I'm Engaged....Now What?!

mrsbjoloughlin

I just got engaged and eager to start my wedding planning.  What should I start doing first?  Also, if you are in the Des Moines area, do you know of any great places to get married outdoors???  Thanks! 

kellidanae

Congrats!! Welcome to the board. I would start first with a guest list. It doesn't have to be definate, but would start by knowing how many you are looking at having before deciding on any venues, invites, etc. Do you have a date set?

mrsbjoloughlin

Thanks for the advice! We do not have a wedding date set yet.  We will have been engaged for one week tomorrow!! But, we have been together for 9 years so I want to start planning asap!! I have our parents starting their guest lists.

kellidanae

That was our first step, the guest list really helps decide the budget too. Then I thought about style of wedding before looking into venues and such and comparing costs there. GL.

mrsbjoloughlin

Did you get married in Des Moines?  If so, where?

kellidanae

Sorry for the delay. We are getting married in November in Des Moines. Wedding is at St. Boniface and reception at the Sheraton.

mrsbjoloughlin

Is the Sheraton expensive or did you feel that is what reasonable?

kellidanae

They are pretty reasonable compared to other places. I opted for it because for what we are paying, they have on site food (so I didnt' have to find catering), hotel rooms (no worried about my guests driving), and they do the centerpieces, so I am not paying extra there. They cut our cake for free (some places charge) and we get a free champagne toast for all of our guests. I am currently getting a very poor turn around on the questions I have been asking the coordinator. She is slow to respond... very slow. Honestly at this point I am so frustrated I wouldn't recommend them, even though they have reasonable pricing. Before this new coordinator started, I would get same day answers. Their food and setting is great, but I am not happy that my rooms are filled up and I can't get an answer on adding to our room block.

aba7923

Congrats on getting engaged! We have been engaged for almost a year, and our wedding is next June. We are getting married at St. Boniface and the Marriott in WDM. I priced the Sheraton, Stoney Creek Inn, and Holiday Inn in WDM and found the Marriott was the most reasonable for what you get. I am very pleased with the Marriott and their wedding coordinator, Janelle. Very easy to work with. First decide what is important to you. Do you have a lot of out of town guests? The Marriott also does a free champagne toast, sets up the centerpieces, and includes the bride and groom suite. The Stoney Creek in allows you to cater your own food in with one of their selected vendors, however I felt when all was said and done, it was still more expensive. Don't forget to factor in Tax and gratuity. Everything books fast around Des Moines. I think we booked our venue last April?? If you are getting married downtown, remember to factor in parking. There usually isn't a ton of parking, and it costs extra. Let me know if you need any other help. I have majority of my venues booked.

mrsbjoloughlin

Thanks to both of you for your insight.  I am going to look at Jester Park Lodge and Tournament Club of Iowa on Saturday.  I hope I can book one of the two this weekend!  I am also excited about the Bridal Forum on Sunday!

anastasiakral

We're having our ceremony on the deck at Jester Park Lodge and then having a luncheon reception inside.  The venue is ideal for us, but it's a smaller option so keep in mind that you'll have to keep your guest list numbers down. :-)  I haven't dealt with Christiani's much after booking, but it seems like they're very experienced and friendly.