
The ring is sparkling on your finger, the excitement is bubbling, and you’re officially engaged! Now comes the big question: where do you start? Wedding planning can feel overwhelming, but with the right steps and a little guidance, it can also be an incredible journey. This checklist is designed to help you focus on the most important first steps, so you can kick off your planning with confidence and joy.
Step 1: Savor the Moment
Before diving into the details, take a breath and enjoy the magic of this moment. Host a dinner with your closest loved ones, toast with your bridal party-to-be, or simply spend time reflecting on your love story with your partner. These first days of being engaged are a chapter you’ll cherish forever—don’t rush past them.
Sharing the news? Think about how you’d like to announce your engagement. Whether it’s a casual social media post, a professional photo shoot, or an intimate family gathering, make it meaningful to you.
Step 2: Lay the Foundation
Every great celebration starts with a solid foundation. First, sit down with your partner (and family, if they’re contributing financially) to discuss your budget. Decide what aspects of the wedding are most important to you. Do you want a show-stopping venue, incredible food, or a photography package that includes every moment? Knowing your priorities will help shape your budget.
Once the budget is set, start thinking about when you want to tie the knot. Are you dreaming of a spring garden wedding, a cozy winter celebration, or something in between? Narrowing down a season—or even a specific date—will help focus your planning and give you a clear timeline.

Step 3: Dream Big (But Stay Focused)
With endless inspiration out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Start by envisioning your dream day. How do you want it to feel? Romantic and whimsical? Modern and sleek? Natural and bohemian? These descriptors will guide your choices.
Next, draft a guest list. This doesn’t need to be perfect, but having an estimate will influence key decisions like venue size and catering. And remember: your guest list shapes the atmosphere. Smaller groups often feel intimate, while larger gatherings create an energetic, party-like vibe.
Step 4: Book the Big Three
Certain vendors book up quickly, so focus on these first:
Venue: This is the backbone of your wedding day. It sets the tone and determines availability for everything else.
Planner: A wedding planner will help you refine your vision, stay on track, and manage the stress. Consider Lily in June’s tailored planning services for a truly bespoke experience.
Photographer: Capture the moments you’ll treasure forever with someone who shares your style and vision. Schedule engagement photos to start building that relationship.
Step 5: Find Your Style
Now it’s time to dive into the creative side of planning! Start gathering inspiration from platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, and wedding blogs. Save images that speak to you, whether it’s a floral arrangement, color palette, or tablescape. But remember—curation is key. Too much inspiration can dilute your vision.
Choose a color scheme and overall theme that feels like “you.” This will guide decisions for decor, attire, and florals. A cohesive style makes the entire day feel intentional and polished.

Step 6: Celebrate the Engagement
Don’t let the engagement season slip away without celebrating it! Host an engagement party to bring together family and friends. Whether it’s a laid-back BBQ or an elegant dinner party, it’s a chance to enjoy this special time without the pressures of wedding planning.
Another fun way to commemorate this chapter is with engagement photos. These can double as keepsakes and serve as the perfect addition to save-the-dates, wedding websites, or even decor at the wedding itself.
Step 7: Build Your Planning Timeline
Planning a wedding is like putting together a puzzle—having a timeline helps all the pieces fall into place. Start by mapping out major milestones, such as when to:
Book vendors
Send save-the-dates
Schedule dress fittings
Plan the rehearsal
Staying organized and ahead of deadlines will make the process smoother and less stressful. And while it’s important to stick to a plan, flexibility is equally essential. Things may shift, and that’s okay.
Your Wedding, Your Way
Planning your wedding should feel like an extension of your love story—joyful, personal, and full of meaning. With this checklist, you’ll have the confidence to take those first steps and create a day that’s uniquely yours. And if you need a helping hand, Lily in June is here to bring your vision to life, offering everything from full planning to stunning floral designs. Let’s make your wedding unforgettable, together.

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