Did You Get Engaged This Summer? Here’s Where to Begin

Did you get engaged this summer? Here's where to begin

Summer engagements have a certain magic about them. Maybe it was a warm evening at the beach, a picnic in the hills or a Christmas surprise surrounded by family. However it happened, you’re officially engaged, and now the fun part begins. If you’re staring at your ring, a little bit giddy and a little bit overwhelmed, here’s where to start.

Celebrate the Moment

Before you rush into planning, take a breath and enjoy this chapter. Share the news with the people who matter most, have a quiet celebratory dinner together or take a weekend away. The wedding planning will happen soon enough, so soak up this freshly engaged glow while it lasts.

Talk About Your Vision

Sit down together and chat about the kind of wedding you both imagine. You don’t need exact details yet, but getting on the same page is essential.

Think about the season you’d love to marry in and what kind of atmosphere feels right. It might be relaxed and outdoorsy, elegant and intimate or something in between.
Consider what is most important to each of you. It might be great food, a natural setting, a long weekend with family or simply keeping things fuss free.
Start collecting a few inspiration images so you can both see how your ideas align.

Set a Realistic Budget

The budget sets the tone for everything else, so it is worth getting clear early.

Have an open conversation about what you can comfortably spend and whether any family members intend to contribute.
Once you have an approximate figure, note the “must haves” and the “nice to haves” so you can make decisions that feel right later on.

Remember that weddings come in all shapes and sizes. A simple, beautiful celebration can be just as meaningful as something more elaborate.

Begin the venue search

The venue is the anchor of your wedding plans, so it is often the first major decision.

Start by considering locations that reflect who you are as a couple. If you love nature, adventure or a weekend away feeling, a Dwellingup bush venue (check out our options here…no pressure!) could be perfect.
Look at what each venue includes such as accommodation, ceremony spaces, reception areas and catering options so you can understand the full picture.

Once you have narrowed it down, book a tour. Seeing the space in person is often the moment everything clicks into place.

Think About Your Guest List

Your guest list will influence your venue, budget and overall feel.

Start with an approximate number, even if it is not final. It helps guide your search and stops you from falling in love with a venue that does not fit your size.
Decide whether you want an intimate gathering, a mid-size celebration or a big party.
Keep in mind that your guest list will naturally shift as plans evolve, and that is completely normal.

Lock In Key Vendors

Once you have chosen your venue and date, you can start securing the vendors who book out quickly.

Photographers, florists and celebrants tend to be in high demand, especially for weekend weddings in popular seasons.
Reach out early, even if you are still shaping your ideas. Professionals are excellent at guiding you through what they need and how they work.

Choose people whose work you love and whose presence you enjoy. You will spend a big part of your day with them.

Enjoy the Journey

Wedding planning can feel like a lot at times, but it is a chapter you will look back on fondly. Take it step by step, have fun with it and trust that everything will come together. If you are dreaming of a forest ceremony, a relaxed outdoor celebration or a weekend wedding surrounded by nature, Dwellingup has three beautiful venues ready to welcome you.

When you are ready to explore the possibilities, we are here to help.

If a rustic wedding is calling your name, Dwellingup’s venues, Jarrahfall Bush Camp, Noble River Estate, and Redgum Wine Estate are the perfect places to start your journey.

Photos from: Tyler Brown Photography, Wild Lotus Photography, Anthony Milnes Photography, CarvingAGiant, SunnyDaze Creative