Did you know that nearly 40% of proposals happen between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve? Engagement season is a magical time, and while it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement, taking the right steps early on can set the tone for a smooth wedding planning journey. Here’s a guide to help you get started on planning your big day without feeling overwhelmed.
1. Celebrate!
First and foremost, take a moment to soak it all in. Whether it’s sharing the news with close friends and family, popping champagne, or even a quiet dinner with your fiancé(e), this is your time to celebrate the start of a beautiful new chapter.
2. Start a List
Organized planning is key. Create a mood board and a master list of your inspirations, ideas, vendors you’d love to work with and note down what you’re expecting from each. Prioritize your “must-haves” and identify areas where you’re open to flexibility. This list will act as your roadmap as you move forward.
HELPFUL RESOURCES:
- The Knot Wedding Style Quiz: A fun and interactive quiz to help couples identify their ideal wedding theme. Visit The Knot
- Pinterest Wedding Inspiration: Boards featuring endless ideas for every theme, color palette, and style imaginable. Visit Pinterest
- Brides Wedding Style Guide: Detailed articles and galleries organized by themes, including rustic, modern, and vintage.
Visit Brides.
3. Create a Budget
Your budget will dictate many decisions, so set a realistic one early on. Pro Tip: “If you’re working with a tighter budget, consider being flexible with your wedding date. Many vendors offer reduced rates during the off-peak season.” Keep in mind that peak-season rates (spring and summer) can vary greatly from winter or weekday options.
4. Start Research
Focus on the following in this order:
- Venue: Venues often book up quickly, so start here. During your venue research, ask essential questions: Is catering included? Do they provide bar services? What’s included in their packages? Touring venues in person can also help you visualize your big day.
- Reserve Your Venue: Once you’ve found “the one,” lock in your date and venue.
- Catering: If your venue doesn’t include catering, start reaching out to potential caterers.
- Wedding Professionals: Begin booking your officiant, photographer, videographer, bakery, band/DJ, and hair and makeup artists. These vendors can elevate your wedding experience, so choose those who align with your style and vision.
HELPFUL RESOURCES:
- How to select a Vendor: Zola’s Vendor Management Tips: Advice on vetting, interviewing, and selecting wedding professionals. Visit Zola
- Choosing perfect wedding date: The Knot’s Wedding Date Calculator: Helps you choose a date based on season, budget, and availability. Visit The Knot AND Farmers’ Almanac Weather Predictor: See historical weather patterns to avoid unexpected surprises.
Visit Farmers’ Almanac - Budget Tools: Mint Budget Tracker: Ideal for managing your wedding budget and tracking expenses.
Visit Mint
5. Pause and Breathe
With the big decisions made, take a moment to relax. Wedding planning can be exciting yet exhausting, so pace yourself and remember the reason behind all the planning—your love story. And, if you need a place to getaway, come to the Pines Resort to escape the hustle of the wedding planning process.
By taking these steps, you’ll not only stay ahead of the planning curve but also create a foundation for a wedding day that’s truly unforgettable. Cheers to this wonderful season of love!
Why Choose The Pines Resort?
The Pines Resort is your one-stop wedding destination, offering everything you need to bring your dream wedding to life. With catering available on-site, a carefully curated list of preferred vendors boasting years of experience in the industry, and all-inclusive packages, we make wedding planning seamless and stress-free. Every package comes with a dedicated sales management team and an experienced wedding coordinator to guide you through every detail of your big day. Let us help you create unforgettable memories against the stunning backdrop of Bass Lake.
Contact us today to start planning your dream wedding!
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