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 Saratoga Springs and Lake George wedding planning 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 or plan a small celebration with close family and friends. 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.
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 Saratoga Springs / Lake George 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 Saratoga Springs / Lake George 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. Once you’ve found the perfect venue, book it as soon as possible to secure your wedding date. Your venue sets the stage for your big day.
Research Local Wedding Show Calendar
The Saratoga and Lake George regions host several major bridal shows throughout the year, including the Saratoga Bridal Show at the City Center and Lake George Bridal Show at Fort William Henry Hotel. These events are excellent opportunities to meet local vendors, see current wedding trends, and often secure early-bird booking discounts. Many vendors offer “show-only” specials that can help stretch your budget. Mark these dates on your calendar – they typically occur in January and September.
Consider the Region’s Natural Seasons
The Adirondack region offers distinct seasonal advantages for weddings. Summer brings vibrant lake activities and outdoor possibilities at venues like The Sagamore or The Lake George Club. Fall showcases spectacular foliage along the lake and in the mountains, perfect for photos. Winter transforms the area into a magical setting, especially at venues like The Queensbury Hotel or Fort William Henry. Consider how each season might affect your wedding vision and budget – peak summer dates command premium prices, while winter dates often come with significant savings.
Complete Weddings + Events Makes Your Saratoga Springs / Lake George Wedding Planning Simple
The Complete Weddings + Events team has collaborated with numerous event and wedding vendors that you might consider for your Saratoga Springs or Lake George wedding.
With our expertise in photography, videography, DJ, photo booth, and coordination 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 in the meantime for all things wedding to get you inspired!
