"I Just Got Engaged! Now What?" A Guide for Calgary and Area Brides

Congratulations on your engagement! You’ve just said “yes,” and now you’re ready to dive into wedding planning. But where do you start? With so many details to consider, from the venue to the guest list, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This guide will help you navigate the first steps after getting engaged, with specific tips tailored for Calgary and area brides. Whether you’re dreaming of a rustic mountain wedding or a chic downtown affair, this guide will help you get organized and start planning your perfect day.

1. Celebrate the Moment

First and foremost, take time to celebrate your engagement! This is one of the most exciting moments in your life, so don’t rush into planning mode immediately. Share the news with close family and friends before posting on social media. Consider hosting an engagement party or a casual get-together with loved ones to mark the occasion.

Local Tip: Calgary offers many wonderful venues for engagement parties, such as The Lake House for a cozy, intimate gathering, or The Beltliner for a trendy brunch celebration.

2. Set a Budget

Before making any major decisions, the most important step is to establish a budget. Discuss with your fiancé what your priorities are, and consider any financial contributions from family members. Your budget will help guide your decisions for the venue, guest list, and vendors.

Local Tip: Calgary brides can research local wedding costs to get a better sense of how to allocate their budget. For example, venue rental fees for popular spots like Heritage Park or The Fairmont Palliser may vary significantly depending on the time of year.

3. Draft a Guest List

Your guest list will shape many aspects of your wedding, including the size of your venue and your overall budget. Start by drafting a list of must-invite guests, and be prepared to adjust as needed based on the size of your wedding.

Local Tip: Consider the size and capacity of Calgary venues when creating your guest list. Venues like The Deane House are perfect for intimate weddings, while larger venues like The Meadow Muse Pavilion can accommodate more guests.

4. Choose a Wedding Date and Venue

Picking a wedding date is one of the first big decisions you'll make. Consider factors like the season, availability of your preferred venue, and potential weather. Calgary’s unpredictable weather can be a consideration for outdoor weddings, so you may want to plan for backup options.

• Outdoor Weddings: Calgary is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with venues like Fish Creek Provincial Park and Nose Hill Park offering breathtaking outdoor settings.

• Indoor Venues: If you prefer a more controlled environment, elegant indoor venues like The Fairmont Palliser or The Lake House provide sophisticated settings for your celebration.

Seasonal Considerations: Calgary summers are ideal for outdoor weddings, but keep in mind that popular venues book quickly. Winter weddings can be magical with snow-covered backdrops in the Rockies, but be prepared for chilly weather.

5. Hire a Wedding Planner or Start DIY Planning

Decide if you’ll hire a wedding planner or take on the planning yourself. A wedding planner can help streamline the process and handle the logistics, particularly if you’re busy or planning a larger wedding. For DIY brides, organizing your tasks with a timeline and checklist can help you stay on track.

Local Tip: Calgary offers a range of wedding planners, such as Lynn Fletcher Weddings and Julianne Young Weddings, who can help bring your vision to life. If you prefer DIY planning, make use of online resources like YYCBride.com for local vendor recommendations.

6. Book Your Key Vendors

Once you’ve set the date and chosen your venue, the next step is to book your key vendors. These include your photographer, caterer, florist, and entertainment. Calgary is home to a wealth of talented wedding vendors, so start researching and booking early to secure your top choices.

Local Tip: For wedding photography, consider local favorites like Nicole Sarah Photography or Catarina (@iam_catarina_), who specialize in capturing the beauty of Calgary weddings. For catering, Great Events Catering and Fork + Farm Catered Events are well-known for delivering top-notch food.

7. Find Your Dress

Shopping for your wedding dress is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning. Start early so you have time for fittings and alterations. Calgary is home to several bridal boutiques, offering a wide range of styles to fit every bride’s vision.

Local Tip: Popular bridal shops like Blissful Bridal and The Bridal Boutique Calgary offer a variety of designer gowns and personalized service to help you find your dream dress.

8. Plan the Details

As you move forward with planning, focus on the smaller details that will bring your wedding vision to life. This includes everything from designing your wedding invitations to deciding on your décor, florals, and cake. Calgary offers a variety of local vendors for personalized touches:

• Florists: Calgary’s top wedding florists, like Amborella Floral Studio and Flowers by Janie, can help create beautiful floral arrangements that match your wedding theme.

• Cake Designers: Consider custom wedding cakes from local bakeries like Whippt Kitchen or Pretty Sweet, known for their creative and delicious designs.

9. Plan Your Engagement Photos

Before the big day, many couples opt for an engagement photoshoot. Calgary’s natural beauty and urban charm offer endless locations for stunning engagement photos, from Prince’s Island Park to The Peace Bridge. Work with your photographer to choose a location that reflects your personality and style.

Local Tip: Schedule your engagement shoot during golden hour (the hour before sunset) for soft, flattering lighting. Calgary’s long summer evenings provide the perfect opportunity for romantic outdoor shots.

10. Enjoy the Planning Process

Finally, remember to enjoy the journey! Wedding planning can be stressful, but it’s also a special time to celebrate your love and partnership. Take breaks, enjoy date nights, and keep the focus on what really matters: the start of your married life together.

Getting engaged is an exciting time, and while there’s a lot to plan, taking things step by step will help you stay organized and enjoy the process. From setting a budget to choosing your venue and vendors, this guide will help you navigate the key decisions for your Calgary wedding. Embrace the planning process, and soon you’ll be walking down the aisle in one of Calgary’s beautiful venues, surrounded by loved ones.

For more wedding planning tips and local vendor recommendations, visit YYCBride.com!