Planning a wedding can be a whirlwind experience, especially for couples with busy lives and great expectations. Many couples are asking “what to do after getting engaged” so I’m here to help you navigate this exciting chapter. I’ve put together a list of the top 5 things you should prioritize after getting engaged, all tailored to your unique preferences and aspirations. This is also the suggested order of importance, as they build on each other:

Set Your Vision and Budget After Getting Engaged

• Set Your Vision: Start by envisioning your dream wedding day. What emotions do you want to evoke? What personal touches can make it truly special? What is the look and feel that you want to experience as well as your guests? We believe in crafting experiences, and your vision is the blueprint for your perfect day. It’s where the magic begins.
  
  
• Budget Breakdown: One of the primary decisions you will need to do after getting engaged is creating a Budget. This step is crucial, as this can determine the type and size of the wedding and venue you can have (see Guest List below also), as well as the types of experiences and food you provide your guests. We recommend making a shortlist of 2-3 areas that are Must-haves for your wedding. This will help you to make financial decisions and keep you focused on what is most important to you and your vision.
  
  For example, you have dreamt of having a flower-focused wedding or maybe you are both foodies and amazing food is a primary focus. Others may choose the music (band vs. DJ) as they love a great dance party and want the dance floor full all night!  Also, determine who is paying for what. Is the couple paying for it all, the bride’s family, or a combination of both? These are all key factors in a smooth planning process.
  
  

Guest List and Timeline

• Guest List and Timeline: Start drafting a guest list and consider potential dates. The Guest List will drive most of your budget as this dictates the size/type of the venue based on your guest count, the number of tables/chairs needed, linens, floral arrangements, meals to prepare, favors, etc… The potential date (or date range*) will determine how long you have to plan, the season you prefer to get married, a special date of significance to one or both of you. You may want to consider an “A” list as well as a “B” list of guests if your guest list is getting very large. Feel free to ask us or your wedding planner/coordinator about how to do this.  Our experience can help ensure everything falls into place perfectly. Time flies when you’re planning a wedding, so creating a timeline is crucial. We offer a fully customized Client Portal with a dated timeline and other planning resources, for all our clients as we strive to be Full Service and want to cut down the planning curve from the beginning and relieve the stress planning may cause.
  
  

Venue Selection and Creative Professional Team

• Venue Selection: Venues are the first thing to typically get booked and they can be booked 12-24 months in advance, especially during key seasons such as Spring and Fall weddings. *We recommend having a few dates or date ranges chosen when searching for a venue, as your preferred date may already be booked. Look for venues that will align with #1, Your Vision. Since you may value nature, elegance, and sustainability, our modern French country-inspired venue at. The Legacy at Willow Pond may be the ideal choice. It accommodates up to 180 guests comfortably and offers countless opportunities for customization both as an indoor wedding venue and an outdoor wedding venue. You can also combine both…let’s explore it together!
  
  
• Creative Professional Dream Team: Selecting the right Creative Professionals is essential. We can guide you in finding creative professionals who align with your values and can bring your vision to life. I have over 10 years of planning weddings in Hampton Roads wedding venues and surrounding areas in Virginia and North Carolina. We can assist with recommending trustworthy professionals who are key to a smooth and memorable wedding day.
  

Remember, our mission is to make your wedding day unforgettable, reflecting your love story and creating memories that will last forever. Here’s to celebrating the start of your Legacy together and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you and your guests!✨ You can check out more of our inclusions, pricing, and availability on our website at www.legacyatwillowpond.com, to see if this might be your dream wedding venue!

We would love to chat with you about any questions or to schedule a consultation regarding our NEW Hampton Roads Wedding Venue being built in Suffolk, Virginia.