You’re engaged, now what!?

Top 10 tips and tricks to kick off your wedding planning process

If you’re reading this, you likely just said “yes” to your soulmate! Congratulations! This next chapter in your love story is sure to be one for the books. We’re hopeless romantics and love to dream big, however, we understand the immense pressure you are likely feeling to begin planning your dream wedding. Before you do anything, take a breath - or two.

On average, most couples are engaged for 12 - 18 months. That being said - there is no rush! If you follow these 10 tips and tricks, you are sure to experience a seamless and stress-free planning process. Now, let’s get to it!

1. Hire a wedding planner!

   • No, seriously we aren’t just saying that. We truly believe that hiring a seasoned wedding planner to help navigate the wedding industry will save you time, money and lots of tears. As an industry expert we are your go-to problem solvers, creative partners, and dedicated sounding board for anything and everything to do with your wedding experience.

2. Draft your guest list

   • The biggest contributing factor to your budget is your guest list, so determine this early on. You will need a rough idea of how many guests you intend to invite before thinking about anything else.

3. Budget, budget, budget

   • This step is tough but imperative to the planning process. Many couples rush right into planning mode and begin booking major vendors without truly taking a pause for this crucial step. As your wedding planner we are committed to creating a celebration that truly tells your love story while also managing your budget expectations so you can enjoy the process with peace of mind.

     • Pro Tip: Begin with these questions - Who is contributing to the budget? Is it parents? The couple? A combination?

4. When & Where?

   • Determine if there is a certain time of year you envision getting married. Are you leaning towards a coastal summer soiree or a cozy winter vibe?

• Do you have a dream destination in mind or are you hoping to transform your family property? Regardless of your answer, begin thinking about all of these questions and you will be on the path to creating your fairytale wedding.

5. What & Why?

   • Sit down with your partner and begin to identify what your intentions are for your celebration. In other words, what is most authentic and important to you two? Here are some questions to get you started:

   • What about your love story do you want to share with your loved ones?

   • Why are you planning this wedding?

   • What is the most important aspect of your celebration? Is it the location or venue, food and beverage, overall design aesthetic, guest experience, entertainment etc.

6. Zero in on your Vibe

   • Begin to draw inspiration from everywhere! Pinterest is great, however we believe that your wedding should be more than just a pretty design. We love when couples come to us with inspiration from places like:

     • Their own home

     • Architecture

     • Art Museums

     • Nature

     • Interior Design

     • Theatre + Cinema

7. Book Venue & Set Date

   • After a wedding planner, if you decide to hire one. The very first vendor you should be booking is your venue! This will lock in your wedding date so you can begin reaching out to additional vendors to check availability.

8. Build your Dream Team

   • This is where your priority list comes into play again! Go in order of what is most to least important to you as a couple. You want to be sure to allocate your budget accordingly to be spending the most on your highest priority professionals.

   • You also want to lock them in sooner than later to ensure you are getting your top pick!

9. Schedule Date Nights

   • Planning your wedding is so exciting, we get it! However, we know it is so easy to get swept up in the process and you forget to schedule date nights where you aren’t focused on wedding details. Here is your reminder to make that dinner reservation, to go on that unplugged walk or book that weekend getaway!

10. Enjoy Your Engagement!

    • If you have made is this far, you are now equipped with the necessary tools to enjoy your engagement.

    “You dream—we do. If you’re ready for an event-planning experience worth celebrating (rather than stressing over), we’re your people. - The Luna Ladies

Row 1 Photography: Cadence Kennedy - Hamptons, New York

Row 2 Photography: Forged In The North - Brooklyn, New York

Row 3 Photography: Mary Dougherty - Brooklyn, New York

Row 4 Photography: Rowanberry Lavender - Darien, Connecticut