Just Engaged? Here’s What to Do First

The holidays are the most popular time of year to get engaged, so if there's a brand new ring on your finger, congratulations! This is one of the sweetest seasons of your life. Before the planning spreadsheets take over, here's where I'd start, from one Central Florida wedding photographer at Created by Patty who has walked a lot of couples through these first steps.

1. Soak it in

There's no rush. Take a week or two to simply enjoy being engaged. Call the people you love, tell the story a few dozen times, and let it sink in before you think about a single vendor.

2. Talk about the big picture together

Before you look at venues, sit down together and talk about what matters most. Is it a big party with everyone you know, or an intimate day with your closest people? A rough guest count, a season and a budget range will make every decision after this one so much easier.

3. Book your venue and date

Your venue and date shape everything else, so they usually come first. Popular venues and Saturdays in spring and fall book up quickly, often a year or more out.

4. Book the vendors who only do one wedding a day

Your photographer, videographer and planner can only be in one place on your wedding day. Once your date is set, these are the vendors to reach out to next, before your favorites are booked for your date.

5. Schedule your engagement session

An engagement session is the perfect first step with your photographer. You'll get comfortable in front of the camera, get to know how I work, and walk away with beautiful photos for your save-the-dates and wedding website. Most of my wedding collections include one.

Let's celebrate together

If you just got engaged, I'd love to hear your story. Check my availability for your date, or download my Investment Guide to see every collection and what's included. I'm Patty, the photographer behind Created by Patty, and I photograph weddings across Florida and North Carolina.