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Writer's pictureSusan Stow

What to Do in the First 30 Days After You Get Engaged

Updated: 4 days ago

You did it! Now it's time to start planning your wedding...Don't be scared!


Congratulations on your engagement! This is such an exciting time filled with love, joy, and anticipation for the future. But once the initial euphoria settles, you might be wondering, “What’s next?” Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but taking it step by step will help you enjoy every moment of this beautiful journey.


At Chapman Hill, a breathtaking 17-acre venue near Jefferson, Georgia, we’re here to guide you through the process with essential tips for getting started in the first 30 days after getting engaged.


1. Share the Amazing News

Before jumping into the planning process, take a moment to savor the engagement and share the exciting news with your closest family and friends. Whether you choose a heartfelt social media post, a small gathering, or an engagement party, sharing the news with those you love is a special part of the experience.  Next, think about capturing the moment in a photo.  One of the things we love most is when our engaged couples come to take engagement announcement pictures on our property!


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2. Set a Date (or at least a Range)

One of the first questions people will ask is, “When’s the big day?” While you don’t need to pick an exact date immediately, it helps to have a general idea. Consider factors such as the season, potential venue availability, and any special dates that are meaningful to you as a couple.


3. Discuss Your Budget

Your wedding budget is the foundation of your planning process. Sit down with your partner to determine how much you’re willing to spend, keeping in mind essentials like the venue, catering, and photography. Be sure to set aside a contingency fund for any unexpected expenses that might come up.


4. Start a Guest List

Begin drafting a preliminary guest list to get a sense of the size of your wedding. This will help guide decisions about the wedding venue and other logistics. While the list doesn’t have to be final right away, having a rough estimate is important for the early stages of planning.


5. Research Venues

Your wedding venue sets the tone for the entire celebration, so it’s important to start researching early. Whether you envision an elegant outdoor ceremony, a beautiful indoor reception, or a combination of both, Chapman Hill offers the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor spaces for your big day. Once you narrow down your top choices, you should schedule in-person tours to see them for yourself.  Pro tip:  At Chapman Hill, we allow all of our booked couples to use our huge 17 acre space for their engagement photos.  It’s fun to get to know the property before your big day, and of course the venue is gorgeous with so many perfect photo spots.  Check out our venue Virtual Tour to see what we mean!


6. Create a Vision Board

Creating a wedding day vision board is a great way to visualize your dream wedding. Collect inspiration from platforms like Pinterest, focusing on wedding themes, color palettes, and decor ideas that resonate with your personal style. Having a clear vision will make the rest of your planning easier and more cohesive.


7. Book a Photographer

Photographers tend to book up quickly, especially if they are in high demand. Start searching for photographers early on, ensuring their style matches your vision for the day. Don’t forget to review portfolios, read reviews, and confirm their availability for your preferred dates.  If you want, go ahead and check out some of our preferred photographers.  Our best advice is to take a look at their editing style by looking through their Instagram pages.  This will give you a great feel for their style and whether or not they are for you!


8. Choose Your Wedding Party

Select the friends and family members who will stand by your side on your wedding day. Whether you have a large bridal party or keep it more intimate, deciding early will help you involve them in the planning process and delegate tasks as needed.


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HUGE Wedding Party or Small, it's Up to You!

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Your Favorite People Standing Up with You on the Big Day!

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9. Use One of Chapman Hill’s Partnered Coordinators

At Chapman Hill, we partner with several amazing Month Of Coordinators. These coordinators are experts at managing the details leading up to your wedding day, ensuring that everything runs smoothly. Since they are also full wedding planners, they can offer additional planning services if needed. If you prefer more support throughout the planning process, simply discuss additional services with your coordinator once you’ve booked with us.


10. Explore Wedding Insurance

While it may not be the most glamorous part of wedding planning, wedding insurance can provide peace of mind. Look into coverage options that protect against unforeseen circumstances, such as venue cancellations or weather disruptions.


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Our Getting Ready Space at Chapman Hill for the Bride

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Most of All - Enjoy the Journey

Wedding planning isn’t just about ticking off tasks—it’s an experience to cherish. Lean on your loved ones for support, enjoy each step, and remember that the most important part is celebrating your love with those who matter most.

For more tips and inspiration, stay tuned to our blog. If you’re looking for the perfect venue near Jefferson, Chapman Hill is here to help you make your dream wedding a reality.

Here’s to a beautiful engagement and an unforgettable wedding day!


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Chapman Hill's Gorgeous Indoor Reception Space

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Did you know…when you choose a locally owned wedding venue you are helping to develop and improve the local economy? It’s true, your locally owned wedding venues are small business owners who not only create hundreds of jobs for the local wedding industry every year, we actively support our local economy. Please consider a locally owned venue, you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.


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Fun Give Away Idea for Your Wedding!

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