Just Engaged? Your First 10 Wedding Planning Steps in New England

Congratulations! Before the spreadsheets take over, enjoy a few weeks of being engaged. When you are ready, these ten steps keep planning calm and in the right order.

1. Talk about the feeling, not the details

Ask each other how you want the day to feel. Relaxed and intimate? A huge party that lasts until midnight? Your answer guides every decision that follows.

2. Set a real budget

Decide who is contributing and agree on a total number before you tour a single venue. It is much easier to fall in love with places you can afford.

3. Draft a guest count

A rough list of 80 versus 180 people changes which venues fit. Start with must-invite family and friends and build from there.

4. Pick a season and two or three possible dates

June, September and October Saturdays book fastest in New England. Fridays, Sundays and winter dates often bring better pricing and more availability.

5. Book the venue

Your venue locks in your date, so it comes first.

6. Book the vendors who only work one wedding a day

Your photographer, DJ and MC, and planner can only be in one place per date. Book them right after the venue, usually 9 to 14 months out.

7. Choose your wedding party

8. Send save the dates

Six to eight months ahead, or ten to twelve months for destination weddings.

9. Start a shared music list

Write down songs that matter to you both, plus songs your families love. If you come from two cultures, note those favorites too. It makes your music planning meeting with your DJ easy and fun.

10. Book dress, attire, florist and cake

These usually come six to nine months before the wedding. Then breathe. You are well on your way.