What to Book First When You’re Newly Engaged
You’re engaged—congratulations! Whether you’re still riding the high from the proposal or already knee-deep in Pinterest boards, the early days of engagement can feel like a whirlwind. Between the excitement, celebration, and the influx of questions from friends and family, it can be tough to know where to begin.
That’s why having a clear roadmap of what to prioritize first is so important. Wedding planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or chaotic—especially if you approach it step-by-step. Here’s your guide to what to book first after getting engaged, and why these early decisions will shape everything else.
Have the Budget Conversation First
Before you start touring venues or reaching out to vendors, sit down together and talk numbers. Decide who’s contributing financially, what you’re comfortable spending, and what your top priorities are.
This step might not be glamorous, but it’s foundational. A clear budget will keep you grounded as you make choices and help you avoid unnecessary stress down the road.
Draft a Guest List (Yes, This Early!)
You don’t need your final guest list yet, but a rough estimate is essential. Your headcount affects your venue options, catering costs, rentals, and more.
Ask yourselves: Do you want something intimate or more grand? Are you envisioning a destination celebration or something local? Knowing your general guest count will give you clarity as you move forward.
Secure Your Wedding Date + Venue
Your venue is the backbone of your entire wedding day—it determines your date, your style, your vendor availability, and sometimes even your timeline.
Popular venues book up 12–18 months in advance, so this is one of the first big decisions you’ll want to make. Once your venue and date are locked in, everything else can fall into place around them.
Book High-Demand Vendors Early
Once you have your venue and date, it’s time to reach out to the vendors who typically book out the fastest. These often include:
- Photographer
- Planner or Coordinator
- Videographer
- Caterer (if not included with venue)
- Band or DJ
Start by researching vendors whose style aligns with yours. Reach out to schedule consults, ask about pricing, and see who feels like the right fit—not just professionally, but personally.
Start Thinking About the Vibe + Vision
Now that the foundation is in place, you can have fun dreaming about your wedding style. Think about colors, floral inspiration, attire, and how you want the day to feel. Don’t feel like you have to decide everything right away. This is where mood boards and browsing past weddings for inspiration can really help.
Don’t Forget Your Engagement Session
This is a great time to schedule your engagement photos (especially if you’re planning to use them for save-the-dates). An engagement session is also the perfect way to get comfortable in front of the camera and start building a relationship with your photographer.
The beginning of your engagement is all about laying the groundwork. By focusing on these key steps first—budget, guest list, venue, and high-priority vendors—you’re setting yourself up for a smoother, more intentional planning experience. From here, it only gets more fun as you start layering in the details that make your day personal and memorable.
Ready to feel confident and calm about your wedding planning? Head to keshiapietz.com for real talk, expert tips, and heartfelt photography to help you build a day that truly feels like you.