You’re Engaged – Now what???
Congratulations on your engagement! This exciting moment is filled with love, joy, and the thrill of planning your future together. But after the initial celebration, you might find yourself wondering, “What comes next?” We meet newly engaged couples almost every day and most of them have that “deer in the headlights look” when they come for their first venue tour. But I am here to tell you that planning your Jacksonville wedding doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the first 30 days and kick off your journey to the perfect day at your dream venue in Jacksonville, like the enchanting All4One Farms.
- Share the News
Before diving into wedding planning, take a moment to soak in the excitement of your engagement. Start by sharing the news with your closest family and friends. Whether you plan a personal phone call, a small gathering, or a social media post, this is a special moment. For many, it’s also a great time to begin thinking about an engagement party.
- Set a Date (or a Timeframe)
One of the first things people will ask is, “When’s the big day?” While you don’t need to finalize an exact date right away, having a season or timeframe in mind is helpful. Consider your ideal wedding season, Jacksonville venue availability, and any meaningful dates that matter to you as a couple. Securing your Jacksonville wedding venue early is key, as popular spots like All4One Farms can book up fast, especially during peak seasons. We have a link right here on our website that tells you what dates we have available.
- Discuss the Budget
Before making any major decisions, sit down with your partner to set a realistic wedding budget. This will guide your choices when it comes to selecting your wedding venue in Jacksonville, the guest list, and even décor. Be sure to include a contingency fund for unexpected expenses, as this can help avoid last-minute stress. We also have a tool for you to estimate the cost of the venue rental.
- Start Your Guest List
A rough guest list is essential during the early stages of planning. Knowing how many guests you’re likely to invite helps in choosing the right Jacksonville wedding venue that fits your needs. As you draft your list, consider who you want to celebrate this special day with and any family traditions or obligations you’ll need to accommodate.
- Research Jacksonville Wedding Venues
Your wedding venue in Jacksonville will set the tone for your big day, so start researching locations early. Do you picture a beachfront wedding, a charming garden ceremony, or a chic downtown venue? Or perhaps the serene and beautiful setting of All4One Farms, with its picturesque landscapes and tailored event spaces, is perfect for creating a day to remember. Schedule tours of your favorite spots to see them in person and get a feel for how they align with your vision.
- Create a Wedding Vision Board
Crafting a vision board helps bring your dream wedding to life. Use platforms like Pinterest to gather inspiration for your wedding theme, color palettes, and décor. Whether you’re envisioning a casual beach wedding or a sophisticated celebration at an elegant Jacksonville venue like All4One Farms, having a clear vision will make your planning process smoother. These vision boards are great for sharing with any prospective vendors so they can see clearly what you want.
- Book a Photographer
Photographers in high demand can get booked far in advance, so it’s smart to start your search early. Look for photographers in the Jacksonville area whose style complements your wedding vision. Be sure to review their portfolios and read client reviews to ensure they capture your big day beautifully. Consider a videographer if the budget allows. Nothing captures the day like a video. You won’t regret it.
- Choose Your Wedding Party
Deciding who will stand by your side on your wedding day is one of the most exciting parts of the planning process. Once you’ve chosen your bridesmaids and groomsmen, you can start discussing how they can assist with planning. Whether it’s dress shopping or visiting Jacksonville wedding venues like All4One Farms, your wedding party can help bring your vision to life.
- Consider Hiring a Wedding Planner
If your budget allows, hiring a Jacksonville wedding planner can take much of the stress out of the planning process. With their local expertise and vendor connections, a planner can ensure every detail is taken care of. If you prefer to handle most of the planning yourself, consider hiring a day-of coordinator to keep things running smoothly on the big day.
- Look into Wedding Insurance
While it might not be the most glamorous aspect of planning, wedding insurance offers peace of mind. Explore coverage options that protect against unforeseen events like last-minute venue cancellations or weather-related issues, ensuring your day goes off without a hitch. We use Nuptialrisk for our couples.
Enjoy the Wedding Planning Process
Planning your Jacksonville wedding is a special experience, not just a to-do list. Savor this exciting time, lean on your loved ones for support, and focus on creating a day that celebrates your love. By starting with these essential steps, you’re well on your way to planning the wedding of your dreams in Jacksonville at a premier venue like All4One Farms!
For more expert wedding planning advice and Jacksonville venue tips, stay tuned to our blog. Here’s to a beautiful engagement and an unforgettable wedding day!
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Thank you so much for stopping by our blog, we hope you found this information helpful. We want to use our blog to increase awareness and support for locally-owned wedding venues. Locally owned wedding venues tend to provide a higher level of expertise, service, and dedication. They also have far less turnover than corporate-owned or investor-owned venues. As you plan your wedding we hope you will consider a locally owned wedding venue like ours. You can find locally-owned wedding venues on this wedding venue map. Below is a shout-out to fellow locally-owned wedding venues around the country!
