Welcome to Engagement Season: A Calm, Joyful Guide to Starting Your Wedding Planning

Becoming engaged is one of the most exciting moments in your life. It’s the beginning of a new chapter, filled with dreaming, planning, and imagining the day you’ll celebrate your love with the people who mean the most. But with that excitement often comes a sudden rush of decisions, questions, and Pinterest inspiration boards that grow quicker than you can blink.

So let’s take a deep breath together, press pause for just a moment, and walk through what really matters as you begin your wedding journey.

Start With the Big Foundation: Your Venue

Once you’ve had time to enjoy your engagement bubble, the first practical step is often choosing your venue. This decision shapes so much of your wedding day—your date, your style, your guest numbers, and even the overall atmosphere.

Booking your venue early gives you:

• A confirmed wedding date

• Clarity for planning your styling

• The ability to send Save the Dates so loved ones can plan ahead

• A sense of calm as everything else begins to fall into place

Some couples choose to send Save the Dates as soon as the venue is booked. This is especially helpful if your wedding falls on a weekday, during peak season, or requires travel.

Styling Your Wedding: Keeping It True to You

Here at Vintage Florrie, we believe your wedding styling should feel like you both—not a trend, not something expected, and not something you feel pressured into.

Think about:

• The colours and textures that feel comforting or joyful

• What you’re naturally drawn to—wildflowers, vintage décor, reclaimed wood, handmade touches

• Eco-friendly elements that align with your values

• Details that tell your story as a couple

Whether it’s a tipi in a woodland, an industrial space, or a heritage venue filled with character, your styling choices should enhance the day, not drown it.

Remember: simplicity often creates the most impact.

Not every space needs to be filled, not every trend needs to be followed. Let your day breathe.

Let Loved Ones Be Part of the Journey

One of the loveliest parts of wedding planning is how excited your family and friends become. People want to be involved—it makes them feel part of your story, and it takes pressure off your shoulders.

Instead of taking everything on yourself (which only leads to unnecessary stress), consider delegating small, meaningful tasks:

• A creative friend could help with signage or DIY touches

• Someone organised could help with RSVPs

• A family member might enjoy sourcing preloved décor

• A calm, dependable person can act as your advisor for your suppliers e.g. stylist or on-the-day coordinator

It’s a beautiful balance between staying true to your vision and giving others space to help.

Avoid the Pressure to Do It All

It’s easy to feel the need to take on every detail yourself—especially with the rise of DIY weddings and endless inspiration online. But the truth is:

Doing too much yourself can lead to burnout, tension, and stress during a time that should be joyful.

Keep things simple.

Keep them manageable.

Keep them within your budget.

Your wedding does not become more meaningful because you overwork yourselves. It becomes meaningful because it reflects your love.

Protect Your Connection With Each Other

Wedding planning has a habit of taking over every conversation if you’re not careful. It’s exciting—of course it is—but it’s important to protect your relationship throughout the process.

Some gentle reminders:

• Set aside “no wedding talk” evenings

• Check in with each other emotionally

• Share ideas openly but kindly

• Make space for fun, non-wedding moments

• Remember why you’re doing all of this: because you love one another

Your wedding is one day. Your relationship is forever.

Enjoy the Journey, Keep It Personal, and Don’t Overcomplicate

Planning a wedding is wonderful, creative, emotional, and full of possibilities—but it can also become overwhelming if you try to do too much, too soon.

And while it is your day, it’s also true that some families may have expectations, traditions, or opinions—especially if they’re contributing financially. Many couples feel a sense of obligation to consider what their families want too. This is completely normal, and it doesn’t have to become a make-or-break situation.

The key is finding a gentle balance: respecting their support and feelings, while still keeping your vision, your values, and your relationship at the centre of the day. Open conversations can go a long way in avoiding tension later.

Take it step by step.

Lean on the people who love you.

Keep your styling authentic.

Protect your budget and your wellbeing.

And remember that it’s your day—not anyone else’s.

When you keep things simple and true to yourselves, you create a wedding day filled with meaning, beauty, and ease… and that is where the real magic lies. ✨🌿

Photographers:

www.maddiefarrisphotographer.co.uk - Venue: Holdsworth Hall

https://www.venusphotographicstudios.com _ Venue: The Nottinghamshire

https://www.katshotthis.com - Venue: The Ponden Mill

https://www.studiowilliams.uk - Venue: Hodsock Priory