If you are reading this, right at this moment, I want to tell you right now CONGRATULATIONS!!! This is such a beautiful and exciting season of life and I truly so excited for you! Planning a wedding, especially a Nashville wedding is a not-so-easy task but hopefully these tips I have prepared for you will help! Below you will find my biggest tips for 9 Things To Do After getting engaged. I am a Nashville wedding photographer, and I absolutely love to help couples plan out their dream wedding day!

1. Enjoy this new season

This is truly such an exciting season of life that you’ve just entered with your best friend for life. There is truly no better feeling than the moment you say “Yes”. Let’s be real, you probably want to shout it from the rooftops and Face-time your best friend about the news, but I beg of you to just take the time to SOAK IT ALL IN! This moment is going to be engrained in to your brain for the rest of your lives (both of you), so you certainly don’t want to spend it on your phone. Pop the bubbly, grab dinner, and savor the moment before sharing this exciting news with the rest of the world. I promise, you won’t regret it!

2. Share the News

Okay okay, NOW you can start calling all your friends and family! The best part of about recently getting engaged is feeling all of the love overflowing from everyone around the two of you. Post that ring selfie on Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat! Let the world know that you two are over-the-moon about this exciting new chapter!

3. Plan an Engagement Party

Before the wedding planning starts, throw an engagement party to celebrate with those closest to you! This can be a surprise party or can be hosted by close friends and family! This is the perfect time to truly soak up all love and being congratulated by your closest people. The people that attend this joyous celebration should also be invited to your wedding day. This is the perfect time to “pop the question” to anyone you would like to join your bridal party too!

4. Start the Wedding Planning Process

If you are anything like me, you had been planning your wedding day for years, but this time it’s legit! Don’t fret, you do no have to start inquiring with wedding vendors quite yet, but it is certainly a good idea to start piecing together mood boards so that you have a general idea of what you and your partner want your wedding day to look like.

This is the perfect time to figure out

• Color Scheme
• florals
• dresses
• decor
• guest counts

This may all seem overwhelming, but there is no need to stress! If you choose to hire a wedding planner, they can help you plan the wedding you have always dreamed of.

5. Establish your wedding budget

This is easily the most important step once you have entered the wedding planning process. Your wedding budget will be the backbone of your wedding. It is crucial to set your wedding budget as soon after getting engaged as possible. My advice to you, is to do a bit of market research before setting a final budget in to place. Browse a variety of websites of various types of vendors to gather a ballpark figure for your budget.

I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to speak with your family about this topic or trying to nail down a budget on your own, but it is best to get this done early! I always recommend to plan for unexpected costs you did not plan for, anywhere from 10-20% over your original budget.

Once you have an estimate for your wedding budget, you can create your guest list. This number may seem irrelevant if you are still 12-24 months out from your wedding, but when inquiring with your dream wedding venue, they will be asking you this question. Your guest list should have people that you WANT to be there. Nashville weddings tend to have a hefty guest count due to larger family attendance!

6. Choose a Wedding Venue and Set a Date

This is when the fun truly starts my friend. Starting the search for your dream wedding venue is so much fun, and Nashville has some of the most amazing wedding venues to choose from. There are lots of decisions to be made and the ultimate thing to keep in mind is to do what you and your future spouse want! Some things to consider when touring and talking with wedding venues is:

• Do they have your wedding date available?
• What is the guest limit?
• Do they have a cancellation fee?
• Do they offer different rates for weekday weddings?
• Do they allow 3rd party vendors? Or do you have to use their vendors?
• What is the required deposit and payment schedule?
• Is the catering done through the venue or can you bring in your own vendor?

If you are planning on having a Nashville wedding, check out this blog on my favorite Nashville Wedding Venues!

7. Book All Other Wedding Vendors

With your wedding budget in place and your venue secured, it is time to start building your dream vendor team! Booking your wedding vendors is not something that you want to procrastinate on doing as most vendors book 1-2 years out. Knowing your budget, wedding date, and having your venue nailed down will make inquiring and booking your remaining vendors a breeze. I highly recommend jumping on a phone call with any vendors you are seriously interested in to make sure they are good fit for and are available on your wedding date. Below are other wedding vendors that you may/may not want to book for your wedding day! If you are planning a Nashville wedding, I have highlighted vendors with my recommendations!

• Photographer
• Caterer
• Florist
• Cake
• Wedding Planner
• Hair and Make up artist
• Attire
• DJ
• Videographer
• Officiant
• Jeweler
• Rentals
• Transportation

8. Say Yes to the Dress

This is truly, the most fun part of this whole wedding planning process. Dress shopping is a high priority on the “to-do” list, believe me, but it is also the one time where you can go and just shop. Finding your dream wedding gown early on should be a high priority as it can take anywhere from 2-9 months to get your wedding dress, and that does not include the alteration process.

Many brides find themselves shopping around at multiple bridal shops, which can take multiple days. When you are shopping for your dream wedding gown, remember that this should be a fun time. I promise, you will know when you have found the one! Don’t know where to start when choosing a bridal shop? Check out my post about Nashville’s best Bridal Shops if you are planning a Nashville wedding!

9. Repeat Step #1

And that’s a wrap, folks! Again, CONGRATULATIONS, friend! It is truly one of the most special and exciting times that should be filled with all happy memories and love! I hope this guide has helped you in planning your dream wedding day! If you have any questions about planning a Nashville wedding, as always feel free to reach out!

Are you searching for the perfect wedding photographer to capture your wedding day? I would love to hear more about your dream wedding day and see if we are a great fit! Please inquire here!

Are you local to Nashville and seeking more wedding inspiration? Check out these posts:

Industrial and Stylish Vibes at a Saint Elle Wedding in Nashville

How to Plan a Backyard Wedding in Tennessee