Newly Engaged Over the Holidays? 7 Things to Do Before You Dive Into Wedding Planning
The ring is on your finger 💍 the champagne has been popped 🍾 and you’ve already told your closest friends and family 💬 (and maybe posted a sparkle shot or two).
Now what?
If you got engaged over the holidays—first of all, congratulations! You’re not alone. December is one of the most popular months for proposals, and by December 30th, many couples are just starting to realize… wedding planning is about to begin.
Before you create 10 Pinterest boards and start emailing venues, take a deep breath. Here’s what to focus on first to set yourself up for a joyful, intentional wedding experience.
🥂 1. Soak It In
Before you jump into full planning mode, give yourselves time to simply enjoy being engaged.
Go on a date. Take a break from the group chats. Talk about your dreams for the future before the seating chart.
This moment is worth slowing down for.
đź“ť 2. Talk About Your Priorities
Every wedding looks different—and that’s a good thing. Sit down with your partner and talk through:
What kind of vibe you want (relaxed, formal, nature-filled, etc.)
Guest count ranges
The top 2–3 things that matter most to you
This will guide every decision you make—especially your venue choice.
💸 3. Set a Realistic Budget (and Who’s Contributing)
Before booking anything, get clear on:
How much you can reasonably spend
Who’s contributing, if anyone
Whether you're open to weekday or off-season savings
Many East Texas weddings fall in the $10K–$35K range depending on size and style—but there are beautiful ways to make it work at every level.
đź“Ť 4. Start Researching Venues in Your Area
Your venue sets the tone, the date, and the flow of your entire day—so it’s one of the first things to secure.
Wonderland Pines is already booking 2026 dates, and we recommend:
Touring venues that match your style
Asking what’s included (tables? decor? time to get ready?)
Considering the weather for your dream month
Not sure where to start? We’re happy to walk you through it, no pressure.
📸 5. Book a Photographer Early
Great photographers book up fast—especially for fall weddings. If photos are important to you (and they should be!), lock in your favorite sooner rather than later.
Need recommendations? We know some of the best in East Texas.
💬 6. Don’t Feel Pressured to Plan Everything This Week
You don’t need a full timeline, vendor list, or invitation suite by January 1.
Use this week to:
Dream
Research
Set your priorities
You’ll have plenty of time to finalize details over the next few months.
🥂 7. Celebrate—Again
Schedule an engagement dinner, take more photos, or write each other letters for the wedding day.
This isn’t just the end of a year—it’s the beginning of a really exciting chapter.
You deserve to celebrate that.
Final Thoughts
Getting engaged in December means you’re heading into the new year full of love, excitement, and possibilities. And we’re here to help you make the most of it—without stress or pressure.
📅 Ready to start touring venues in East Texas? Schedule your 2026 tour—we’d love to meet you and hear your story ❤️❤️❤️
