So You're Engaged, Now What?

After saying "Yes", what do you do next? Here is a short list to help you start planning your wedding.

Start by setting a wedding budget and determine who will be helping or if you will be paying for everything.

Then choose a date. If you set a date less than 12 months out you may need to be flexible on your date depending on time of year, day of week and the area you choose a venue. There are some months that fill up much faster than others. For example, in our area March, April, October and November fill up faster than the other months with October being the most popular month of the year. We have had as many as 14 weddings in October.

Determine your head count. This will help you to determine the size of the venue you need to be looking for. Also remember your head count is not the number of guests that will actually attend your wedding. 80 % of your head count is a good number to work with to determine how many will attend. So if you are inviting 100, about 80 will attend or inviting 200 will get you about 160. Once you have a head count you can start looking for a venue to accommodate your guests.

Time to schedule a tour of a few venues that fit your budget and head count. So if you are in our area, come out for a tour of The Barn at Lacey Farms and book us as your venue.
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If you have guests and wedding party traveling, it is a good idea to book a block of rooms at nearby hotels- area hotels book early in some months. This will also help with getting more of your guest list that will be traveling to attend your wedding. You might also consider booking a transportation service that can take you and your guests to and from the venue like a party bus.

Start booking Vendors - photographer, bartending, caterer, DJ, florist, officiant, etc... Some of your vendors like photographers and DJ's will book up well in advance so don't miss out.

Purchase your wedding dress. Many dress shops have long lead times on dresses and alterations.

Take engagement photos and send out save the dates 6 to 8 months in advance to let everyone know there will be a wedding. This is usually enough time for any guests that may be traveling by air to make arrangements with their jobs and purchasing tickets.

Finalize your guest list and send invitations 6 to 8 weeks before your wedding.

​For a list to get you all the way to your wedding day CLICK HERE

Happy Planning!
Fred Lacey