Newly Engaged?

The holidays are famously engagement season.

Maybe you got engaged under twinkly lights, after a cozy dinner, or in the middle of celebrating with your favorite people. However it happened, I hope you are still soaking in that feeling.

This season is exciting and also a little surreal. The ring is real. The promise is real. And suddenly so is the planning ahead.

Many couples describe the first week post engagement like this:

“We are thrilled, but… we have no idea what we are supposed to do next.”

If you feel that way, you are not alone. Let’s walk through what actually matters in those first steps because getting this part right will shape how your entire planning journey feels.

First Step: Slow Down and Talk About What You Want Together

It is tempting to jump straight into venues, Pinterest boards, and dress shopping.
But here is the truth I have seen over and over again as a planner:

Couples who skip the alignment conversation later hit overwhelm, tension, or decision fatigue.

So before you make inquiries or commitments, set aside time for a date night or cozy at home chat and talk through:

• What do we want this wedding to feel like?

Romantic, lively, laid back, elegant, nature inspired, or something else?

• What size wedding reflects us?

Fifty guests? One hundred and fifty? Just immediate family?

• What scenery feels right?

Mountains, lakeside, seaside, farmhouse, winery, city, backyard?

• What traditions matter to us? What do not?

Vows, dances, speeches, religious elements, a casual reception, etc.

• What experience do we want our guests to have?

This is often the missing question, and it changes everything.

When you identify your values and vision early, you naturally make clearer decisions, spend money more intentionally, and avoid booking things that do not serve your priorities.

Second Step: Talk About Budget Honestly

Budget is rarely romantic, but it is essential.

Instead of thinking “how much does a wedding cost,” think “what are we comfortable investing in this celebration?”

A simple budget conversation includes:

• What savings or family support may be available
• What your practical spending range looks like
• What categories matter most

This is where many couples realize they need guidance, because it is hard to know what vendors cost or how to allocate funds without industry insight.

This is exactly where Planning Only services can be a game changer.

More on that in a moment.

Third Step: Identify Your Planning Style

Every couple falls into one of these categories:

✔ We love planning and want to handle most of it
✔ We want structure but prefer guidance
✔ We want someone to take over entirely

There is no right answer. The important thing is knowing yours.

Once you understand your style, it becomes easier to choose the kind of support you need.

Fourth Step: Gather Inspiration, But Do It Intentionally

Pinterest is wonderful, but it can become overwhelming fast.

Start with:

• Pinning feelings instead of specific décor
• Saving imagery that reflects tone, season, color, or vibe
• Noticing common threads between your favorite images

This makes your planning cohesive instead of cluttered with mismatched ideas.

Fifth Step: Get Aligned and Ask for Guidance Early

So many couples wait too long to get help and only reach out when stress peaks.

You do not need a full planner to benefit from expertise.

That is why I offer Planning Only Support for couples who:

• Want clarity and direction
• Need someone to walk them through what comes first
• Want answers about budgets, timelines, and vendors
• Desire an intentional start but plan to execute themselves
• Prefer a curated plan instead of figuring it out alone

With this service we can:

✨ Discuss priorities so you plan based on values
✨ Build your early roadmap
✨ Talk budget expectations based on your area
✨ Walk you through vendor sequencing
✨ Create a framework that prevents overwhelm
✨ Give you confidence before you spend a single dollar

I like to say this service gives you the foundation professional planners use to build weddings that feel purposeful and enjoyable.

You get someone in your corner early, without committing to full planning.

Why Starting This Way Matters

When couples begin with alignment and guidance, they:

• Fight less about decisions
• Are less overwhelmed by options
• Book vendors sooner and more intentionally
• Spend smarter
• Enjoy their engagement more

And that last one might be the most important.

Your engagement should not feel stressful.
It should feel exciting, grounding, and full of possibility.

If You Are Recently Engaged, Celebrate First… Then Reach Out When You Are Ready

Take photos. Call loved ones. Stare at your ring. Dream a little.

Then, when you are ready for clarity and direction, I would love to help you begin this journey intentionally.

Planning Only Support is now booking 2026 and 2027 weddings
which means this is the perfect time to start those foundational conversations.

If you want to learn more or schedule a consultation, you can connect with me here.
Your planning journey deserves support that feels personal, calming, and empowering.

You have got this. And I am cheering you on every step of the way!

Photos: Indigo West Photography