Congratulations on your engagement! Saying “yes” to the love of your life is one of the most exciting moments you’ll ever experience, but once the excitement settles, you may find yourself wondering, “What do we do now?” Fear not! We’ve created a comprehensive timeline to guide you through the next steps, ensuring your planning process is as joyful as your engagement.
Celebrate Your Engagement (Immediately!)
Timeline: Right After the Proposal
Share the News: Call your family and close friends, post on social media, or host an engagement announcement party. Let your loved ones share in your joy!
Engagement Photos: Consider scheduling a professional photoshoot to capture this joyful moment. These photos can be used for save-the-dates and social media announcements.
Set a Date
Timeline: 1 - 3 months post engagement
Discuss Timeframes: Talk with your partner about when you’d like to get married. Consider factors like seasons, holidays, and venue availability.
Choose a Date: Once you have a general timeframe, select a few potential dates. Remember to keep flexibility in mind!
Create a Budget
Timeline: 1 - 4 months post engagement
Determine Your Budget: Sit down together and discuss how much you can realistically spend on your wedding. Consider contributions from family members and prioritize what matters most to you.
Allocate Funds: Break down your budget into categories (Raleigh wedding venues, catering, decor etc.) to help guide your spending.
Choose Your Venue (The Meadows! One of the most exclusive wedding venues, Raleigh, NC)
Timeline: 3 - 6 months post engagement
Research Venues: Start looking for venues that align with your vision. Consider factors like location, guest capacity, and style.
Book Your Venue: Once you find the perfect spot, secure your date with a deposit. Popular venues can book up quickly, 1 to 1.5 years in advance, so act fact!
Assemble Your Dream Team
Timeline: 4 - 8 months post engagement
Hire Vendors: Begin researching and booking your key vendors, including a wedding planner, photographer, caterer, florist, and entertainment.
Read Reviews: Look for recommendations and read reviews to ensure you’re choosing reputable vendors that fit your style and budget.
Create Guest List
Timeline: 6 - 9 months post engagement
Draft Your List: Start compiling a list of all the people you want to invite. Consider the size of your Raleigh wedding venues and your budget when finalizing numbers.
Gather Addresses: Collect addresses for your guests, making it easier when it’s time to send out invitations.
Send Save-the-Dates
Timeline: 6 - 8 months post engagement
Design and Print: Create and order your save-the-dates. Whether you choose a digital option or printed cards, include your wedding date and location.
Mail Them Out: About 6 - 8 months before the wedding, send out your save-the-dates to ensure guests can mark their calendars.
Plan the Details
Timeline: 9 - 12 months post engagement
Choose a Theme: Decide on the overall style and theme of your wedding (color palettes, decor, etc.).
Select Attire: Start looking for wedding attire! Schedule fittings for the wedding dress, tuxedos, bridesmaid dresses, and flower girl outfits.
Finalize Your Details
Timeline: 2 - 3 months before the wedding
Confirm Vendors: Touch base with all of your vendors to confirm arrangements, timelines, and any special requests.
Create a Timeline: Draft a day-of-timeline with your wedding coordinator and photographer, including the ceremony, reception, and special moments.
Send Invitations
Timeline: 8 - 10 weeks before the wedding
Design and Send: Send out your formal invitations. Include RSVP details and any additional information guests may need (accommodations, registry, etc.)
Track Responses: Keep track of RSVPs as they come in, ensuring you have a final guest count for your caterer.
Enjoy Pre-Wedding Events
Timeline: 1 - 2 months before the wedding
Plan Showers and Parties: Coordinate with your family and friends to plan your bridal shower, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and any other pre-wedding celebrations.
Relax and Have Fun: Take time to enjoy these moments with your loved ones!
Final Preparations
Timeline: 1 month before the wedding
Final Fittings: Schedule final fittings for your wedding attire, ensuring everything fits perfectly.
Confirm Details: Re-confirm all details with vendors, including arrival times and any last-minute changes.
The Big Day!
Timeline: Your Wedding Day!
Relax and Enjoy: Trust your planning and the team you’ve assembled. Take deep breaths, soak in the moments, and enjoy your special day surrounded by love.
Post Wedding Tasks
Timeline: After the wedding
Thank You Notes: Send out thank you notes to guests and vendors within a few months after the wedding. Personalize each note to show your appreciation.
Preserve Memories: Consider options for preserving your wedding dress and bouquet, and ensure your photos and videos are safely stored.
Getting engaged is just the beginning of a beautiful journey together! Following this timeline can help you navigate the planning process with ease and excitement. Embrace each step, enjoy the moments, and remember that this is about celebrating your love. Happy Planning!
xoxo,
The Meadows
Photographer: Christian Reyes Photography
Planning: Timeless Events
Hair and Makeup: Blushed Bridal
Catering: Rocky Top Catering
Dessert: Two Roosters
Florals: Teacup Floral
Ceremony Music: NC Violinist
Rentals: Curated Events
Speciality Rentals: Greenhouse Picker Sisters
Stationary Design: Meriwether Designs
Officiant: Rev. Kathie McCutcheon
Videography: Timeless Carolinas
Photo Booth: Spark Photo Booth
Bartenders: TC Mobile Bartending
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