Congrats, you two! You just got engaged — your hearts are soaring, excitement is everywhere, and you can’t wait to start your married life together. But now that the ring is on your finger, what’s next?
Engagement season is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. From adventurous elopements to intimate micro weddings, dreamy destination weddings, or a classic Tulsa celebration, there’s a lot to think about. I’m here to make it simple with 10 actionable steps to take right after your engagement so you can enjoy the journey and start planning your dream wedding.
1. Celebrate Your Engagement
First things first — savor this magical moment! Pop some champagne, go on a date, or enjoy a quiet moment together. Before announcing it to the world, relish the joy of your engagement.
2. Share the News
Tell your nearest and dearest first — parents, siblings, and close friends — and then share online if you want. Consider hosting an intimate engagement party or a small celebration with friends. This is your moment — make it meaningful for you both.
3. Dream Together
Sit down with your partner and discuss your wedding vision. Are you picturing an adventurous elopement in the mountains, a cozy micro wedding by a lake, a glamorous destination wedding, or a traditional Tulsa wedding surrounded by friends and family? Talk about the experiences you want, the settings you love, and the vibe you hope to create. Getting on the same page now will make all your planning easier later.
4. Find Your Wedding Style + Vibe
One of the most exciting parts of planning your wedding is discovering your unique style and vibe. Are you dreaming of a romantic elopement in the mountains, an intimate micro wedding by the lake, or a sun-soaked destination wedding somewhere magical? Maybe you’re envisioning a classic traditional wedding in your hometown, or a lively celebration right here in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Whatever your dream day looks like, defining your wedding style early helps guide every decision from location to decor, photography, and attire.
Start by asking yourselves a few key questions:
- Do you want an intimate, private experience or a large celebration with all your loved ones?
- Would you prefer an adventurous outdoor setting, a rustic cabin vibe, or a timeless indoor venue?
- What colors, textures, and moods make you feel most “you” as a couple?
Once you have a general vision, you can create a mood board with photos, colors, and ideas that speak to your style. Maybe it’s soft, flowy dresses for a golden-hour elopement, bold floral arrangements for a micro wedding, or elegant table settings for a Tulsa ballroom wedding. Seeing your style visually helps your vendors — from your photographer to your florist — bring your dream day to life.
Pro Tip: Your wedding style isn’t just about aesthetics — it sets the tone for the entire experience. Couples who clearly define their vibe — whether that’s adventurous, romantic, traditional, or modern — feel more confident and relaxed on their wedding day. And yes, this applies to every wedding type, from an intimate elopement in Broken Bow to a full-scale Tulsa celebration.
💌 Need help choosing the perfect style for your wedding or elopement? Reach out to me to chat about your wedding and photography vision — I specialize in capturing every type of wedding with authenticity, fun, and timeless love!
5. Set Your Budget
Decide early how much you’re willing to spend and how you want to allocate your funds:
- Venue or ceremony location
- Attire
- Travel & accommodation (especially for destination weddings)
- Vendors (photographer, florist, planner, etc.)
- Extras & contingency fund
Setting a clear budget now keeps decisions simple later.
6. Create Your Guest List
How many people will you invite? This is crucial for budgeting and choosing a venue.
- Small elopements may include just the two of you — or a few close friends.
- Micro weddings are perfect for 20–50 guests.
- Destination weddings may require travel coordination for loved ones.
- Traditional Tulsa weddings can host larger celebrations.
Your guest count informs all your planning decisions.
7. Choose Your Location, Venue & Set Your Date
Whether you’re dreaming of a mountain elopement, a cozy Broken Bow cabin micro wedding, or a classic Tulsa celebration, securing your location and date is one of the most important steps in your wedding planning journey.
Destination weddings often require booking early to lock in travel and accommodations, while local Oklahoma weddings can be slightly more flexible—but early planning always pays off.
Pro Tip: Start envisioning your wedding style and vibe first—it will help you narrow down venues and dates that fit your vision perfectly.
Inspiration: Best Places in the U.S. to Elope
- Mountain escapes: Colorado, Utah, Montana
- Lakeside retreats: Lake Tahoe, Finger Lakes, Minnesota lakes
- Beach getaways: California coast, Florida Keys, Outer Banks
- National Parks: Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone
- Urban rooftops: New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles
- Charming small towns: Asheville (NC), Sedona (AZ), Savannah (GA)
- Cozy cabins & forests: Vermont, Oregon, Washington
Venues & Elopement Locations in Oklahoma
- Broken Bow: Cabins, Beavers Bend State Park, lakes, forests—perfect for adventurous elopements & intimate micro weddings
- Tulsa: Boutique hotels, historic venues, city parks—ideal for romantic, city-style weddings
- Oklahoma City (OKC): Urban rooftops, botanical gardens, small private estates—great for micro weddings & elopements
- Central OK & Countryside Escapes: Norman & Edmond—charming estates, gardens, and small barns for intimate celebrations
- Outdoor Adventure Locations: Wichita Mountains, Turner Falls, Lake Hefner—stunning natural backdrops for adventurous couples
💌 Next Step: Once you’ve locked in your date and venue, your wedding timeline, photography, and vendor planning can fall into place seamlessly.
8. Assemble Your Vendor Dream Team
Book your “big three” vendors first: planner, venue, and photographer. These often book 12+ months in advance. Other vendors to consider:
- Videographers
- Caterers or chefs
- Florists
- Hair & makeup artists
- Officiants/celebrants
- Unique experiences like boats, jeep rentals, or adventure activities
💌 Tip: Your photographer (like me!) can also help with planning the day’s timeline and logistics — especially for elopements and destination weddings.
9. Plan the Logistics
Now it’s time to schedule your day:
- Transportation
- Meals & catering
- Timing for ceremony, portraits, and reception
- Activities or excursions for you and guests
A detailed timeline ensures everyone knows where to be and when — letting you enjoy your day without stress.
10. Breathe & Enjoy the Ride
Remember, wedding planning is part of the fun! Take a step back, enjoy being engaged, and trust the process. By setting your vision, defining your style, and securing your vendors early, you’ll feel confident and prepared for your big day.
💌 Pro Tip: Want help planning a stress-free elopement, micro wedding, destination wedding, or traditional Tulsa celebration? Reach out here to chat about your dream wedding — I specialize in capturing every moment with authenticity, fun, and timeless love.
Keep This in Mind
At the end of the day, your wedding is about your love story. Whether you elope, have an intimate micro wedding, plan a destination adventure, or host a traditional Tulsa celebration, embrace the journey together and enjoy every moment. Cheers to your love and a happy engagement!
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