Venue Booked! Now what???

Welcome!! I started off with getting quotes from dj, photographer, officiant and comparing the prices. I used an excel spreadsheet to do so. Also, follow the WeddingWire checklist it will help guide you edited: typos

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding. Venue is the most important thing in the planning process and now that you have that, everything should be easier to do. You can start by searching the kind of wedding gown you see yourself in and book some appointments. Happy planning

I would get all your vendors booked first and then worry about DIY Projects.

Thanks all! Using excel is a good idea to keep track of venues/prices. Definitely using it for our guest list.

A checklist is a MUST!!! A lot of girls use the WW one on here but I prefer the wedding checklist from Real Simple: http://www.realsimple.com/weddings/weddings-planning/wedding-planning-checklist. It will help you pace yourself and not miss anything!!

Buy stock in wine.

Okay not really, but start looking at your other major vendors. Get the feel of them, average prices, etc. Catering (if venue does not provide), DJ/band, officiant, photography, videography, photobooth, florists, DOC if your venue doesn't have one. Of course all of those are not mandatory. Make a list of what your venue provides and what you still may need such as linens, chairs, dishware, etc.

After we booked our venue I made an excel checklist that was a combination of about 5 other wedding planning checklists that I found online. It's got it all from hiring my vendors down to a reminder to break in my new wedding shoes! It is my daily go to and keeps me on track. I've organized it by months, counting down until the Big Day. Happy planning!!

Nothing! Now you wait until the day of and enjoy your wedding!

Just kidding... checklist, budget (if you haven't already), guest list (if you haven't already). Decide on a style/direction/color/theme. Begin interviewing vendors.

Welcome and congrats.

Book officiant now that you have the date nailed down.

I would start with photogeapher, DJ, officiant.

There is a list that goes all the way out to your wedding day lol! Luckily you are a year out. I would say next step is find your vendors and pick your BMs and GMs. Slowly but surely.

Popping in to say WELCOME!

Congratulations! Breathe and relax for a few minutes, and then start looking for your major vendors, as mentioned above: photographer, DJ, officiant, caterer (if not included with the venue).

Thanks All! I got a little overwhelmed just thinking about all the things that needed to be done. Now that I've taken a breath...I'm ready for planning! We are having the ceremony and reception at the same place (thank God).

So far we have...

the guest list (which seems to be growing)

a budget (which seems to be growing)

BM

GM

FG

JBM

RB

Book an officiant, the only vendor required by law. Many vendors can take on an additional client for a given day (the baker will be happy to do 3 cakes instead of 2) but I work for only one client a day, and calendars fill up quickly. This is an important (and relatively inexpensive) contract to settle. Do it soon.

Photos and DJ

Hope to see you around!

Carmen