From Engagement to I Do: Essential Steps for Your Wedding Journey
- Julie Bogan
- Dec 18, 2025
- 7 min read
Getting engaged marks the start of an exciting chapter filled with joy, planning, and anticipation. Once the question has been answered with a heartfelt "yes," many couples wonder what comes next. The journey from engagement to wedding day involves many decisions, tasks, and moments to cherish. This guide breaks down the essential steps to help you navigate this special time with confidence and clarity.
Set Your Priorities and Budget
The first step after getting engaged is to sit down together and discuss what matters most to both of you. This conversation will shape the entire wedding planning process.
Identify your priorities
Think about what aspects of the wedding are most important. Is it the venue, the guest list, the food, or the entertainment? Knowing this helps allocate your budget wisely.
Create a realistic budget
Determine how much you can spend overall and break it down into categories such as venue, attire, catering, photography, and decorations. Keep a buffer for unexpected expenses. Once you have a budget established, now is a good time to decide if hiring a wedding planner is necessary.
Deciding to hire a wedding planner
Wedding planners can take a lot of the stress and unknown out of the process. Experienced planners have knowledge of the process in addition to contacts in the wedding industry. They can be extremely helpful navigating the process but their services do come with a price. If you want to be totally hands off and have an open ended budget, hiring a planner can make the experience much smoother. But if you need to stay close to a budget, and save dollars for those things that are important to you, then consider exploring some venues to see what planning services are offered in-house. Venue de LaChute in Shreveport, Louisiana provides a designer/stylist for all of their events. Both the Designer and the venue Director are most helpful in guiding their couples thru the process. After 8 years and over 200 weddings at their location, they have built a lengthy list of contacts and are happy to refer their couples to reputable vendors for any of the desired services. Much like the planner but without the extra fee. All-Inclusive packages are also offered at Venue de LaChute.
Discuss financial contributions
Decide who will contribute to the wedding costs. Sometimes families help, or couples split expenses. Clear communication prevents misunderstandings later.
Build Your Guest List
Your guest list influences your budget, venue selection, and overall wedding atmosphere.
Start with a rough draft
List everyone you both want to invite, including family, friends, coworkers, and acquaintances.
Consider your venue’s capacity
If your venue is more important to you it may be necessary to adjust the list to fit the space and budget. Prioritize close relationships to keep the event intimate and meaningful.
Decide on plus-ones and children
Clarify your policy early to avoid confusion. Some couples choose to invite only partners of long-term relationships or exclude children altogether. The specifics of your decision can be eloquently communicated on the details of your invitation suite.
Choose a Wedding Date and Venue
Selecting the date and venue sets the tone for your wedding and affects many other decisions.
Determine the ceremony location you desire
Will you have a traditional church ceremony or do you need a venue with ceremony options? If you choose to be married in a church setting, then the selection of venues for your reception may differ from those venues offering a combination of ceremony/reception in one location. Ballrooms, Country Clubs and Event spaces are common types of venues offering great reception space but potentially limited or no ceremony options. Recent years have seen a trend toward Barn venues, but the desire for these spaces is waning for many brides as they are choosing a return to classic elements and personalized aesthetics. Venue de LaChute in Shreveport, Louisiana is just such a venue. This privately owned venue offers indoor/outdoor spaces, spacious manicured grounds and room to create a unique wedding day experience for you and your guests.
Pick a date that works for key people
Consider availability of close family and friends, as well as any seasonal preferences. Popular dates may require booking well in advance. If you desire a specific style or venue, it may be prudent to find the venue, then determine which dates are available. Proven venues in the North Louisiana wedding market typically book a year or more in advance.
Research venues early
Search key words for the venue requirements you have created to build a potential list. (example: Outdoor Shreveport Venues, or Venues with Oak trees, Estate Venues, etc.) Gather as much detail about the prospective venues by researching websites, social media posts and requesting information on packages, availability and pricing, Doing this research will avoid wasting time on unnecessary visits to locations that can't meet your needs. Avoid asking blanket advice in social media groups as each brides perspective and needs are different. Once you've compiled a list of prospective venues, schedule visits to compare options. Think about capacity, style, accessibility, and most importantly, what is included in the rental fee. Locating a venue that includes these elements in the style your desire can save you thousands of dollars.
Venue de LaChute in Shreveport includes tables, chairs, linens, decor, as well as the services of their own in-house designer/stylist and day of coordinator. Avoiding the purchase or rental of these basic needs will save you a significant amount in your budget.
Book your venue promptly
Once you find the perfect place, secure it with a contract and deposit. This locks in your date and gives you a foundation to build the rest of your plans.
Hire Key Vendors Early
Once your venue and date are set, securing reliable vendors early ensures your wedding runs smoothly. If you select an all-inclusive venue or package, this step may be avoided.
Photographer and videographer
These professionals capture memories you will cherish forever. Review portfolios and compare editing styles of their work. A photographer with wedding experience is important to assuring the important memoires are captured. Some aspects of the wedding day will only happen once, if your photographer lacks experience they may miss a key moment. If possible, a second shooter is desired to assist in the flow of the day and increase capturing all the many details of the day.
Caterer
If the venue includes catering, work with the planner to develop a menu that represents you. Often venues will offer preferred list with respect to catering. When possible, taste test menus and confirm dietary accommodations. Food quality can make or break the guest experience.
Florist
Discuss your vision for bouquets, centerpieces, and ceremony decorations. Seasonal flowers may affect availability and cost. If you hired a wedding planner or if your venue provides any of these services, work closely with that person to assure your vision is implemented. At Venue de LaChute in south caddo parish, the in-house designer will work with your florist to create the vision you desire.
Entertainment
Whether a DJ or live band, book early to guarantee your preferred style and songs.
Officiant
Choose someone who reflects your values and can personalize the ceremony.
Plan Your Wedding Attire
Finding the right outfit adds to the excitement and helps you feel your best on the big day.
Start shopping early
Wedding dresses and suits often require months to arrive and often alterations, follow, so allow plenty of time. Stay on top of wedding party to assure fittings are made by the vendor deadline.
Consider the venue and season
A beach wedding calls for lighter fabrics, while a winter ceremony might need warmer options. Don't be afraid to experiment with color despite the season.
Coordinate with your wedding party
Decide on styles and colors that complement your theme and each other.
Organize Invitations and Stationery
Invitations set the tone and provide essential information to your guests.
Design invitations that match your theme
Choose fonts, colors, and paper that reflect your style.
Send save-the-dates early
This helps guests plan ahead, especially for destination weddings.
Include RSVP details
Make it easy for guests to respond by mail, phone, or online.
Create a Wedding Day Timeline
A clear schedule keeps everyone on track and reduces stress. At Venue de LaChute, your day of coordinator is included in all package services. She assist in creating a timeline that maximizes the photography time and assures you are enjoying the day with your guests. If your venue does not include this service, work with your photographer and consider hiring a coordinator to facilitate the day. A well planned day will go a long way in making your wedding a pleasant experience.
Plan the ceremony and reception order
Include arrival times, speeches, meals, and dancing.
Share the timeline with vendors and key participants
This ensures smooth coordination and timing.
Build in buffer time
Allow extra minutes for unexpected delays or transitions.
Prepare for Legal Requirements
Marriage laws vary by location, so make sure you meet all legal obligations.
Apply for a marriage license
Check the waiting period and expiration dates.
Gather necessary documents
These may include identification, birth certificates, or divorce decrees.
Understand officiant requirements
Some places require licensed or registered officiants.
Plan for the Unexpected
Even the best plans can face surprises. Being prepared helps you stay calm.
Have a backup plan for outdoor events
If your venue is outdoors, review the weather backup options with your contacts there. Consider tents or indoor alternatives in case of bad weather.
Assign a point person
A Day of Coordinator is key to facilitating a smooth wedding day. If your venue doesn't provide this service, designate a trusted friend or family member to handle last-minute issues. At Shreveport's Venue de LaChute, a day of coordinator is included with all wedding packages.
Prepare an emergency kit
Include items like safety pins, stain remover, pain relievers, and extra makeup.
Enjoy the Engagement Period
While planning is important, don’t forget to savor this special time together.
Schedule date nights away from wedding talk
Keep your relationship strong and fun.
Celebrate milestones
Mark progress with small treats or gatherings.
Practice self-care
Planning can be overwhelming; take breaks and ask for help when needed.
Supporting small business owners in the Shreveport - Bossier City wedding industry. A shout out to some great photographers in the area.
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