You Got Engaged This Holiday Season… Now What? A Modern Wedding Planning Checklist

Getting engaged over the holidays is pure magic — cozy lights, family celebrations, and that brand-new ring you can’t stop staring at. But after the excitement settles, most couples hit the same moment:

“Okay… we’re engaged. Now what?”

Here’s a simple, modern, stress-free checklist to help you move from newly engaged bliss into confident wedding planning. Save this, screenshot it, share it — it’s your new roadmap.

1. Celebrate (Like, Actually Celebrate)

Before you jump into planning anything, enjoy the moment.
• Pop champagne
• Take a date night
• Call your people
• Snap a few “just engaged” photos

You don’t get this season twice — soak it in.

2. Talk About Your Vision

Not a full plan. Not a color palette. Just the vibe.
Ask each other:
• Big wedding or intimate?
• Indoor, outdoor, or both?
• Local or destination?
• Modern, romantic, classic, or something else?

Your vision becomes your filter for every decision you make next.

3. Choose a General Budget Range

You don’t need an exact number yet — just a starting point.
Think through:
• Guest count (this impacts everything)
• What matters most — venue, photography, food, florals?
• Whether you want an all-inclusive venue to simplify costs

This step keeps you grounded before touring venues.

4. Make a Shortlist of Dream Venues

This is where things start to feel real.
When choosing venues, consider:
• Indoor + outdoor options
• Getting-ready suites
• Backup weather plans
• Parking and logistics
• On-site coordination
• All-inclusive vs. DIY

(And yes, Tuscan Oaks Estate checks all of the above.)

5. Book Venue Tours Early

Holiday engagements mean venue calendars fill fast.
Tour sooner rather than later so you can:
• Meet the team
• See real ceremony + reception setups
• Visualize your wedding day
• Check available dates

Pro tip: Weekday tours = less busy and more time to explore.

6. Secure Your Venue + Wedding Date

Once you find “the one” (again), lock it in.
Booking your venue early gives you:
• A confirmed date
• A planning timeline
• Access to preferred vendors
• Peace of mind

Venue first. Everything else flows from there.

7. Hire Your Photographer + Videographer

These vendors book out as quickly as venues.
Look for:
• Someone whose style you love
• A personality you feel comfortable with
• Experience shooting at your venue

Bonus tip: Schedule your engagement photos at your venue to feel extra prepared.

8. Build Your Vendor Team

Once your date + venue are secured, start booking:
• Planner or coordinator
• Florist
• Catering (if not included)
• DJ/band
• Hair + makeup
• Officiant
• Rentals (if needed)

All-inclusive venues make this step so much easier.

9. Start Your Wedding Website + Guest List

Nothing fancy yet — just the basics.
• Your story
• Engagement photos
• Event details
• Travel info (if needed)

You’ll update it as you go.

10. Enjoy the Process

Planning should be exciting — not overwhelming.
Take breaks.
Stay flexible.
Celebrate small milestones.
Remember why you’re doing all of this: you’re marrying your person.

Ready to start venue shopping?

Tuscan Oaks Estate offers all-inclusive wedding experiences, indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces, luxury getting-ready suites, and a seamless planning process designed to make your engagement season feel fun — not stressful.