Wedding Planning Reset: What to Do FIRST After Getting Engaged Over the Holidays

There’s something magical about a holiday engagement. Between twinkling lights, family gatherings, and the fresh start of a new year, it’s no wonder so many couples say “yes” between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. I speak from experience! Back in 2016, the day before Thanksgiving is when my husband and I got engaged.

So, if that was also you… congratulations! January is the unofficial kickoff to your planning journey, and if you’re staring at your ring wondering where to even begin… you are so not alone.

The good news? You don’t need to have every detail figured out within the first 24 hours. You just need a clear, intentional starting point. And that’s exactly what this guide is here to give you.

What’s New, What’s Changing & What to Expect

Wedding planning now looks a little different than it did even a year or two ago. Couples are planning earlier, prioritizing meaning over trends, and focusing on experiences that feel personal and memorable. Here’s a quick look at what’s shaping current wedding trends:

Venues & Vendors Are Booking Earlier Than Ever

September, late June, and early October are already high-demand months in the Inland Northwest, and they continue to fill earlier each year. Weekday weddings and Friday or Sunday celebrations are becoming more common as couples consider all their options.

If you have your heart set on a specific date, venue or photographer, reaching out early is essential.

Budgets Need Realism

Costs have continued to rise across catering, florals, rentals, delivery logistics, and labor. Setting a realistic budget now will save so much stress later. I find that many couples underestimate:

• Rentals & delivery fees (especially if your venue requires same day delivery & pickup, anticipate late night pickup fees)
• Guest transportation (not always necessary, but sometimes very appreciated for guest ease)
• Additional fees (i.e. service charges, labor, maintenance fees, etc.)
• Floral, decor and styling elements

A thoughtful, realistic, budget gives you clarity and confidence as you begin booking vendors.

Meaningful, Intentional Weddings Continue to be on the Rise

Couples are now choosing:

• Guest experience over extravagance
• Local, seasonal, and sustainable details
• Vendors who align with their values, not just put out pretty content
• Designs that reflects their personalities, not Pinterest trends

Weddings are becoming more story-driven and rooted in what matters most, and I’m loving it!

Planning Early = Less Stress Later

Between high vendor demand and rising costs, thoughtful early planning allows couples to make decisions from a calm, confident place – not panic.

The First 5 Things Newly Engaged Couples Should Do

If you only focus on five things this month, let it be these. They’ll help shape everything else you do.

1. Start With a Shared Wedding Vision

Before you open Pinterest, start with a conversation.

Ask each other:

• How do we want our guests to feel and/or remember our day?
• What three words describe the experience we want?
• What matters to us most? Photography, dinner, dancing, flowers/décor, a quiet ceremony, an unforgettable party, or something else?
• What are we most excited about when we envision our wedding? (it’s okay if that is something different for each of you)

Your wedding vision is the foundation. The colors/design, layout, and timeline will all grow organically from this.

2. Set a Realistic Budget

Your budget isn’t about restricting your vision… it’s about protecting it!

Determine:

• Your comfort budget
• Your stretch budget
• What categories matter most

And then be prepared to allocate funds intentionally. In this Inland Northwest area, costs vary widely by venue type, guest count, and desired experience. A structured, realistic budget will guide you toward the right vendors and prevent surprises later.

(If you need help, I have a downloadable budget worksheet that makes this step so much easier.)

3. Choose a Season & Narrow Down a Date Range

You don’t even need an exact date yet, but choosing a general time of year will move everything forward. Here’s a quick look at the seasons in the Inland Northwest:

May-June

Lush greenery, vibrant florals, mild temperatures. Higher chance of precipitation, but still very popular.

July–August

Beautiful sunsets, but hotter temps and fire season considerations. Peak tourist season with lots of outdoor, full weekend experience options.

September

Warmer days, cool evenings, fall florals in full bloom, and potentially less tourist traffic. Predictably high demand.

October

Cozy vibes, moodier color shifts, and earlier evenings for romantic lighting. Best of plan for an indoor reception option.

December-January

Cooler winter vibes, warm indoor settings, the hope for snow, romantic candlelit tables. Perfect for an intimate guest list.

Choosing a date range, versus one specific date gives you more flexibility and increases your chances of securing your dream venue.

4. I May Be Bias… Hire a Wedding Planner Early in the Process

This might surprise you, but hiring your planner early on in your planning process can save you so much time, money, and frustration.

A planner helps you with a variety of things:

• Compare venues through a logistical and budget-conscious lens
• Understand true capacity, flow, and rental needs
• Help build a vendor team who best aligns with your priorities, budget, and vision
• Provide support and guidance throughout the whole journey

Think of your planner as the architect of your wedding. The earlier they come in, the stronger the foundation will be.

5. Secure Your Venue & Photographer Early

These two vendors book the fastest, and shape nearly every other detail.

When comparing venues, consider:

• Guest capacity
• Weather backup plans
• Travel and parking logistics
• Sunset timing and photo opportunities
• Decor and vendor restrictions

Once your venue and photographer are booked, your planning roadmap becomes much clearer.

(If you like clarity and structure, I’ve got something very special for you to make the venue comparison process easy with one single worksheet! Check it out HERE!)

What You Don’t Need to Stress About in January

Let’s take a deep breath together. Here’s what you don’t need to have figured out yet:

• Your exact color palette. I promise, it will evolve naturally.
• Bridal party details. There is no rush. Take your time to think this over.
• Specific décor decisions. These will come after the venue.
• Your minute-by-minute timeline. This will be built with your planner.
• A finalized guest list. A rough draft is plenty for now, and important to consider with venue capacities.

This month is about foundation, not perfection.

Planning With Intention

For me, intentional planning is everything. Your wedding should feel like you… not like a trend, not like a template, and not like something pulled from someone else’s inspiration board.

Intentional planning means:

• Choosing design elements with purpose
• Incorporating meaningful details
• Working with local vendors and businesses who care deeply about the couples they serve
• Creating a guest experience rooted in warmth and authenticity
• Letting your relationship’s story guide your aesthetic

Helpful Resources to Start Your Planning Journey

To keep things organized, grounded, and stress-free, here are my most-used digital downloads for newly engaged couples:

• Wedding Budget Worksheet
• Vendor Contact & Payment Tracker
• Bridal Wedding Planning Roadmap
• Wedding Day Binder Instructions

Each one was created to help you eliminate overwhelm and build a wedding day that feels intentional, cohesive, and manageable.

Your engagement season is such a special chapter, don’t rush through it. Take the time to celebrate, enjoy the excitement, and dream together.

You do not need every detail figured out today! You just need the first steps, a clear direction, and support from people who care about creating a meaningful, memorable experience for you and your guests.

If you’re planning a 2026 or 2027 wedding and want guidance, clarity, or someone to take the weight off your shoulders, I would love to connect.

Here’s to the beginning of something beautiful!!