Get a jump start on planning your wedding in the first 30 days after getting engaged!
Congratulations on your engagement! The first 30 days can be an exciting and busy time. Here at Cornerstone Ranch Events Center in Amarillo, we know how quickly vendors and venues book up! We want to help kickstart your wedding planning with our guide on what to do in those first 30 days after getting engaged!
Celebrate: First things first. Spread the joy! Take some time to enjoy your engagement together before posting to the world on social media. Celebrate with close friends and family. Consider having an intimate celebration or gathering where you can soak in the love and excitement with your nearest and dearest.
Discuss Your Vision: Discuss with your partner your mutual vision for the wedding, including themes, size, and the kind of ceremony you desire. Whether it's a romantic garden ceremony, a rustic barn event, or a contemporary, sophisticated celebration, assemble a vision board that showcases your preferred color palettes, themes, and decorations. A visual guide will serve to maintain your inspiration and assist in conveying your concepts to prospective vendors.
Set a Budget: Determine how much you can spend on the wedding. This is one of the most important steps you need to take in these early days. You will need to be honest about what you can and want to spend on your wedding. Prioritize your spending based on vendor. If having a videographer is one of the must haves, you may need to cut back on your floral budget. This discussion will lay the foundation for all your planning decisions, from choosing an affordable wedding venue to deciding on your menu.
Tip: There's no need to have every dollar accounted for immediately. Begin with a ballpark figure and tweak it as you fine-tune your plan.
Choose your Date: Keep your wedding date flexible until you have booked a venue. Many of the best venues book up to 18 months or more out from the date. Rather than choosing a specific date, choose a date range, or wedding season for your date. For example, you both love fresh flowers, warmer months, pastel colors, and you don't want to worry about 3 ft of snow on the ground at your wedding. It would be safe to say you are looking at a springtime wedding. Your choice might depend on factors like seasonal preferences, venue availability, and personal schedules.
Draft a Guest List: Start compiling a list of people you’d like to invite. This will help with venue size and catering needs. You don't need final numbers at this time, but writing down a list of his and her guest list helps you determine if a certain venue is even large enough of an option prior to touring. Cornerstone Ranch Events Center has a max capacity of 500 guests. Our average wedding is around 200-300 guests inside. Remember, always book a large venue that can host more than your anticipated guest list. This will ensure you have plenty of space for set up, keeping guests comfortable, flexible seating arrangements, and an option to move the ceremony indoors if the weather doesn't cooperate for an outdoor ceremony.
Research Venues: Begin looking at potential venues for your ceremony and reception. Consider location, capacity, and availability. Finding the perfect venue is one of the first major tasks on your list, as popular locations book up quickly. When researching venues, keep your budget in mind and look for options that offer flexibility and value. If you’re looking for an affordable wedding venue that still delivers on beauty and amenities, consider venues like Cornerstone Ranch Events Center in Amarillo, Texas. Our picturesque setting, with breathtaking West Texas sunset views and a beautifully designed interior featuring rustic chic decor, large dance floor space, and so many flexible seating arrangements, provides the perfect backdrop for your special day. Combined with our affordable wedding venue packages, it's an ideal choice for couples seeking both charm and affordability.
Hire a Wedding Planner (if needed): If you feel overwhelmed and want help with planning, consider hiring a wedding planner. They can guide you through the process.
Choose Your Wedding Party: Decide who you want to have by your side on your big day and ask them to be part of your wedding party. Think about asking them in a fun or personalized way, such as with a bridesmaid or groomsman proposal box.
Start a Wedding Website: Create a website to share your story, engagement details, and eventually wedding information with your guests.
Explore Vendors: Research wedding photographers, caterers, wedding florists, and other vendors. Read reviews and ask for recommendations. Wedding photographers book quickly, so having your research done prior to booking is important. Be sure they fit your wedding style and budget! Once you have your perfect venue secured, photographer should be next.
Stay Organized: Use a planner or wedding app to keep track of tasks, deadlines, and vendor contacts. There are so many of these wonderful resources online and a planning checklist on our website here!
Enjoy Each Other: In the midst of planning, it's crucial to set aside moments for just the two of you. It's important to remember that this wedding planning time should be joyful. This is the only time you will ever get to plan the biggest wedding party for the two of you! While checking off items on your to-do list is important, remember to take date nights, fun engagement photoshoots, and cherish every moment you two have as you celebrate the love of this new journey together.
Congratulations on your engagement! The next chapter of your love story has begun! These next few weeks and months will be brimming with happiness, expectation, and several important decisions that will lay the groundwork for your wedding preparations. Are you ready to start planning your wedding? Here at Cornerstone Ranch Events Center, our affordable wedding venue near Amarillo, we want to be there for you every step of the way! When you choose our venue for your special day, we provide a list of our preferred vendors to help jump start your planning. Contact us today to set up a private tour of our breathtaking wedding venue in Amarillo, Texas!
XOXO--Ally
Special thanks to these wonderful locally-owned wedding venues from across the country who continue to inspire us and help support our wedding venue!
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