I Just Got Engaged, Now What?
Melissa Harjes Photo
That is the question, what are the next steps after getting engaged?
Well, the most important thing to do first is enjoy the moment! Tell all of your loved ones and closest friends about all the engagement details and get ready to enjoy this next chapter with your partner. Being engaged is such a fun time but it does involve a bit of stress when it comes to knowing what to do next. That’s why we’re here to guide you on the next big steps you should take!
Stilwell Photography
1.Decide On What Type of Wedding You Want to Have
Take the time to chat with your partner and decide what type of wedding vibe you’d like to have. That includes whether you want it to be big or intimate, located in a mansion or a backyard, and if you want it to be a party vibe or an elegant evening.2. Set A Budget
This one is huge in terms of wedding planning. Knowing a specific number that you don’t want to surpass will help align all the next steps including venue, vendors, and additional smaller details.
Setting your guest count will help when you tour wedding venues so they can provide you with accurate price points and totals. You also want to know this number so you can tour wedding venues that best align with your guest count.
Miotti Studio
Based on the vibe you and your partner decided on, it’s best to tour your top three wedding venues and compare those first. Once you secure your dream wedding venue then it’s time for the next step!
5. Book Your Vendors
The next best step is to book the other vendors that would be a part of your wedding day which includes a Photographer, Videographer, Content Creator, Florist, DJ or Band, Hair & Make Up, Bakery and any other vendors that you might want to help make your day special.
Megan & Kenneth
Once those main vendors are booked, then the extra fun planning starts! Decide on your color scheme, bridesmaids dresses, your dress, invitations, signage and stationary items, and all the other smaller details that you want to include during your day. This is where you can really express your and your partners love and showcase your personalities.
Below is a timeline structure for you to utilize based on time before your wedding date:
Booking major vendors: 12-24 months (timeline depends on area)
Bridal gown shopping: 12-14 months
Bridal gown alterations: 1-3 months
Suit Purchase/Rental: 4-8 months
Asking Wedding Party: 6-12 months
Save The Date Mailing: 6-12 months
Invitation Mailing: 6-12 weeks
Bridesmaid Dress Shopping: 4-8 months
Engagement Party: ASAP after engagement
Bridal Shower: 1-4 months
Bachelor/ette: 1-4 months
Of course, all of this information is just a guideline for stress free wedding planning. Engagements can be as long as you’d like or as short as you’d like.Here at The Briarcliff Manor, we’ve helped plan weddings within 2 months and within 15 months. It truly comes down to how you and your partner envision your wedding timeline.
Krutick Photography
We’d love to have you take a wedding tour of The Briarcliff Manor! Included in our wedding packages are Food and Beverage packages so there is no need for an outside caterer.
We have some basic in-house rentals included which are chairs, tables, linens, and napkins.
For a nice added touch of support throughout your special day, you’ll have an on-site day of coordinator, bridal attendant and host which is included in your wedding package.
There are of course additional enhancement options available such as our in-house decor specialist and photo booth and other food enhancements you can add to your included food and beverage package if you so choose.
Contact us today to book your tour and learn more about the beauty of The Briarcliff Manor! 914-944-1524