Congratulations on Your Engagement!
Pop the champagne, you’re getting married! Before diving headfirst into wedding planning, take a moment to savor this milestone. You’ve just said “yes” to forever with your favorite person—how amazing is that? Whether you’re still basking in the glow of the proposal or already envisioning your dream wedding, these first steps after getting engaged will set you on the right path. Let’s dive into the exciting journey of wedding planning a wedding in Clear Lake, IA together!
Celebrate and Enjoy the Moment
Before diving into wedding planning, take time to celebrate with your partner. Enjoy the excitement and cherish this special moment. It’s a significant milestone, and you both deserve to bask in the joy of your engagement. Have a quiet dinner together at Prime and Wine or plan a small celebration with close family and friends at Lake Time Brewery. Relish in the love and excitement that this new chapter brings.
Announce Your Engagement
After savoring the initial joy, it’s time to announce your engagement. Start by sharing the news with close family and friends. Once your inner circle knows, feel free to make a public announcement on social media. This is a great way to share your happiness and excitement with a wider audience. Consider hiring a local photographer like Complete Weddings + Events, North Central Iowa for a fun engagement photo shoot to accompany your announcement.
Set a Budget
Setting a budget is crucial for effective wedding planning. Discuss finances openly with your partner and any contributing family members. Determine a realistic budget that includes all potential expenses. Your budget will guide many decisions, from the venue to the number of guests. Make sure to include a contingency fund for unexpected costs. A well-planned budget helps keep your Clear Lake wedding planning stress-free.
Choose a Date
Selecting a wedding date is a key step. Consider seasons, weather, and the availability of important guests. Choose a few potential dates and be flexible, especially if you’re eyeing popular venues or vendors. Once you have a date or a specific timeframe, you can move forward with more detailed planning.
Create a Guest List
Start by drafting a preliminary list of guests. This will help you understand the size of the venue you’ll need. Consider the type of wedding you want, whether it’s an intimate gathering or a large celebration. Your guest list will impact your budget and venue options, so it’s important to get a rough idea early on.
Book Your Venue
Booking your venue is one of the most crucial steps in Clear Lake wedding planning. Popular venues can be booked up to a year in advance. Start your search early and visit multiple locations. Consider factors like capacity, location, ambiance, and amenities included in the rental fee. Clear Lake offers a variety of beautiful venues, from the historic Surf Ballroom to the scenic Diamond Oak Events. Once you’ve found the perfect wedding venue, book it as soon as possible to secure your wedding date. Your venue sets the stage for your big day.
Hire Key Vendors
Next, focus on securing key vendors for your wedding day. Reach out to local talents such as Sarah’s Bridal Gallery for your dress, Complete Weddings + Events for coordination, and for musical entertainment. Hiring reliable vendors early ensures you get the best of the best for your special day.
Complete Weddings + Events Makes Your Clear Lake Wedding Planning Simple
The Complete Weddings + Events team has collaborated with numerous event and wedding vendors that you might consider for your Clear Lake wedding. With our expertise in photography, videography, lighting, coordination, DJ, and photo booth rental services, we are here to help make your wedding planning easy! After you’ve taken the time to celebrate your engagement, reach out to us and start tackling your wedding to-do list.
Waiting to start planning? No worries, head to our blog or Instagram page in the meantime for all things wedding to get you inspired!