest boards, pause to truly celebrate your engagement. Whether it’s a romantic weekend getaway or an intimate dinner with close family, cherish this time together. It’s easy to get swept up in planning, but these moments are part of your love story, too.
2. Discuss the Vision-Together
Luxury weddings are custom-designed experiences, and the most unforgettable ones begin with a shared vision. Sit down with your fiancé and talk about the kind of wedding you both imagine. Think big-picture:
- Destination or hometown?
- Lavish ballroom or private estate?
- Modern glam or romantic garden?
Having a foundational idea of your ideal wedding will help guide all other decisions.
3. Set a Realistic Guest Count
Guest count directly affects everything from venue selection to catering and budget. Before you tour a single venue or consider stationery, get a ballpark figure. Decide whether you want an intimate gathering or a grand affair. This will shape your options and prevent unnecessary stress later.
4. Talk Budget Early and Honestly
Luxury doesn’t have to mean limitless. While high-end weddings include elevated design, premium vendors, and bespoke details, a budget is still essential. Consider:
- Who is contributing financially?
- What are your top priorities (e.g., food, fashion, flowers)?
- Are there areas where you’re willing to scale back?
At our firm, we create tailored plans that prioritize experience and aesthetic, while respecting financial parameters.
5. Choose a Wedding Planning Partner
This is one of the most important steps if you’re dreaming of a seamless, elevated wedding experience. A luxury wedding planner does far more than book vendors – we design the entire event journey, manage complex logistics, and serve as your advocate every step of the way.
Hiring your planner early allows us to assist with key decisions from the beginning, ensuring your day unfolds exactly as you envision. Many high-demand venues and vendors book a year or more in advance – especially for summer weddings – so early planning is crucial.
6. Secure a Date and Venue
Once you have a planner on board, selecting a venue becomes much more efficient. We often present our clients with a curated list of venues that match their style, guest count, and budget. Once the venue is secured, you officially have a wedding date – and everything else can begin to fall into place.
7. Start Building Your Dream Vendor Team
From couture gown designers to five-star caterers and renowned floral artists, your vendor team plays a huge role in the guest experience. One of the advantages of working with a luxury planner is access to trusted, top-tier professionals who match your style and values.
We’ll handle the outreach, contracts, timelines, and design alignment so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
8. Enjoy the Process
Planning a luxury wedding should be as joyful and exciting as the day itself. While there will be decisions to make, the journey can – and should – be stress-free. Lean on your planner, trust the process, and remember that this is your celebration. There are no rules other than the ones you create.
From “Yes” to “I Do” – Let the Magic Begin
An engagement marks the beginning of a new story. With thoughtful planning, clear vision, and expert support, your wedding can be an extraordinary reflection of your love. If you got engaged this summer, take a deep breath, smile – and know that your dream celebration is already in motion.
