You just got engaged!!! EEEEEK!

Congratulations! You said yes, and now you’re engaged! This is such an exciting time in your life, and it’s completely normal to feel a mix of emotions—from joy and excitement to feeling a little overwhelmed. So, where do you start? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the journey from engagement to wedding day.

Celebrate the Moment

First things first, take a moment to soak it all in. Share the news with your loved ones in person or over the phone before posting it on social media. This is a special time to celebrate with your partner and those closest to you. Make sure you can process this AWESOME news in your fabulous bubble filled with love and excitement.

Pro Tip:

Take engagement photos! Not only will these capture this joyful time in your life, but they can also be used for save-the-dates or your wedding website. Also, take some time to just enjoy your newly engaged phase without jumping into the wedding planning all too quick! If you're keen to get started straight away, that's totally fine (in fact, the night I got engaged we had the entire guest list planned out along with a rough draft of locations and themes!), just make sure you also enjoy this phase of your life!

Discuss Your Vision as a Couple

Sit down with your partner, have a lovely date night and talk about your dream wedding. Do you envision a grand celebration, an intimate elopement, or something in between? Discuss key details like:

• Desired wedding date or general season
• Location preferences (local, destination, or somewhere sentimental)
• Style and vibe (rustic, modern, romantic, etc.)
• Indoor or outdoor ceremony?
• Registrar or celebrant ceremony?
• Big party? Or maybe an evening filled with board and arcade games instead?

The most important thing is that you discuss both of your ideas and preferences, write it all down and set some things that you are both willing to compromise on as well as your non-negotiables. This will help later on when you're talking about your budget! Remember, things can change along the way and that's ok. You just need to have realistic expectations - our own plans got DRAMATICALLY changed about 4 times before we settled down on the final plan.

Set a Budget

Before diving into specific planning, determine how much you’re comfortable spending. Decide who will contribute and prioritise where you want to allocate funds. The best way to do this, as we found, to figure out roughly when you'd like to get married and then find out how much you can both realistically save in that time (remember pretty much all vendor payments are due a month prior to your date). I genuinely wouldn't recommend getting yourself into debt for your wedding day. You want to make it a day to remember, but without the financial stress. I would also recommend giving yourself 15-20% unexpected expenses wiggle room in your savings.

Common budget categories include:

• Venue
• Catering
• Photography and Videography
• Outfits
• Flowers and Decor
• Entertainment

Start Your Guest List

Begin drafting a list of people you’d like to invite. Your guest count will significantly impact your budget and venue options, so it’s a good idea to have a rough estimate early on. Remember your wedding is not an everyone you have ever met reunion (unless you want it to be) but do not feel obliged to invite your third cousin's sister's brother in-law because you had dinner together two years ago. Invite people who you love and you want to truly celebrate the day with. They will all be there to celebrate your love and connection - good vibes only!

Do you want an intimate affair or a big blow our party? Everyone there for the whole day or split guests for day & evening?

Once you have your ideal numbers you should start your venue search, you can make final adjustments later.

Choose your Venue

Your venue sets the tone for your wedding. Research options that fit your budget and vision. Consider:

• Capacity
• Location
• Availability
• Amenities included (tables, chairs, catering, etc.)
• Getting ready rooms
• Ceremony space

When you're envisioning your wedding pictures - your venue is your backdrop. You simply won't be able to have bright and airy wedding photos in a dark and moody venue (and vice-versa!). Some venues do not allow you to access the getting ready rooms until 11am/12pm due to them having a wedding there the day prior. This most often means moving locations mid morning - which personally, I wouldn't recommend if you're looking to have a hairdresser or a make up artist. Try to minimise stress on the morning as much as possible. If you can both get ready in the same venue that's even better but often still not possible due to the venue's room set up. Colshaw Hall in Cheshire is one of the venues that have two designated getting ready spaces though they are more 'themed' - one with mirrors the other one with a pool table. Another one that jumps out is Combermere Abbey in Cheshire with their beautiful gardens. If you're looking in South Wales, Sant Ffraed House in Abergavenny has the most stunning spaces for both partners. Feel free to drop me a message and get more location specific recommendations depending on where you're looking!

Another thing to consider - are you having a ceremony and reception in one venue or are you considering a registry office + a venue? Some registry offices are absolutely stunning (look at the Nottingham Hall below left!) - ultimately it's 100% your choice, but do consider transport and flow of the day when planning.

A good way to save pennies on your day is considering places that will let you bring your own alcohol (look at corkage rates), places that already look beautiful without much styling (check out the photos from the Hayloft Bar & Grill - North Wales, ceremony space on the below right!) as well as looking at organising the day mid-week or out of season (Nov-March venues offer special deals as it's the slower period!).

Book Key Vendors Early

Popular vendors like photographers, videographers, and planners often book up quickly, especially for peak wedding seasons. Prioritise securing these key vendors early in your planning process. Though before booking anyone make sure you meet with them (on call or in person!) just to makes sure you get along! These people will be there with you the whole time so it's important you vibe :)

If you would like to have a call with me to discuss anything relating to your wedding planning you should fill out my contact form here!

Once you've secured your venue, photo/video team, celebrant/registrar your next steps would be looking at florists, catering, DJ/bands before moving onto other suppliers. For my couples, I always provide a comprehensive list of suppliers I know and trust to help guide them through the process.

Don’t Forget About Legalities

Check what paperwork and legal requirements are needed to get married in your chosen location. If you’re planning a destination wedding or elopement, this step is especially important.

For UK weddings, you’ll need to give notice of your marriage at your local registry office at least 28 days before your ceremony, in Scotland a celebrant can legally marry you in the wild but that's not the case in England or Wales. This is just a few things to consider but I promise it's not that scary once you get into it. Again, I'm always happy to help guide and answer any questions! We're getting married in September too so had to figure it all out!

Make It Personal

Your wedding should reflect you as a couple. Think about ways to incorporate personal touches, such as:

• Writing your own vows (my absolute fave!)
• Including family traditions or cultural elements
• Choosing a meaningful venue or date
• Don’t be afraid to break tradition if it doesn’t resonate with you. This is your day, after all!

Take Time for Yourselves

Wedding planning can be stressful, so remember to take breaks and spend quality time together without talking about the wedding. Keep your relationship at the heart of the process. Take breaks, go on dates and schedule time without any wedding talk.

Final Thoughts

Being engaged is a magical time—enjoy the journey and remember that your wedding is a celebration of your love. Whether you’re planning a grand affair or an intimate elopement, what matters most is that it feels right for you.

Hopefully these tips will help you get started in your wedding planning journey, whether you're getting married in 2025, 2026 or you're still just looking for ideas! It's a long process so take it easy and try and enjoy every step of it.

If you’re looking for a wedding photographer who captures real emotions and authentic moments, I’d love to chat! Whether it’s a Scottish Highlands elopement, Cheshire countryside wedding, Manchester City wedding and I’m here to help bring your vision to life and be an honorary bridesmaid.

Ready to Plan Your Dream Wedding or just want to book an engagement shoot to celebrate your happy news?

Let’s create something unforgettable together. Get in touch today!