Just Got Engaged in Ohio? Here Are the First 7 Things You Should Do
- channingwannemache
- May 23
- 3 min read
Congratulations - you're engaged! The confetti has settled, the photos are posted, and now everyone is asking: "So when's the wedding?" Before the overwhelm sets in, take a breath. Wedding planning doesn't have to be stressful - especially when you know where to start!
As a wedding planner and coordinator based in North West Ohio, I've helped couples across Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Oklahoma navigate this exact moment. Here are the first seven steps I recommend to every newly engaged couple:
1. Enjoy the Engagement (Seriously!)
Before you open a single wedding planning app, take at least a week - or more - to just be engaged. Go to dinner, call your favorite people, soak it in. The planning will be there when you're ready. No reason to immediately stress out about things when you can enjoy all the perks of being engaged!
2. Have the Budget Conversation
This one isn't glamorous, but it is the most important. Before you book anything, sit down with your partner (plus, anyone contributing financially to the wedding) and get a realistic number on paper. Everything else flows from this.
3. Decide on a General Vision and Vibe
Outdoor barn wedding or elegant ballroom? Intimate dinner party for 40 or a big celebration for 300? You don't need every detail figured out, but having a general sense of the feel and size helps narrow down your venue search considerably. This will also help with sticking to your budget down the road!
4. Start Your Venue Search Early
In Northwest Ohio, popular wedding venues book up fast - especially for spring, summer, and fall dates. Once you have a rough budget and guest count, start touring venues as soon as possible. Your venue will also lock in your date, which everything else will be scheduled around. If you're in need of a list of great venue's, check out our preferred vendor list: [Linked HERE]
5. Consider Hiring a Planner or Coordinator
This is important, admittedly, coming from a wedding planner - but hear me out! Hiring a professional early in the process saves you money, time and stress! We know the vendors, we know the venues, and we can help you avoid costly mistakes. Even if full planning isn't in your budget, a partial planner or a month-of coordinator is one of the highest-ROI investments you can make for your wedding day.
Wonder Event Co offers packages starting at $1,000, and we serve couples throughout Van Wert, Lima, Findlay, Fort Wayne, all of Northwest Ohio and beyond!
6. Build Your Vendor Wishlist
Start researching photographers, caterers, DJs, and florists in your area. Save their Instagram profiles, read their reviews, and note their pricing. You don't need to book everyone at once - but knowing who you want, what their pricing is, and if you vibe together, gives you a head start.
7. Don't Compare Your Wedding to Anyone Else's
Social media is wonderful tool but also a terrible "standard" of expectation for wedding planning. Use Pinterest for inspiration freely, but remind yourself regularly: your wedding is about your love story, what fits in your budget, and what you desire from it. The details that make it personal will always matter more than the details that make it look like an instagram worthy day.
We're Here to Help
Whether you're just starting out or knee-deep in planning, Wonder Event Co is here to guide you every step of the way! We specialize in wedding planning, day-of coordination, and floral design for couples across Northwest Ohio, Northeast Indiana and beyond. Let's make your wedding day wonderful!
