First of all, STOP SCROLLING AND CONGRATS!! 🥂
If you’re reading this, I’m guessing there’s a brand new sparkle on your left hand. You’re probably still riding that adrenaline high of calling your parents, FaceTiming your best friends, and saying the word “fiancé” about a hundred times just to see how it sounds. But I also know that about 48 hours after the “Yes,” the panic tends to set in. Everyone is asking you for a date, your aunt is already suggesting venues, and you’re just trying to finish your holiday leftovers in peace. Take a deep breath. Seriously. You do not need to plan an entire wedding during the weird limbo week between Christmas and New Year's. However, if your brain won't shut off, here are the first 5 steps you actually need to take (and none of them involve buying a dress tomorrow).
1. Stay in the "Bubble" for a bit I know the urge to hop on Pinterest is strong, but try to take a week, or even two!, to just enjoy this. You only get to be "just engaged" for a really short window of your life. Go on a date where you promise not to talk about budgets. Stare at your ring. Retell the proposal story until you’re sick of it. The wedding planning machine will be waiting for you in January. I promise.
2. The Dreaded Guest List (Do this first, trust me) I know, I know. It’s not the fun part. But you can’t pick a venue until you know if you need space for 50 people or 250. You don’t need a final count right now, but sit down with a glass of wine and get a ballpark number. This single number dictates your budget and your venue options more than anything else.
3. Pick Your "Non-Negotiables" Before you look at a single price tag, talk about what actually matters to you two. Maybe you want epic food and don’t care about flowers. Maybe you want a killer live band and a packed dance floor. Or maybe (and I’m biased here!) you want incredible photography because you know those photos are the only thing that lasts past the wedding day. Figure out your Top 3 priorities now, so you don't blow your budget on stuff you don't actually care about later.
4. Venue & Photographer (The Chicken and the Egg) Usually, couples book the venue first. But here is my little insider tip: If you have your heart set on a specific photographer or videographer, reach out to them before you sign a venue contract. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to tell a heartbroken couple that I’m already booked for their date. If you loop me in while you’re touring venues, I can let you know my availability so we can make the stars align! Plus, 2026 and 2027 dates in St. Louis are already moving fast.
5. Do the Boring Adult Thing Insure the ring. It’s unromantic, it’s boring, and it’s super important. Call your insurance agent (or look into Jewelers Mutual) like, today. Then go back to drinking champagne.
Ready to start dreaming? Once the holiday dust settles, I’d love to hear your proposal story! AlyssaBadamiPhotography@gmail.com and let's grab coffee (or a cocktail) and chat about capturing this next chapter.
