You’re recently engaged! Well first, CONGRATULATIONS on your engagement! This is such an exciting chapter in your life. Here’s the top ten tips on what to do next:
1. You’re recently engaged – Celebrate the Moment
- Take the time to enjoy this milestone with your partner.
- Share the news with close family and friends before announcing it publicly (if you choose to).
2. Set a Vision for Your Wedding
- Discuss with your partner what kind of wedding you both envision (big or small, local or destination, formal or casual). Talk about your hopes and dreams for your upcoming special event.
- Consider setting a tentative timeline, like the season or year for your wedding.
3. Budget Planning
- Discuss how much you’re willing and able to spend on the wedding. Include family members in this as well.
- Determine who will contribute (you, your partner, families, or a combination).
4. Create a Guest List
- Draft a rough guest list to get an idea of the size of your wedding. This will help in venue selection and budgeting.
5. Book a Venue
- Start with securing your venue, as it sets the tone and date. Contact us to schedule a tour to come out and see the property! Most recently engaged couples reach out within one week of getting engaged!
6. Hire Vendors
Research and book vendors like photographers, caterers, florists, and entertainment. We love to recommend our favorites but do not advertise them to increase the likelihood of their availability for your special date.
7. Engagement Photos
- Consider scheduling an engagement photoshoot. These photos can be used for save-the-dates, wedding websites, or just as keepsakes. At L&L Farm, we allow couples that have booked our venue for their wedding to use the farm for all of their photo shoots.
8. Set Up a Wedding Website and Email
- Create a hub where guests can find information about your wedding, including dates, registry details, and accommodations.
- Most recently engaged couples set up an email account (preferably gmail) to collect related messages and contracts that can be easily accessed by both parties.
9. Research Marriage Requirements
- Look into the legal requirements for marriage in your location (e.g., marriage licenses and officiants). In the state of TN, you do not have to apply for your wedding license in the same county that you get married in.
10. Enjoy Being Engaged
- Don’t rush into planning everything at once. Take time to savor this special period offing recently engaged with your partner. We do however recommend booking your venue asap as the dates go quickly!
Engagement Photos taken by Shelby Rae Photography
Follow on her Instagram page – ShelbyRaePhotog
Ready to book your favorite 2025 or 2026 wedding date? Call 615.948.2817 (Allison will answer assuming within business hours) and we will help you find your ideal date! Prefer email? Just fill out this short questionnaire and we will find the perfect date for your special day.
Check out these locally owned wedding venues, like ourselves, at The Lake at Christenberry Farms, Adler Ranch, La Joya Dulce, Yellow Brick on 39, and Pleasant Pastures Events.