The holidays have a certain magic of their own –  twinkling lights, cozy gatherings, and a feeling of togetherness that makes everything feel a little more special. So it’s no surprise that it’s also one of the most popular times of the year to get engaged.

If you’re reading this with a brand-new ring on your finger: congratulations! This is such an exciting moment, and you absolutely deserve to savor it.

Before you dive into checklists, contracts, and color palettes, take a breath. Here’s your guide to enjoying this season while still being mindful of when to officially press “go” on planning.

Step 1: Slow Down and Celebrate

A holiday engagement is already a built-in celebration. Take advantage of it.

• Enjoy telling your friends and family in person as you hop between holiday parties.
• Snap all the “just engaged” photos you want –  the twinkle lights will do half the work for you.
• Have a date night that’s just about being excited together, without any planning talk.

This moment only happens once. It’s okay to live in it for a bit.

Step 2: Don’t Feel Rushed – Your Planning Timeline Is Yours

Many couples feel pressure to begin planning immediately, but there’s no rule that says you have to. If you want to spend the rest of the winter celebrating, dreaming, and simply enjoying being newly engaged, that is perfectly okay.

Waiting a few weeks (or even months!) can actually be helpful – you’ll have time to think clearly about what you want instead of making decisions from excitement, pressure, or overwhelm.

Step 3: The Exception — If You Want a Popular Month, Start Earlier

If your dream wedding date falls in one of the peak months next year (think May, June, September, or October), starting the planning process sooner rather than later will give you a huge advantage.

Those months book quickly – especially venues, photographers, planners, and florists. Beginning early gives you:

• The best selection of venues and dates
• A smoother, more relaxed planning process
• Time to secure your top-choice vendors before they fill up
  

You don’t need to jump into planning everything right now, but reaching out to your must-have vendors or booking your venue early will give you peace of mind and flexibility later.

Step 4: When You Are Ready to Plan, Start With These Two Things

Whether you begin next week or next spring, once you feel ready to start planning, these are the first steps to take:

1. Set Your Budget – This will guide every decision you make and help you understand what’s realistic for your vision.

2. Choose Your Venue – Most timelines fall into place once the venue and date are secured. Everything else can build from there.

Step 5: Remember – This Is Supposed to Be Fun

Wedding planning doesn’t need to feel stressful or rushed. With the right approach – and the right support – you can enjoy the process just as much as the celebration.

If you’re newly engaged this holiday season, I’m sending you so much love and excitement! And whenever you’re ready to take the next step, whether it’s next week or after you’ve fully soaked in this chapter, I’m here to help you bring your vision to life.

xo, Renee