Just Got Engaged? Here’s the Right Order to Plan Your Wedding (From a Las Vegas Wedding Planner Who Has Seen It All)

So… you're engaged. You’re in love. You’re staring at your ring every five minutes like it’s a tiny disco ball on your hand. You’re excited — obviously. You’re googling venues, pinning color palettes, sending TikToks to your partner like “THIS. THIS EXACT VIBE.”

And let me tell you: That excitement is 100% normal. You should be excited. This should feel fun as hell.

But while you’re living in the sparkle-and-celebration phase, it’s easy to spiral into booking things before you’re actually ready.

So if you’re engaged and already halfway into your inbox drafting emails to venues and photographers…stop. pause. breathe. Let’s talk about doing this in the right order.

This isn’t about being controlling or “bossy planner energy.”This is about protecting your investment, your vision, and your sanity.

Here’s the truth (from a seasoned Las Vegas Wedding Planner who has rescued MANY couples from accidental chaos):

The FIRST Thing You Should Do After Getting Engaged: Hire a Full-Service Las Vegas Wedding Planner.

Not your venue.

Not your photographer.

Not a décor rental company.

Not the DJ your cousin used.

The planner comes first — and here’s why:

1. Your Vegas Wedding planner helps you choose the right venue.

The venue impacts everything: guest count, layout, aesthetic, budget, vendor limitations, logistics, timeline, design direction… everything.

And if you book a venue that doesn’t align with your vision, we can’t magically turn it into something it’s not.(We’re good, but we’re not architectural sorcerers.)

2. Your planner helps you book the right vendors in the right order.

Every high-end vendor wants clarity and cohesion.Without a planner, you risk:

• Booking a photographer whose style doesn’t fit your venue

• Booking décor that won’t fit your space

• Overpaying because you didn’t understand the timing

• Falling in love with a vendor who isn’t allowed at your venue

• Locking yourself into contracts you don’t actually need

Planners help you build a dream team—not just a collection of names.

3. Your planner protects your budget.

Even luxury budgets need structure.You deserve to invest wisely, not impulsively.

A planner will map out where your money will make the biggest impact so the final experience feels elevated, intentional, and totally “you.”

4. Your planner steers the creative direction.

Your design decisions should support your venue, your season, your aesthetic, and your guest experience.

You need cohesive direction before you spend a dime on anything visual.

5. Your planner saves you from “Oops, we didn’t think about that” moments.

And trust me… that list is long.

So What’s the Actual Order?

Here’s the sequence that gives you clarity, direction, and the smoothest planning experience:

1. Celebrate being engaged. (Mandatory.)

2. Hire your full-service wedding planner.

3. Define your vision + priorities with your planner.

4. Tour and select your venue with your planner.

5. Build your vendor dream team (in the right order).

6. Start design + guest experience planning.

7. Enjoy the rest of the process without spiraling.

That’s the order that works every time.

If You’re Newly Engaged, Here’s What I Want You To Know:

You’re not behind.You’re not doing it wrong.You’re not supposed to know the order — this is probably your first time planning a wedding.

Your excitement is beautiful. Keep that energy.But channel it strategically so the final experience is as intentional as the love you’re celebrating.

As a luxury Las Vegas Wedding Planner, our job is to take all your big ideas, wild dreams, and “OMG LOOK AT THIS PIN” moments — and turn them into the most memorable celebration you and your guests have ever experienced.

And that starts with bringing us in early.

Newly Engaged and Not Sure Where to Start?

Start here. With us. With clarity, direction, and someone who knows exactly how to bring your vision to life — before you accidentally book yourself into a corner.

Let’s plan the best damn party of your life. 💍✨