A Guide for Newly Engaged Couples from a Jacksonville Wedding Venue Owner
First of all, congratulations! From my husband, Glenn, and me, we are so incredibly excited for you. This moment—the one right after you say “yes!”—is pure magic. It’s a whirlwind of joy, happy tears, and sharing the wonderful news with your family and friends. My advice? Soak in every single second. Here at All4One Farms, a family-owned Jacksonville wedding venue, we’ve had the honor of watching hundreds of love stories unfold, and it all begins with this beautiful, exhilarating chapter. Since we opened our farm for weddings in 2017, we’ve seen how this initial excitement blends into the planning journey. It’s a path filled with big decisions and beautiful details, and it’s our passion to help couples navigate it with joy and confidence.
Once the initial blissful haze begins to settle, you might find yourselves asking, “Okay… now what?” It’s a question every newly engaged couple faces. The path from “yes” to “I do” can seem long, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes it a fun and exciting adventure rather than a stressful task. Think of this as your friendly first checklist, a guide to help you start your journey on the right foot, from our family farm to your growing family.
Step 1: Celebrate and Share the News!
Before you dive into spreadsheets and vendor lists, take a moment—or a week, or a month!—to simply celebrate this incredible milestone. This time is yours. Go on a special date night, pop a bottle of champagne, and just enjoy being engaged. Share the news with your closest family and friends personally before making a big social media announcement. Hearing their happy reactions firsthand is a memory you’ll treasure forever. This season of your life is so precious, and it passes by in a flash. Don’t rush it!
Step 2: Dream and Discuss Your Vision
Now for the fun part! Sit down with your partner and start dreaming about your wedding day. What does it feel like? Is it a huge party with everyone you know, or an intimate gathering with your nearest and dearest? Is it a formal, black-tie affair or a relaxed, rustic celebration under the stars?
Talk about your priorities. Is amazing food the most important thing? A live band that will have everyone dancing all night? Or is it the photography that will capture your memories for a lifetime? Understanding what matters most to both of you will become your guiding star for every decision you make. There are no right or wrong answers—only what’s right for you as a couple.
Step 3: Talk About the Budget
This might not be the most romantic step, but it is one of the most important. Having an open and honest conversation about your wedding budget early on will save you so much stress down the line. Figure out what you are comfortable spending and who might be contributing.
This number will influence every choice you make, from the venue to the guest list. Remember, a beautiful wedding isn’t about how much you spend, but how you spend it. Being on the same page financially from the start allows you to plan with confidence and clarity.
Step 4: Create a Draft Guest List
Your guest count is the other major factor that will shape your wedding. Before you can choose a venue, you need a rough idea of how many people you’ll be inviting. Open up a spreadsheet and start listing out your “must-haves,” “would-be-nices,” and “maybe-if-we-cans.” This will give you an estimated headcount to work with as you begin your venue search. You can always refine it later, but having a target number is crucial for the next step.
Step 5: Start the Venue Search and Schedule Tours
This is where the vision starts to become a reality! Your venue sets the entire tone for your wedding day. As you search, think back to the vibe you discussed. Do you want something modern and sleek, or charming and historic? Do you dream of an outdoor ceremony under sprawling oak trees?
Here at All4One Farms, we know how important it is to see a space in person. Photos are beautiful, but you can’t feel the magic of a place until you’re standing in it. Scheduling tours is your opportunity to walk the grounds, ask questions, and truly imagine your day unfolding. When you tour with us, we’ll show you our different ceremony sites, the open-air barn for your reception, and the beautiful bridal suite in the main house as well as the fun groom’s quarter in the back. We believe in total transparency, which is why our pricing and availability are easy to find on our website. No surprises, no hidden fees—just honest, heartfelt service.
Step 6: Choose Your Wedding Date
Once you’ve found your dream venue, you can officially set a date! Many couples choose a date based on the venue’s availability. Consider the season you love, any significant dates in your relationship, and the schedules of your most important guests. Our most popular months here in North Florida are February,March, October, and November because the weather is just so beautiful. Booking your venue and date early—especially if you’re looking at a popular season—is one of the best things you can do to ensure a stress-free planning process.
Step 7: Hire Your Key Vendors
With your venue and date secured, you can start building your team of wedding professionals! These are the people who will bring your vision to life. We recommend starting with the vendors who can only handle one wedding per day, such as:
- Photographer/Videographer: Their style should match your vision, as they are responsible for capturing your memories.
- Planner/Coordinator: A great planner is invaluable for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
- Caterer: Food is such a big part of the guest experience!
- DJ/Band: The right entertainment will keep the energy high and the party going.
As an à la carte venue, we empower our couples to choose the vendors that perfectly reflect their style and budget. This flexibility allows you to create a day that is uniquely yours, and we are always happy to share a list of talented professionals we know and trust.
This is just the beginning of a wonderful journey. Planning your wedding should be a joyful experience, a time when you and your partner work together to create a day that celebrates your unique love story.
We would be absolutely honored to be a part of your story. If you’re dreaming of a wedding surrounded by the beauty of nature with a team that has a true heart for service, we invite you to come and see our farm. Schedule a tour to experience the peace and beauty of our property for yourself. You can also explore our gallery for inspiration from our past couples, get a clear picture of costs with our price calculator, or contact us directly with any questions. We can’t wait to meet you
Happy planning,
Diane
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