Just Said Yes? What to Do Next as a Newly Engaged Couple in Houston
- Vivian Buesking
- Jul 3
- 5 min read
Congratulations on your engagement! This marks a thrilling new chapter in your lives. With all the joy and excitement, it's easy to feel a bit overwhelmed about what comes next. As a wedding venue owner near Houston, Texas, I wanted to provide a guide to help you navigate the path ahead and begin this journey together with confidence and joy.
Celebrate Your Engagement
After saying yes, take a moment to celebrate! This important milestone deserves recognition. You could plan a small dinner at a popular Houston restaurant, like Brennan's, known for its delicious Gulf Coast cuisine, or perhaps enjoy a vibrant gathering with friends at a local bar like The Rustic, which offers a lively outdoor atmosphere.
Consider capturing this joyous moment with a mini photoshoot around the city. Houston's parks or iconic locations like the Space Center offer excellent backgrounds for memorable engagement photos.
Share the News
Now that you've celebrated, it's time to share your exciting news with friends and family. Choose the method that feels best for you, whether sharing on social media or making personal calls.
Start with close family members, followed by friends. For example, consider hosting an engagement party where you can share your joy all at once, allowing important people in your lives to celebrate together.
Set a Timeline for Your Wedding
Creating a timeline for your wedding is essential. When do you want to marry? Have a conversation about potential dates and seasons. For many couples, a timeline is set around a year in advance to give ample time for planning.
Discussing the season can narrow down your preferences significantly. Spring weddings in Houston often boast beautiful blooms and milder weather—perfect for outdoor ceremonies.
Determine Your Budget
Having a budget is crucial to ensure a smooth planning process. Sit down together and list your finances. Be open about what you can spend.
In Houston, the average wedding cost hovers around $29,000. Consider all potential costs: venue, food, attire, and decor. By determining a budget early, you can prevent stress and stay within your means.
Research Wedding Venues
Houston is home to incredible wedding venues, from gardens to restored historical buildings. Begin your search by creating a list of venues that pique your interest. For example, The Gardens Houston offers stunning outdoor scenery, while The Bell Tower on 34th provides an elegant ballroom experience.
Schedule in-person tours to narrow down your options. Don’t forget to ask about availability, as popular venues often book many months in advance.
Create Your Guest List
Starting a guest list can be a fun yet challenging process. Sit down and think about who you'd like to invite. Each guest adds to your spending, so consider your budget carefully.
Categorize your list into family, friends, and work colleagues to visualize how many guests you might have. Creating a clear list helps you stay organized and avoid overspending.
Decide on a Style or Theme
Discuss the kind of wedding vibe you both want to create. Will it be traditional, rustic, or something unique to your interests? Houston offers a range of options, from elegant museums to laid-back parks.
You might want to draw inspiration from past weddings or explore sites like Pinterest for ideas. Establishing a cohesive theme early helps streamline other planning aspects.
Hire a Wedding Planner
Planning can be overwhelming, and hiring a wedding planner might ease some of the burdens. A local planner can provide insights on the best vendors, negotiate contracts, and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Research planners in Houston and look for positive reviews. A good planner can save you time and reduce stress throughout the process.
Research Vendors
From catering to photography, selecting vendors will play a significant role in your planning. Start by identifying your must-haves, like a photographer or a caterer. Look into options and check reviews to see what previous couples recommend.
For example, local favorites like McKee's Catering or A Southern Rose Catering offer a variety of menu options. Reach out for quotes and availability, ensuring they fit your timeline and budget.
Choose Your Wedding Party
Selecting your wedding party is likely an exciting step. Think about those who have been supportive in your relationship and whom you want by your side on your big day. Besides the usual bridesmaids and groomsmen, consider including friends who hold special meaning to you both.
Once you've chosen your wedding party, share your plans and expectations. Open communication creates a supportive atmosphere as the big day approaches.
Explore Bridal Attire
Searching for bridal attire can be an enjoyable experience. Explore Houston’s boutiques to find styles that resonate with you. Don’t shy away from trying different cuts and materials until you find a look you love.
Set aside a significant amount of time for fittings; some brides may require several adjustments before they find the perfect fit. Enjoy this unique part of the planning process together.
Plan Your Honeymoon
Don’t neglect to plan for your honeymoon! Discuss potential destinations and activities that appeal to you both.
Do you prefer a beach resort in Cancun or an adventurous trip through Europe? Creating a honeymoon budget alongside your wedding budget will ensure a well-rounded financial plan.
Embrace the Journey
Planning a wedding can be stressful, but remember to savor the experience. Set aside time for regular date nights or just relaxing together, ensuring your relationship remains a priority amid the planning frenzy.
By enjoying the planning station as a couple, you’ll create lasting memories that go beyond the wedding itself.
Foster Open Communication
As you navigate wedding planning, keep communication flowing. Regular check-ins about feelings, expectations, and adjustments can reduce misunderstandings and align your visions.
Transparency ensures that both partners feel valued and involved throughout the planning journey.
A New Chapter Awaits
Getting engaged is a thrilling and transformative step, and as newly engaged couples in Houston, you have many resources at your fingertips. Each step! from sharing your engagement to planning a remarkable wedding day, is an opportunity to strengthen your bond.
Embrace every moment, communicate openly, and treasure your love as you plan your future together. Enjoy every aspect of this journey, happy planning!
Thank you for stopping by our blog! Circle of Seven Ranch is a family-owned wedding venue in East Bernard, TX, (near Houston, Texas) and we hope that you will consider supporting locally owned businesses!
We belong to a community of locally owned wedding venues, and we support each other. Choosing a locally owned wedding venue means the world to our family! In an effort to support our small business community, we will feature small business wedding venues in each of our blogs.
Thank you for supporting locally owned businesses!
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