Congratulations on your engagement! Start planning your dream wedding by setting a clear budget, locking in your date, and choosing the perfect dress at Elle Mae Bridal. Don’t forget to hire your dream team of vendors and gather your wedding day crew. With these steps, you’ll be on your way to a stress-free, unforgettable celebration!
First of all, huge congratulations on your engagement! We see you with that new bit of bling, girl! You’re about to embark on the most exciting journeys of your life—planning your dream wedding! There’s something so magical about watching a bride’s vision come to life, from the moment she slips into her dream dress for the first time in our boutique (we always have tissues handy for the happy tears!) to the unforgettable moment she says “I do.” We’re honored to play a small role in each bride’s happily ever after!
This is such a magical time, but there’s a ton to think about! We’re here to help make this season as fun, stress-free, and fabulous as possible. Let’s dive into the first three steps to planning your perfect day—and trust us, it’s going to be amazing!
3 Steps To Planning the Perfect Wedding Day
1) Set a Budget – Get Clear on Your Wedding Spending
Okay, let’s talk money, honey. We know, it’s not the most glamorous part, but it is so important. The first step to wedding planning is setting a budget. This will guide you through the process, helping you prioritize what matters most to you and your soon-to-be partner. Your wedding budget will play a big role in deciding your venue, décor, food, and, of course, your wedding dress!
Start by discussing with your partner, your parents, or anyone involved in the payment process what you’re comfortable spending. Be sure to factor in all the details—from your stunning gown (yes, we’ll get to that soon!) to the wedding venue, catering, flowers, and more. If you and your honey have no idea where to start, check out this guide from Vogue with 8 tips for creating a wedding budget! Having a clear budget will help you avoid those surprise costs that can pop up along the way and keep you focused on what really matters!
2) Book Your Planning Date – Lock in Your Wedding Day!
Next up—pick a date! We know it sounds simple, but this is a big step! Popular wedding venues in the greater Houston area get booked up quickly. And the highly-coveted venues across Montgomery County, including Magnolia, Tomball, and Conroe are no exception. So, if you already have a dream venue in mind (and who doesn’t?), don’t wait too long to lock in your date.
By choosing your wedding date early, you’ll give yourself plenty of time to coordinate with potential vendors and finalize your other wedding details. And let’s be honest—getting your wedding date on the calendar will make everything feel real! Eek!
3) Find the Wedding Dress of Your Dreams – Shop with Elle Mae Bridal
Now that your budget is set and your date is locked in, it’s time for our favorite part—finding your wedding dress! Trust us, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for. The perfect gown is more than just a piece of fabric; it’s a symbol of your love story, your style, and the most memorable day of your life.
At Elle Mae Bridal, we offer a curated selection of gowns to fit every bride’s vision and budget. With our Say Oui’ Bridal Fitting Appointment, you and up to six of your favorite people will be treated to an intimate, stress-free experience. You’ll be greeted with our signature drink (because what’s a bridal fitting without a little bubbly?) and a friendly stylist who’s ready to guide you through the process. This 1.5-hour appointment is all about YOU—relax, enjoy the moment, and let us help you discover your dream gown. Plus, this experience is completely complimentary. So, gather your bridal crew, kick up your heels, and let’s find the dress of your dreams together!
Want to make your dress shopping experience even more magical? Say Oui to our Confetti Upgrade Bridal Fitting Appointment! In addition to everything that comes with our classic Say Oui experience, this upgrade includes a delicious tray of macarons to snack on, a two-hour appointment for extra time to try on more gorgeous gowns, and a confetti popper moment when you say “yes” to the dress. And as a special treat, you’ll also receive a beautiful gift from Magnolia Flower Patch & Boutique to remember your experience. All this fun comes with a $75 booking fee, which is nonrefundable, but trust us—it’s worth every penny for the extra magic!
Ready to make your bridal fitting unforgettable? Whether you go with our complimentary Say Oui appointment or treat yourself to the Confetti Upgrade, we can’t wait to celebrate with you and help you select a dress that flatters your figure, fits your theme, and makes you feel absolutely stunning.
Have questions? Give us a call and let’s chat!
4) Hire Key Vendors – Your Wedding Day Dream Team
Now that your dress is chosen and everything’s falling into place, it’s time to hire your dream team of wedding vendors! From photographers and videographers, to florists, DJs, and caterers, these are the people who’ll help make your wedding day unforgettable—aside from marrying your soulmate, of course.
Start by researching and booking your photographer and videographer, as these pros tend to get booked up early. A great photographer and videographer will capture every magical moment of your day, so take your time finding someone whose style you love. You’ll also want to lock in your DJ or band—your wedding’s music sets the vibe for the entire celebration, so choose someone who can keep the energy high and the dance floor packed!
Don’t forget the details! Food and florals will be just as important to your guests’ experience as the music and photos, so make sure you’re booking the best in the business!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath! If you’re able, consider hiring a wedding planner. They can guide you through the process, help you make decisions, and ensure everything runs smoothly leading up to and on your big day. A planner’s experience and connections can also help you secure top-notch vendors and avoid potential pitfalls.
5) Gather Your Wedding Day Crew – Choose Your Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
You’ve probably already imagined who will be standing by your side on your big day, right? Now it’s time to make it official! Choosing your bridesmaids and groomsmen is one of the most exciting and sentimental parts of wedding planning. These guys and gals are more than just the people who will stand next to you as you say “I do,” they’re your emotional support, your hype crew, and the ones who’ll help you through all the wedding prep, from addressing invitations to the final toast on your wedding night.
Think carefully about who you want in your inner circle. These are the friends and family who have had your back through thick and thin, and who you’ll lean on when wedding planning gets overwhelming. Choose those who will keep you grounded, celebrate with you, and help make your day extra special.
And don’t forget to ask them in a way that shows how much they mean to you—whether it’s a sweet proposal, a thoughtful card, or a fun, personalized surprise!
Your Dream Wedding Starts at Elle Mae Bridal
Wedding planning can seem overwhelming at times, but it’s also so much fun! From setting your budget and booking your date to your bridal fitting at Elle Mae Bridal, every step is a chance to make your dream wedding a reality.
So, what are you waiting for? Come visit us at Elle Mae Bridal for an unforgettable dress shopping experience. Let’s pop that champagne and get started on planning the wedding of your dreams!
Social media caption – You’re engaged—now what? The journey to your dream wedding starts here! From setting a budget to picking your date and finding the dress, we’ve got you covered.
Want to know where to start? Read our latest blog for all the details!