From ‘Yes’ to Venue: What to Expect After You Get Engaged

Your Next Steps Mapped Out: Move from Proposal Bliss into Planning Mode with Confidence

Congratulations—it’s official! You’re engaged! Now… what’s next? As a wedding and travel specialist, I help couples plan luxury destination weddings and local weddings in Memphis, AR, and beyond. I’m excited to share a simple roadmap to keep your excitement high and your stress low.

Week 1–2: Celebrate & Start the Guest List

Pop the bubbly (or sparkling mocktail)—you deserve it! Take this time to talk together about a few important details:

• Rough guest count: Consider local vs. destination when planning your wedding.

• Wedding vision: Will it be a destination or local wedding? Think about a beach, villa, resort, or castle.

• Rough budget: Include ring cost, wedding cost, and honeymoon (if applicable).

• Bonus: Yes! Dani Cymone Events plans honeymoons for FREE for all couples who sign on under our wedding planning services!

  
  

Month 1: Set the Date & Choose Your Venue Category

If you’re going for a destination wedding in Jamaica, Mexico, or the Dominican Republic, or a local wedding in the Memphis area, it’s time to pick three venue types you love. Once you get engaged, many top venues fill up fast—especially during high season. Locking in the date is a priority!

Month 2–4: Book Key Vendors & Secure Deposits

Now it’s time to secure your key vendors. Here’s what to focus on:

• Venue: We can help you find the perfect spot.

• Planner/coordinator: Yes, that’s us!

• Photographer or cinematographer: We can assist with that too.

• Travel logistics for destination guests: That’s us again!

  
  

Month 4–6: Design the Look & Guest Experience

During this phase, you’ll want to design the overall look and feel of your wedding. Consider the following:

• Theme and color palette: What vibe do you want to create?

• Rentals and décor: Think about what you’ll need to enhance your venue.

• Welcome events: Plan activities to greet your guests.

• Guest accommodations and travel logistics: Make sure everyone knows where to stay.

• Destination excursions: If it’s a wedding getaway, plan some fun activities for your guests.

  
  

Month 6–12: Fine-Tune & Finalize

As your wedding day approaches, it’s time to fine-tune the details:

• Invitations and website/RSVP platform: Get your invites out!

• Menu and catering tasting: Sample the delicious options.

• Transportation and local activities: Arrange how guests will get around.

• Final walkthrough/venue meeting: Ensure everything is in place.

• Wedding day timeline and backup plan: Prepare for the unexpected.

  
  

Destination vs Local: Key Differences

Understanding the differences between destination and local weddings can help you make informed decisions:

• Destination weddings: You’ll need to manage travel, accommodations, guest activities, and paperwork (depending on the country). Often, this requires a longer lead time. We will guide you to the best destination based on your vision, guest count, and budget.

• Local weddings (Memphis, MS, AR): You’ll focus more on local vendors, accessibility, and potentially a larger guest count. However, still expect 8-12 months of lead time for premium vendors.

  
  

Takeaway: Engagement opens the door to planning. Your next step is to create a solid plan. With the right timeline and a trusted planner by your side, you’ll move from “Yes” to “I do” with excitement, clarity, and style.

Your Unique Wedding Experience Awaits

Every couple deserves a wedding that reflects their unique love story. Whether you’re dreaming of a beachside ceremony in Jamaica or a charming local gathering in Memphis, I’m here to help you every step of the way.

Call to Action: Let’s Get Started!

Ready to map your engagement-to-wedding timeline, whether it’s in Memphis or a luxe destination in Jamaica, Mexico, or the Dominican Republic? Let’s create your custom planning calendar together.

📅 Book your consultation today 🔗 [Schedule Now]

Your dream wedding is just a plan away!