You're engaged—congratulations! Now what?

The first 12+ months before your wedding are the perfect time to dream big and lay a strong foundation for your celebration. Whether you're envisioning an elegant ballroom affair or a romantic garden soirée, these early planning steps will help you stay organized, reduce stress, and bring your wedding vision to life.

Let’s dive into the essentials you should focus on now:

1. Set a Budget — Yes, Before Anything Else!

Before you fall in love with a dreamy venue, start dress shopping, or book your favorite band, take a deep breath and set your wedding budget. It’s not the most glamorous part of planning—but it is the most important. Your budget is the foundation for every decision that follows. It helps you prioritize, avoid surprises, and ultimately plan a celebration that reflects your style and stays within your means.

Why this step matters:

Guest list size is often dictated by how much you’re able to spend on food, drinks, and seating.
Venue options range drastically in price, and knowing your budget prevents wasted time touring places that are out of reach.
Vendors and extras—from your florist to your favors—will all fall in line with your financial boundaries.

Sit down with your fiancé(e), and if applicable, any family members who may be contributing (like parents or grandparents). Be open, honest, and clear about expectations.
Ask:
- Will there be any financial contributions?
- Are there specific items someone wants to cover (e.g., the dress, the rehearsal dinner)?
- What is your combined maximum spend?
This conversation might be uncomfortable at first—but it will save so much stress later.
Set an “ideal” and “maximum” amount for each. Adjust as you gather real quotes and shift priorities.
It doesn’t have to be fancy—a simple Google Sheet works great and can be shared with anyone involved in the planning.

Start by listing out all the key categories:
- Venue
- Catering (including bar)
- Photography & Videography
- Attire (dress, suit, alterations, accessories)
- Florals & Decor
- Rentals (chairs, tables, linens)
- Planner/Coordinator
- Entertainment (band, DJ, ceremony musicians)
- Invitations & Stationery
- Hair & Makeup
- Officiant
- Transportation
- Wedding Party Gifts
- Favor
- Cake/Desserts
- Miscellaneous
Even the most detailed budget can be thrown off by surprise expenses. Don’t forget to account for:
- Gratuities and tips for vendors (often 15–20%)
- Service charges or venue fees
- Vendor meals (yes, you need to feed your photographer, planner, DJ, etc.)
- Taxes
- Postage for invitations
- Dress alterations
- Overtime fees (if your party runs long)
- Marriage license fees
- Insurance for venue or liability coverage
A good rule of thumb? Set aside 5–10% of your total budget as a contingency buffer for surprises.
Your wedding budget isn’t just a number—it’s a roadmap. It gives you permission to say "yes" to what matters most and “no” to what doesn’t. When you plan with intention from the start, you’ll feel more confident in every choice that follows.
Work with your wedding planner (@agapeweddingco) to help refine your budget. A planner knows the market and can recommend vendors that fit your financial goals and your vision.

2. Draft a Rough Guest List

You don’t need to finalize your guest list yet, but creating a rough draft early in the planning process is crucial. Why? Because your guest count affects everything—from your venue size to your catering costs, rental needs, and ultimately your budget. Without at least a ballpark number, it's hard to make informed decisions about where and how you’ll celebrate.

Why Start Early?

Venues have strict capacity limits. You don’t want to fall in love with a charming 75-person space if your list is pushing 200.
Catering is typically priced per guest, so your total cost can swing significantly with even a small change in headcount.
Other factors like invitations, tables, chairs, linens, and favors are all based on the number of people attending.

Questions to Guide Your First Draft:

This is one of the biggest decisions you'll make. Think about the kind of experience you want:
- A large wedding (150+ guests) means more energy, more coordination, and potentially higher costs—but it also means more of your community can celebrate with you.
- A smaller wedding (50–100 guests) often feels more personal and manageable, and may give you room to splurge on elevated details.
- An intimate micro-wedding (under 50 guests) allows for deep connection and a curated, luxury experience on a more modest budget.
This can be a sensitive topic, so it's good to decide your approach upfront:
- Family-friendly: Welcoming kids adds to your guest count (and budget) but may be non-negotiable for some guests.
- Adults-only: This can simplify things, reduce your headcount, and create a more formal or relaxed vibe—but it may limit attendance for guests who can’t find childcare.
Consider offering a kids’ activity area or hiring childcare for the day as a happy middle ground.
Plus-ones are another budget and space factor.
- A general rule of thumb is to offer plus-ones to married, engaged, or long-term partnered guests.
- For single friends, you might offer a plus-one based on how well you know them or how far they’re traveling.
- Be consistent and intentional with your approach—it’s your day, but fairness helps avoid awkwardness.
1. Make a master list of everyone you might invite—family, friends, colleagues, etc.
2. Group by category (e.g., immediate family, extended family, college friends, work friends).
3. Mark “must-haves” vs. “maybes” to get a clearer sense of priority.
4. Keep a shared list in Google Sheets or an app like Zola or Guestboard so you and your fiancé(e) can update it together.
Aim to overestimate a little at this stage. It’s easier to scale down than realize later that your dream venue is too small. And remember—this is just a rough draft. You’ll refine the list many times before sending invitations.

3. Hire Your Houston Wedding Planner/Coordinator

If you're planning a wedding in Houston, this is the moment to bring in your planning pro. Hiring a wedding planner early in the process is one of the best investments you can make—not only for your sanity but for the overall success and cohesion of your big day.

At @agapeweddingco, our team is known for creating heartfelt, stylish weddings with a seamless and intentional approach. From intimate gatherings to luxe affairs, we are experts at transforming your vision into a beautifully executed reality.

Why You Should Hire an AGAPE Planner NOW, Not Later:

Houston is bursting with venues and vendors—from stunning industrial lofts to lush garden estates. But with so many options, it can feel overwhelming.
A seasoned planner:
- Has existing relationships with trusted local vendors.
- Knows which venues suit your style, guest count, and budget.
- Can often secure better deals or exclusive recommendations thanks to those relationships.
You won’t waste time vetting dozens of options—your planner will guide you to the right ones quickly and confidently.
Let’s face it: planning a wedding is like managing a mini production. Between contracts, payments, deadlines, and logistics, it’s easy to get off course. A planner ensures you stay grounded, organized, and focused on your priorities.
A professional planner will:
- Help you create a realistic, customized budget and track it throughout the process.
- Build a detailed planning timeline so you know what needs to happen and when.
- Break down big decisions into manageable steps, avoiding overwhelm.
- Handle the coordination of meetings, walk-throughs, and vendor follow-ups.
This allows you to enjoy your engagement without becoming your own project manager.
Your planner is your right hand, sounding board, and calming presence from day one.
They help:
- Translate your vision and mood board into a cohesive, intentional wedding design.
- Handle difficult conversations or last-minute problems with grace and professionalism.
- Protect your peace—so you and your fiancé(e) can actually enjoy this season of life.
Whether you're navigating family dynamics, vendor communication, or timeline stress, your planner has your back and keeps the focus where it belongs: on you two and your love story.
- Wedding Planner: Works with you from the very beginning, helping with design, budgeting, vendor selection, and the overall planning process.
- Wedding Coordinator: Typically steps in about 1–2 months before the wedding to finalize details, create the timeline, and manage the day-of logistics.
If your budget allows, hiring a full-service planner (like Agape Wedding Co.) from the start will make the entire experience smoother, more fun, and far less stressful.
Think of your planner as your wedding architect. With the right one by your side, you won’t just be planning a beautiful day—you’ll be curating a meaningful experience that’s fully aligned with your love story and vision.

4. Secure Your Date and Choose a Venue

Once you’ve got a rough guest list and budget, it’s time for one of the most exciting (and crucial) parts of wedding planning: booking your venue. This decision will shape almost every other detail of your wedding—from your date and guest capacity to your design aesthetic, logistics, and even vendor choices.

Before you start touring venues, decide what matters most to you as a couple.
Ask yourselves:
- Do we want an indoor, outdoor, or hybrid venue?
- Are we aiming for something modern, rustic, glamorous, or romantic?
- Will we host both the ceremony and reception at the same venue?
How important is location, guest accessibility, or accommodation options nearby?
It’s tempting to get attached to a symbolic date (your anniversary, or 11/11, for example), but if your dream venue isn’t available, you may face heartbreak—or serious compromise.
Pro move: Choose your venue first, then set your date around it. You’ll have a wider selection and less stress.
If you’re open to off-peak seasons, weekdays, or Sundays, you might find:
- Better availability
- Discounted rates
- Greater vendor flexibility
For example, Houston’s peak wedding months (March–May and October–November) get snatched up quickly. Choosing a shoulder-season month or Friday evening might open up stunning venues at a more approachable price.
Don’t just fall for a pretty space—dig into the details. On each tour, ask:
- What’s included? (Tables, chairs, linens, setup/teardown?)
- Is there a bridal suite and groom's lounge?
- What are the time restrictions or noise ordinances?
- Are there preferred or required vendors?
- What’s the plan for rain (if outdoors)?
- Is there ample parking, valet service, or shuttle access?
- Are there on-site accommodations or partnerships with nearby hotels?
Choosing your venue is about more than aesthetics—it’s about finding the space that feels right for your love story. It’s where you’ll say your vows, share your first dance, and celebrate surrounded by your favorite people. Take your time, ask thoughtful questions, and lean on your planner for insight and support.
Once your venue is booked, everything else starts to fall into place: your date is set, your vision starts taking shape, and the countdown to "I do" gets real.

5. Start Researching Key Vendors

Once you’ve secured your date and venue, it’s time to build your wedding dream team—starting with the vendors who tend to book out the furthest in advance. These professionals will play a major role in shaping your day, capturing your memories, and ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

Some vendors are in especially high demand and can book out 12–18 months in advance, especially during peak seasons in Houston. So the sooner you start researching and reaching out, the better!

Vendors to Prioritize First:

Photographers
- Your wedding photos will be one of the few tangible things you keep forever—so it’s worth the investment. The best photographers often book out quickly because they only take a limited number of weddings each year.
  - Are you drawn to light and airy images? Or do you prefer moody, editorial vibes?
  - Do you want someone who poses you extensively, or a photojournalist who captures moments candidly?
Videographers
- Video is no longer just a “nice to have.” A good videographer brings your day to life in motion—capturing the vows, laughter, dance floor moments, and even the sounds and emotions that photos can’t.
  - Look for a style that matches your vibe (cinematic? documentary? upbeat highlight reel?).
  - Make sure they have clear audio quality, smooth transitions, and thoughtful editing.
Caterers
- Food is one of the biggest expenses and one of the most memorable parts of your wedding for guests. Great catering doesn’t just fill bellies—it sets the tone for hospitality and celebration.
  - Decide if you want a plated dinner, buffet, family-style, or something unique like food stations or taco trucks.
  - Schedule tastings, and don’t be afraid to ask about custom menus, dietary accommodations, or late-night snacks.

How To Research & Choose Vendors

Go Deeper Than a Scroll!
- Stalk Instagram feeds, blogs, and websites to get a feel for their style and personality.
- Read recent reviews on sites like The Knot, WeddingWire, and Google.
- Look for consistency, professionalism, and creativity—not just pretty photos.
Anyone can post 10 highlight photos from a perfect golden hour shoot. What you need to see is how they cover:
- Ceremony lighting challenges
- Reception details and dancing
- Family portraits
- Emotional moments (first looks, speeches, etc.)
You want a vendor who can deliver beauty in every part of the day.
Set up Zoom calls, coffee chats, or in-person meetings if possible. You’ll be working closely with these people—especially your photographer and planner—so personal connection matters.
Ask yourself:
- Do they “get” your vision?
- Are they experienced, responsive, and clear in their communication?
- Do you feel relaxed and excited talking to them?
Remember: This is your team. You want to feel like they’re in your corner—calm, creative, and capable.
This is where your wedding vision really starts to take shape—through the lens of the talented creatives and service pros who will bring it all to life. Take your time, do your homework, and choose vendors who align not just with your style, but your values and vibe as a couple.
Once your key vendors are locked in, the rest of the planning becomes a lot easier—and a lot more fun.
ALSO:
— Be sure to ask photographers for full wedding galleries, not just Instagram highlights. You want to see how they shoot in different lighting, cover all moments, and handle real-life conditions (not just styled shoots).
— Ask videographers: Do they offer drone footage? Do you get the raw footage or just an edited highlight film?
— Ask caterers if they handle bar service too—it can simplify logistics and sometimes save money.

Final Thoughts

This early stage is all about laying the groundwork. Don’t feel like you have to do everything at once—but getting a few big decisions made now will make the next phases smoother (and way more fun).

Remember, wedding planning is a journey. Celebrate each milestone, lean on your team (including your planner!), and always come back to what matters most—you two, saying yes to forever.

HAPPY PLANNING ✨ CHAT WITH US TODAY!
AGAPE WEDDING CO IS ALWAYS HERE FOR YOU

Coming Next: 10-11 Months Out — Booking Key Vendors & Starting Your Design Vision

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