The Excitement of Being Engaged — Now What?

Congratulations on your engagement! After the excitement of the proposal, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed when you start thinking about the next steps. But don’t worry, wedding planning can be an enjoyable experience with the right guidance. Whether you’re dreaming of a destination wedding in France, a luxury wedding at a château, or a more intimate celebration, the first few steps in planning your wedding are crucial for setting the foundation of your big day.

As a french wedding planner, I’ve helped couples turn their wedding dreams into reality. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the essential first steps you need to take as you embark on this exciting journey. From setting a budget to creating your guest list, it all starts with a few thoughtful decisions that will shape your entire celebration. This defines your guidelines, or what we call in french “le garde fou !”. 

Define Your Budget: The First Essential Step

One of the most important things to do once you’re engaged is to define your wedding budget. While it’s tempting to jump into planning, having a clear financial framework will keep you grounded and help guide your choices.

Why is the budget so important ?

• Sets Realistic Expectations: Whether you’re dreaming of a luxury wedding in the South of France or a more modest celebration at home, knowing how much you can spend will help you manage your expectations and narrow down venue choices.

• Helps Prioritize: With a set budget, you can allocate funds toward the elements that matter most to you—whether that’s a destination wedding venue in Dordogne or hiring a renowned photographer to capture your day. Or maybe have a fantastic flower arch for your ceremony! You set the tone.

Tips for defining your budget :

• Have an open conversation with your partner and families about their contributions.

• Break your budget down into categories: venue, catering, flowers, photography, entertainment, etc. This can be done with us during a discovery call. 

• Always leave room for a little wiggle room—unexpected costs do come up! I would say around 10% of your initial budget. 

Make Your (first) Guest List
(And Rank It!)

Once the budget is set, the next step is to start building your guest list. This is a critical part of wedding planning, as it will influence your venue choice, catering, and overall atmosphere of your wedding day.

How to start :

• Brainstorm Together: Begin by writing down everyone you both want to invite. Think about family, friends, and colleagues who have been part of your journey.

• Ranking the Guest List: Once you have a list, create a ranking system: Who is absolutely essential to have at your wedding? Who can you invite to the evening reception? This will help you adjust if needed as your final numbers come together.

A practical example :

• Couple’s priorities: For instance, one couple might prioritize having close family at their destination wedding in France, while another might opt to invite a larger group for a more vibrant celebration. Or you can help the process by asking yourself: has this person been present in my life this past year?

Define Your Priorities:
What’s Most Important to You ?

After setting your budget and guest list, it’s time to discuss your priorities for the wedding day. What elements do you want to make the most memorable? Understanding your priorities will help you decide where to focus your time and money.

Consider the following questions :

• Do you dream of an extravagant wedding venue like a château in the Dordogne, or would you prefer something more intimate, such as an elopement or a quiet countryside wedding?
• What about the atmosphere? Do you want a relaxed, laid-back vibe, or are you envisioning a glamorous affair?
• What traditions are important to you? Perhaps you want a classic ceremony or something with personal, meaningful touches.

Real-life example :

• A couple planning a luxury wedding in France might prioritize an unforgettable reception experience, with two different bands, a chef catering the event and a photographer and videographer flown in from London to perform.

• For another couple, focusing on meaningful vows and an intimate ceremony may be their top priority, more than flowers or a signature drink. 

Your Wedding Mantra :
Defining the Feel of Your Day

As you start visualizing your wedding, it’s helpful to think of a few words or a mantra that will define the experience you’re creating. These can serve as a guide to make decisions throughout the planning process.

A few ideas:

• Timeless: If you want your wedding to be elegant and classic, choose timeless elements that won’t go out of style.

• Memories: Focus on creating moments that will be cherished forever. Think about unique experiences for your guests—like a champagne toast at sunset or a surprise performance.

• Intimate: If a smaller wedding is your goal, prioritize personal moments and a close-knit guest list.

Having this mantra in mind will help you stay aligned with your vision and make the entire planning process feel more cohesive. Does the vendor you will meet fit this mantra? 

Plan the Next Steps with Confidence

Once you’ve defined your budget, guest list, priorities, and wedding mantra, it’s time to dive into the exciting details : choosing your wedding venue, booking your vendors, and deciding on the style and design of your day. Overall, wedding planning starts now!

But to make sure you go in the right direction, you can always meet with a wedding planner, from the area you would like to have your wedding at, to advise you. 

Pro Tip :

Don’t rush! Take your time in finding a wedding planner who can turn your vision into a reality. A professional planner will guide you through every step and ensure your wedding feels like the celebration you’ve always dreamed of. It has to feel comfortable. 

Start Your Journey Today

Planning your wedding should be an exciting, memorable experience. With a clear budget, a solid guest list, and a strong understanding of your priorities, you’ll be on the right path to creating a timeless celebration that’s uniquely yours.

You do not like planning? That’s alright!
Not all of us like planning events and that is ok. This is why you can find a planner who will be your guide from the beginning to the end. 

📩 If you’re ready to start planning your destination wedding or luxury wedding, I’d love to help you make it an unforgettable experience. Contact me today, and let’s create souvenirs that will last a lifetime.