So You’re Engaged. Now What? A Calm, Practical Guide to Your First Wedding Planning Steps

You’re engaged. Congratulations! Before you open 10 tabs, start a group chat or download every wedding planning checklist on the internet, pause. This moment matters. The engagement phase is short, emotional and full of excitement. You do not get it back. Take a breath. Celebrate. Call your people. Sit with the joy for a beat before jumping into logistics.

When you are ready, the goal is not to plan everything at once. It is to create a strong foundation that makes every next decision easier. Here is how to get started without feeling overwhelmed.

Step 1: Talk about priorities, not details

Before venues, colors or guest counts, talk about what matters most to you as a couple.

Ask each other:

• What do we want this day to feel like?

• What are the top three things we care about most?

• What do we want our guests to walk away saying?

These conversations shape your entire wedding planning process. They help you make confident decisions later and avoid getting pulled in too many directions by trends, opinions or social media.

This is also where your overall wedding vision starts to take shape. Not a mood board yet. Just words. Intimate. Lively. Elegant. Relaxed. Meaningful. Those descriptors matter more than specific design choices at this stage.

Step 2: Set a realistic wedding budget

Budget conversations are not fun, but they are essential. A clear wedding budget gives you freedom, not limits. It tells you where to invest and where to simplify.

Start with:

• Who is contributing financially, if anyone

• A total number you feel comfortable spending

• Any non-negotiables that deserve a larger share

Do not aim for perfection here. Aim for clarity. A working budget can evolve, but avoiding this step almost always leads to stress later.

If you are planning a Chicago wedding or a city-based event, keep in mind that pricing varies widely by season, venue type and guest count. A realistic budget paired with professional guidance can save you money in the long run.

Step 3: Create a rough wedding timeline

You do not need a full planning schedule yet, but you do need a big picture timeline.

Start with:

• Your ideal wedding season or month

• How long you want to be engaged

• Any immovable dates or commitments

Most couples benefit from 12 to 18 months of planning time, especially for popular venues and vendors. Shorter timelines are absolutely doable, but they require faster decisions and flexibility.

This is also a great time to consider hiring a wedding planner. Early support helps couples avoid common missteps and build a plan that fits their life, not just a checklist.

Step 4: Gather inspiration lightly

This is the fun part, but keep it intentional. Save ideas that feel aligned, not everything you see.

Look for patterns:

• Styles you consistently love

• Color palettes you are drawn to

• Guest experiences that resonate

Your wedding does not need to look like anyone else’s. It should reflect you.

One last reminder…

You are not behind. You are not doing it wrong. And you do not have to figure this out solo.

At Amanda Paige Events, we guide newly engaged couples through thoughtful, calm and organized wedding planning from the very beginning. If you are ready for support that feels clear and human, we would love to help you take the next step.

For now, enjoy being engaged. The planning will come.