As a Jackson Hole wedding and proposal photographer, I’m around engaged people a lot, here’s how it typically goes. Your significant other has just gotten down on one knee to ask you for forever. You have already spread the news that you’re engaged like a wildfire. You are SO excited! And now a few weeks have gone by and you realize what this entails… a WEDDING. The planning process can seem daunting, but we’re breaking down the first wedding planning decisions after getting engaged! 

It’s time to get planning. What do you do now? Because I’ve been around the wedding scene for so long, I know exactly what details you want to be working on. So I’m here to help you get started! Let’s do this thing.

First Decisions After Getting Engaged

One of the first wedding planning decisions you’ll make is choosing a wedding date! It’s important to pick a good wedding date right after you get engaged. You’ll know how long you have to get all your details sorted if you do so. When you have a time frame, or even a time of year, it makes it so much easier for selecting vendors! Having a time of year selected will help you work with your dream vendors to ensure they’ll be there for your big day.

There are a few crucial questions to ask when picking the perfect day to be married. First off, when is a good time for you and your partner? What about family members you’ll want there? If you’re both working or going to school, when is the slow season? Also, do you want an indoor or outdoor wedding? If you’d like to have a local wedding make sure the normal weather is something you’re able to use to your advantage. Considering Jackson Hole? I’m your gal!

Now it’s time to create a space where you can write things down. You can use a notebook or binder if you’re someone who is more hands on. If you’re tech savvy, a Google Doc folder, or possibly an app such as The Knot’s wedding app might be really handy! With The Knot’s app you can create a wedding website so people don’t have to ask you any questions. They have vendors you can speak with right at the touch of a button. Also allowing your registries to be found in one spot. Whatever you choose, this is where you can keep track of everything from receipts to appointments with vendors. One of the first things you can write down is YOUR WEDDING DATE!

Let’s Get Down to Business

There are a ton of checklists out there to choose from. You can look through a few checklists and see which items are the most important to you both. From there, you can get started. After the date, one of the most important things to figure out is the budget. Then you’ll be able to prioritize what you want depending on how much it costs. 

Nevertheless, guest count plays a huge factor in budget. The more people you invite, the bigger your budget will need to be. Your venue has to have enough room and if you’re doing a meal for everyone this will take up a lot of your budget.

Wedding Planners Save Lives

If you’re planning on hiring a wedding planner, I would do this right off the bat after figuring out the date and guest list. Since this is your first time being engaged, it might help to have someone who has been in the wedding game for some time. It may get rid of some of the wedding planning stress. They might have connections to some of your favorite vendors, or will help find people you’re bound to love. 

Depending on how long there is until your wedding date, you can plan what details you need to get done first. Having a wedding photographer on your side, makes things a ton easier! However, if your favorite venue is booked out pretty far, you might want to get a hold of them before doing anything else. You’ll also need to reach out to an officiant, florists, caterers, DJ, and of course a photographer! If you’re getting married somewhere in the Tetons, including Jackson Hole, I’m your girl! 

Something that can come a little later, but also needs to get done, is ordering the rental items. If your venue doesn’t have them you’ll want tables, chairs, linens, silverware, etc. You’ll also need to remember to do your registries, that’s the fun part! I recommend registering at places that have items you’ll actually use. If you’re not one to use Fine China, don’t register for it. 

Don’t Forget Your Fiance in the First Wedding Planning Decisions! 

Wedding planning can get a little overwhelming. Especially in the beginning when first wedding planning decisions are coming at you quickly! Sometimes you need to take a step back, look into your significant other’s eyes and remember why you’re doing this. You’re engaged to the one you love and you want the whole world to know! Don’t get swept up in the chaos and forget that this is supposed to be fun. And don’t forget to include your significant other in all of the decisions. 

Now that you’re engaged, you need some gorgeous photos of you in that ring! I’m here for you, so send me a message!