Just Engaged? Here Are 3 Things to Do Before Anything Else
So, you’re engaged—congratulations! Take a deep breath, soak in the magic, and then let’s talk about what comes next.
As someone who’s been in the wedding industry for 15+ years, I’ve seen it all: the overwhelm, the excitement, the endless Pinterest boards. The beginning stages of planning can feel both thrilling and totally chaotic. That’s why I always tell my clients to start with intention before they dive into the details.
Here are 3 wedding planning tips that will set you up for a meaningful and aligned planning journey:
Get Clear on Your Values Before Your Vision
Before you book a venue or start a guest list, have an honest conversation with your partner about what matters most to both of you.
Do you want a weekend-long celebration or a quick elopement?
Is intimacy more important than size?
Do you value luxury, ease, sustainability, community?
Your values should drive every decision—not pressure from family or tradition. A wedding aligned with your values will always feel more beautiful than one that just looks good on paper.
Set Your Budget + Guest Count Early
These two things—budget and guest count—will influence everything else: the venue, the vibe, the food, the flowers. Get real about what you want to spend and how many people you genuinely want to share the day with. Then build your wedding around that foundation, not the other way around.
A smaller, intentional guest list with a solid budget can go a long way in creating something unforgettable.
Hire Support That Aligns With Your Energy
Find vendors who get you. Your planner, photographer, and creative team should be more than just professionals—they should feel like collaborators who understand your vision, values, and vibe.
You don’t need to do this alone. The right planner (hi, I’m Katie 👋🏼) will help you stay grounded, make confident decisions, and design a wedding that reflects you, not someone else’s Pinterest board.
Whether your dream wedding is barefoot in the backyard or a three-day celebration at a unique location, the most important thing is that it feels like yours. Start with intention, stay true to who you are, and let the rest unfold beautifully.
With love + grounded planning,
Katie Parent