Getting engaged is an unforgettable moment, and with it comes the thrill of planning your dream wedding. As part of our Celebrations theme issue, we’re delighted to feature expert insights from the talented team behind Nudo. With years of experience crafting unforgettable weddings, they’re sharing 10 things you should do after you get engaged, to help guide you smoothly into the planning process. So, take a moment to enjoy this new chapter, and let these practical tips inspire your journey ahead!

Photography by Nick Skinner via Ashlyn & Andrew’s Elegant Winter Warehouse Wedding 

Congratulations! You’re engaged! With engagement season in full swing, our wedding planners from The Goodsmiths, have released our 10 tips for diving into planning your big day. After bringing thousands of weddings to life, we know this chapter is packed with excitement, love, and a fair bit of planning! Here’s our go-to advice for the first steps after that big “yes.”

1. Celebrate your engagement and set a date

First things first… pop that bubbly! While you celebrate, consider your wedding timeline. If you don’t have a specific date in mind, we recommend settling on a season or month that resonates with you both. This will help you prioritise your planning steps and streamline your venue search by ruling out places that aren’t available.

2. Create a budget
Before diving headfirst into planning, outline a budget that reflects your priorities. Discuss who’s contributing and what aspects are most important to both of you. Even if you’re not yet familiar with the costs involved, our advice would be to write down the maximum figure you don’t want to exceed. This at least gives you a starting point to work backwards from as you explore options and make decisions.

3. Start your guest list
When creating your guest list, we recommend dividing it into three tiers based on importance (we know this might feel a bit brutal, but trust us – it will help you in the long run!): essential guests, those you’d love to invite, and others who are nice to have. This approach allows you to easily gauge how many guests you can accommodate based on your venue’s capacity or budget. By organising your list this way, you’ll have a clearer idea of how to adjust your wedding size, making the decision process smoother as you move forward with your planning.

Photography by Love Wilder via How To Nail Your Pastel Wedding Styling 

4. Choose your wedding style
What do you want your wedding day to embody? Pick three words that reflect your vision, they could be “dance floor, vibes and colour” or just “food food food.” We find when our clients know the main priorities for their day, it makes it SO much easier for them to make decisions that align with their core values.

5. Book your venue
Finding the perfect venue is crucial to your wedding’s overall atmosphere. If you’re still searching for that ideal spot, we couldn’t let you read any further without recommending a vast list of venues to choose from!

Photography by Marie-Luise Skibbe Photographer via Kathryn & Rhyss’ Classic Modern Wedding At The Wool Mill 

6. Enlist professionals to help
Let’s face it… planning a wedding can be a bit overwhelming. That’s where we come in! When you book a Nudo venue, you get complimentary wedding planning by us. We are dedicated to curating experiences that are unforgettably good. Our expert team is here to help bring your vision to life, ensuring that every detail is thoughtfully considered and perfectly executed.

7. Wedding planning date night

Finally, amidst all the planning and preparations, don’t forget to savour the experience. We tell our couples to pre-book a date night once a month where you talk about all things wedding planning. This way you get to relish in the excitement and make decisions together regularly. Your engagement season is a special time – embrace it!

Photography by Miranda Stokkel via What Are The Latest Wedding Styling Trends 

8. Capture the moment
Your wedding day will be filled with precious moments that you’ll want to cherish forever (and post all over socials), so don’t delay booking your photographer or videographer. We recommend our couples book this in at least 10 to 12 months out. Knowing just how important capturing these memories are, our in-house photography and videography service, Art of Grace Studios, can beautifully document your day. Let’s capture every smile, tear, and dance move, ensuring you have lasting memories!

9. Plan your florals
Flowers are a pivotal part of your wedding design, as take your venue from blank to custom, and are often the best way to bring your personal style to life. Here at Nudo, we have an award-winning in-house floral service, Anatomy of Flowers.Whether you book a Nudo venue, or decide to use them at a different Melbourne venue, you’ll have access to our team of expert florists who are dedicated to crafting stunning floral arrangements tailored to your unique vision! We recommend booking your florist 7-9 months out from your big day.

10. Personalise your ceremony
When planning your wedding, think about what’ll make the ceremony feel like you. Write your own vows, pick songs that hit home, or throw in those personal touches that reflect your relationship. Some of our faves? Couples with their dogs walking down the aisle as ring bearers, cheers-ing their favourite cocktail right after they’re officially hitched, or having a close friend sing them out at the end. These details make the whole day feel more intimate and unforgettable, for you and for your guests.

Photography by Art Of Grace via Ella & Ronak’s Vibrant Wedding Weekend in Melbourne 

As you embark on this exciting journey toward your wedding day, remember that you don’t have to navigate it alone. With Nudo’s in-house services, they offer a seamless planning experience that allows couples to focus on what truly matters: celebrating their love. From stunning floral arrangements to expert coordination and capturing every moment

About the author: Katie Coolledge of The Goodsmiths are a collection of experienced event planners, stylists, designers, and florists. They provide seamless, honest and collaborative planning, styling and execution of weddings and events.