Newly Engaged? Don’t Skip These 5 Steps

You're engaged - congratulations! 💍 Whether you're still soaking in the magic or already being flooded with questions about the date and venue, it's totally normal to feel excited, overwhelmed, and ready to dive in. Before you get too deep into the Pinterest boards or dress appointments, let’s walk through five meaningful steps that will set the foundation for a wedding that feels like you.

At Amusé Event Co., we believe planning your wedding should be an intentional, joyful experience - and it starts with asking the right questions.

1. Align on Your Wedding Day Vibe

What kind of energy do you want your wedding to have? This is where the fun begins.

Prompts to help guide the conversation:

• How would you best describe yourselves as a couple, and how do you want your wedding to reflect this? Are you all about lively parties with ALL of your friends, or do you prefer chill, slow get-togethers with close family and friends?

• What are some things you've loved (or not loved) as a guest at other weddings or events?

• When you imagine your wedding day, what does it feel like?

Taking the time to get aligned here will guide every future decision - from your venue and guest list to your music and menu.

2. Talk Through Your Ideal Guest Count + Venue Setup

You don’t need an exact list yet, but having a rough idea of your guest count will help shape everything else.

Consider these questions:

• Do you imagine a large guest count and venue, or something more cozy and intimate?

• Are there any seasonal or family considerations to consider? Will your wedding location be easy to get to for certain friends or family?

• Do you picture an outdoor wedding (with a rain plan just in case) or an indoor space with a different vibe?

Having clarity on this early helps you find venues that fit your vision and your practical needs.

3. Define Your Wedding Budget

It doesn’t have to be perfect yet, but it’s essential to get honest about your overall spending comfort zone.

Budget conversation starters:

• What’s the maximum amount you feel comfortable investing in your wedding?

• Will this include additional events like a rehearsal dinner, welcome drinks, or a farewell brunch?

Pro tip: Once you define your budget, your planner can help guide where to splurge and where to save based on your priorities.

4. Hire a Wedding Planner!

Whether you opt for full service or partial planning, a wedding planner will be your biggest advocate throughout the wedding process. Having this essential expert on your side will ensure everything runs smoothly (and beautifully).

To help you determine the level of support that may best fit your needs, ask yourself:

• Do you enjoy and thrive at compiling research, reaching out to vendors, and taking care of details?

  • If that sounds like fun: A partial planning package might be perfect for you!

  • If that sounds overwhelming: Maybe a full-service planner is more of what you need!

• Do you have a clear vision of what you want your wedding to look and feel like? Are you confident in executing design details and décor plans?

  • If not: You may want to hire a planning team with a wedding designer built-in, so they can execute the aesthetic details as well as the logistical details!

The earlier you hire your planner, the more value they can bring - especially with venue and vendor recommendations.

5. Have Fun!

Wedding planning doesn’t have to be stressful. Really. This season of life should be full of love, laughter, and meaningful moments together.

Our advice:

• Don’t feel pressure to figure it all out at once.

• Make one or two decisions at a time, and move on before adding more to your plate.

• Trust your gut (and your planner!).

At the end of the day, remember that your wedding is ultimately about the tow of you getting married and celebrating your story - there’s no need to stress. Let it be fun, let it be intentional, and let it be you.

Planning a Wedding in Austin, Grand Rapids, or Beyond?

Whether you're dreaming of a stylish celebration in Austin, a meaningful gathering in Grand Rapids, or a destination wedding somewhere totally unique - we’d love to help. At Amusé Event Co., we specialize in creating weddings that feel intentional, personal, and just like you.

Ready to plan your best day ever? Inquire with us here.