just got engaged

StaceyHbride2B

i just got engaged in march.... and havent booked anything yet. where do I start?

BellaSposa223

First when is your projected date?

The first thing you should start with is a start to a guest list and date if you haven't discussed it. Those two things will get you started. After that start talking about your likes and dislikes for venues to start your search.

Congrats and welcome to the board! If you have any questions just let us know!

Jaimie

psichick

also don't forget to start thinking about your budget! that word will haunt you until your wedding lol

congrats and welcome to the board!

chrisnjay2010

Congrats and welcome!!!

As PP's have said, start with a budget and the estimated size of your guest list.  Then you can move forward and get an idea for date and start looking at venues  

Midgette

GRATSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

josiebella

congrats!

SandDD

Congrats!!!

Just take it step by step! I think I did a guest list first, since that totally determines budget and then start narrowing down what you like/want first.  It seems a lot at first, but don't let that worry you & enjoy the process!

bfernz

Congratulations! Yup, guest list.

Aprilfools2011

Congrats!!!!  My first step was buying bridal magazines.  It was so fun buying them for the first time as an actual bride to be.  Oh yeah then you should pick a date. 

TerriandJoe

Congratulations!

As everyone says: date, budget, guest list.

BUT if someone told me that, I would feel so overwhelmed!

Have fun buying the bridal magazines!

Before you do anything else:

Have an idea what type of wedding you want. (You probably know already, but talk with your fiance so you together can figure an idea that works best for you both. If you are thinking cathedral and ballroom, and he wants a backyard ceremony and reception - find out what you will both be ok with and work from there)

Then, before you start looking at venues that fit your vision:

Have an idea of the season (and year) you would like to get married.

Get an idea as to who will be contributing quite a bit of money for the wedding. And approx how much they are willing to spend.

And you need an idea as to how many guests you will be having. (Around 100 or around 250? Or whatever number. that way when you go looking at venues, you can rule out places that are too big, or way to small, or have a minimum you won't be able to meet. Also, if you feel you'll have around 120 guests, you might be ok with a 125 minimum, but do you feel comfortable signing at a place that has a 150 minimum)

Once you have these ideas, that's the first step.

Have being newly engaged! Enjoy the search - for the venue and the dress!

GL! HTH!

NLove123

Congrats!  I would definitely say a key first step is establishing your budget! Happy planning!