It's Engagement Season...and you just said YES!
The holiday season is often dubbed "engagement season"! That magical time when proposals are as frequent as festive lights. For many couples in love, this time of year brings a flurry of excitement, joy, and of course, the life-changing moment of getting engaged. If you’ve recently found yourself with a shiny new ring on your finger, congratulations! You’re embarking on an exciting new chapter of your life.
But now that you've said "yes" and you're basking in the glow of your engagement, you may be wondering: What’s next? Here is a breakdown of steps to take after you get engaged, so you can start your wedding planning journey with confidence and clarity.
Step 1: Celebrate the Moment
We know how very excited you are, but first, take a moment and breathe in the sweetness of this moment. Take a few moments to enjoy this exciting milestone in your life together. Before you jump headfirst into planning, allow yourself to simply enjoy this exciting moment. Share the happy news with your closest family members and friends first, soak up their well-wishes, and celebrate your commitment to each other.
This step may sound simple, but it’s an important foundation in your relationship, remember, it is the relationship that is the foundation. The memories you make during your engagement set the tone for your entire wedding planning process, so savor every little moment.
Step 2. Set the Date (Kind Of)
You don’t have to set an exact wedding date right away, but it is a good idea to have a general idea of when you'd like to tie the knot. Is there an important season? Any specific special date that means a lot to the both of you? Some couples choose a season, while others opt for a specific year or date. Keep in mind that wedding venues and vendors can get booked up quickly, especially in peak wedding seasons, so it's helpful to at least have a timeframe in mind.
SpringHaus Farm has all their available dates on their website!
Step 3. Create an Overall Budget
While it may not be the most exciting part of the process (talking about money never is exciting), creating a budget is essential. Weddings can be expensive, and it's important to establish how much you’re willing to spend from the get-go. This will impact all your decisions from venue choice to catering options to how big your guest list will be.
Work with your partner or parents to set a realistic budget that fits both of your expectations and financial situations. You don't want to start off your new life together in debt, so having the conversation in the beginning is very important! You may also want to have a conversation with both families to see if they’re contributing, which will help shape the final budget.
Step 4. Start Thinking Wedding Style
Take some time to envision what you both want your wedding day to look like. Do you want a grand celebration with hundreds of guests or a small, intimate gathering? Do you imagine a formal ballroom setting or a relaxed beachside ceremony?
A Pinterest board or wedding inspiration book can be a helpful way to collect ideas and start forming a vision for your big day. At this stage, it’s all about dreaming big, and you can refine the details later as you start making decisions.
Step 5. Create a Guest List
The guest list is one of the first decisions you’ll need to make, and it’s often one of the hardest to nail down. Sit down with your partner and families to draft an initial list of potential guests. Don’t worry about exact numbers yet – just get all the names down, and start to narrow it down as you go. Remember that your guest list will have a big impact on your venue choices, catering options, and overall wedding vibe. Be prepared for discussions (or even disagreements) about who should and shouldn’t make the cut, but keep in mind that this is your day, and you and your partner should have the final say.
SpringHaus Farm has a seating capacity for up to 250 in their large white oak barn, and an outdoor pine tree ceremony space for your closest friends and family.
Step 6. Start Researching Vendors
Once you have a general idea of your budget, date, and wedding style, it’s time to start researching potential vendors. This includes venues, caterers, photographers, florists, and more. You’ll want to secure key vendors early, particularly the venue and photographer, as they tend to book up months in advance. Do your research, read reviews, and ask for recommendations from friends and family. Most importantly, start setting up tours for venues as most venues schedule about a year out. A great venue, like SpringHaus Farm, will have suggestions for great vendors such as caterers, DJ, photobooth, bakeries, photographer etc.
At SpringHaus Farm, the owners offer a booked couples wedding guide that breaks everything down for you as you start to plan.
Step 7. Consider Engagement Photos
Engagement photos by a professional photographer are a fun way to commemorate this special time in your life. They can also serve as great practice for the big day when you’re in front of the camera. Many couples use these photos for save-the-dates, social media announcements, or even as decorations at their wedding.
Find a photographer whose style you love and plan a shoot that reflects your personalities. Whether you choose to have a casual session or something more formal, make sure to enjoy the process and have fun with it!
Step 8. Talk About Your Vision for the Future
Beyond the wedding day, it’s important to discuss your future together. This might not be a conversation you have on your engagement night, but as the planning progresses, take time to talk about your long-term goals as a couple. Some common questions include, do you want to buy a house soon? Start a family? Travel the world? These conversations are an important part of your engagement journey and will set the foundation for your marriage.
Engagement season is just the beginning of an exciting adventure! Enjoy every moment of it! As the engagement season kicks into full swing over the holidays, many couples find themselves buzzing with excitement, but also a little bit of uncertainty about the next steps. Whether you’re just starting to plan or already on one knee and deep in decisions, remember that the journey is as beautiful as the destination. Stay organized, communicate openly with your partner, and most importantly, enjoy the process!
We very much appreciate you stopping by our SpringHaus Farm blog , reach out soon to secure a tour and get your date logged in. 2025 is filling up fast, so schedule at tour today!
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