First of all, congrats! You’ve got the ring, the love of your life, and probably a ton of people asking, “So… when’s the wedding?” Before you dive headfirst into Pinterest boards and venue tours, take a step back. There are a few key things you need to do before you start planning to make sure the whole process is as smooth (and fun) as possible. I got you! Let’s walk through the first steps together.

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1. Soak in the Moment

This sounds simple, but trust me—pause and enjoy being engaged! Take a week, a month, whatever feels right, to just soak it all up. Celebrate with your closest family and friends, and let yourself feel all the joy before the real planning kicks in. This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, so don’t rush it.

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2. Set Some Wedding Budget Boundaries

Before anything else, you need to have “the talk” about money. Sit down with your partner (and maybe family, if they’re helping) to set a budget range. Your wedding budget is the guiding star for everything that follows, from guest lists to venue options, so it’s crucial to get on the same page right from the start. No one likes sticker shock halfway through planning!

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3. Nail Down Your Priorities

What’s most important to you? The venue, the food, or maybe the perfect photographer to capture it all? Sit down with your fiancé and list out your top three wedding priorities. Knowing what matters most will help you focus your energy and budget where it counts.

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4. Pick Your Dream Date—or Dream Season

Decide whether you’ve got your heart set on a specific date, or if you’re more flexible and just want a certain season. Tampa weather can be tricky, especially with summer heat and hurricane season in the mix. Consider if you want a spring celebration with perfect beach vibes or a cozy fall wedding with cooler temperatures.

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5. Make a Preliminary Guest List

I know, I know—this part is not always fun, but trust me, it’s essential. Your guest list will affect everything from your venue options to your catering budget. It doesn’t need to be finalized just yet, but having a ballpark number will give you a better idea of what’s possible for your big day.

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6. Do Some Casual Research (Without the Stress)

Now’s the time to browse without any pressure. Stroll through Instagram, scroll Pinterest, and follow local Tampa vendors to get a feel for styles you like. This is just the fun part—don’t overwhelm yourself trying to plan everything yet. It’s more about seeing what sparks joy (and what doesn’t).

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7. Consider a Wedding Planner or Coordinator

Okay, shameless plug here—if you’re thinking, “I don’t have time for all this!” or “Where do I even start?!”—that’s where I come in. Hiring a planner (or at least a coordinator) can help you keep your sanity intact and let you actually enjoy the planning process. I’ll help you navigate all the moving pieces so you can stay stress-free and focused on what matters most: getting married and celebrating with your favorite people.

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Getting engaged is an incredible moment, and planning a wedding should feel just as exciting! If you start with these seven steps, you’ll be set up for success—and ready to dive into the fun part (hello, cake tastings and champagne). When you’re ready to get the party started, reach out to me at Brittany Bauer Events or click here, and let’s create the Tampa wedding of your dreams!