First Steps After Getting Engaged • Saratoga Springs and Lake George Wedding Planning

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

Attending bridal shows in the region is an excellent way to meet local vendors, view current trends, and access exclusive discounts. Shows like the Saratoga Bridal Show at the City Center and Lake George Bridal Show at Fort William Henry Hotel typically occur in January and September. These events are great for comparing custom wedding packages, meeting rehearsal coordination professionals, and speaking directly with those offering services from floral design to entertainment.

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.

Working With a Saratoga Springs Wedding Planner

Bringing a Saratoga Springs wedding planner into your journey early on can simplify the process and reduce stress. From developing your vision to coordinating the smallest details, an experienced planner ensures your day reflects your personality while staying organized and on track.

Why Hire a Local Wedding Planner

A planner based in Saratoga Springs or Lake George offers first-hand knowledge of the region’s best wedding venues, trusted local vendors, and seasonal considerations. Their insights help you avoid common pitfalls, secure top bookings, and create a seamless experience for both you and your guests.

What to Expect From Full-Service Planning

With full-service planning, you get support from start to finish: creating a realistic event timeline, managing communication with vendors, handling ceremony logistics, and ensuring your budget is aligned with your expectations. This allows you to enjoy the planning process instead of getting overwhelmed by the details.

Custom Wedding Packages & Coordination Options

From wedding design consultations to day-of coordination, local planners often offer custom wedding packages tailored to your needs. You can choose a plan that fits your schedule and preferences, whether you want hands-on support or just guidance during key moments.

The Value of Stress-Free Planning

Hiring a bridal coordinator means you’re not handling everything alone. You have someone to troubleshoot, problem-solve, and keep things moving. Having an expert manage your wedding day timeline allows you to stay present in the moment and focus on what truly matters—celebrating your love story.

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!