What to Do After Getting Engaged in Florida

You’re engaged—yay! 🥳 Congratulations! 🎉

This is such an exciting and beautiful moment in your life. Before jumping into all the planning details, take a second to let it all sink in.

You’ve said “YES” to forever, and that’s worth celebrating. 🙌🏽

And you might be wondering what to do after getting engaged… What are the next steps?

Whether you’re envisioning a quiet evening at home with just the two of you or a big family gathering to announce the news, there’s no wrong way to savor this major milestone.

As a local wedding venue here in Central Florida, we’ve served hundreds of couples like yourself and we’re here to guide you through those first few steps to help you feel confident and excited about what’s next.

Tip: This is also a great time to start thinking about engagement photos! If you’re looking for a romantic, natural backdrop, outdoor wedding venues in Florida, like Lakeview Gardens are a beautiful choice. Not only can you capture this exciting time in your life, but you’ll have a chance to explore a potential venue while you’re at it!

Step 1: Announce the Big News

Now that you’ve soaked in the moment (and probably glanced at your ring a few dozen more times 🤭), you may be wondering what to do after getting engaged.

It’s time to share the joy with your favorite people! How you announce your engagement is entirely up to you—there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.

Maybe you’ll call your closest family and friends to hear their excitement firsthand. Or maybe you’ll share a sweet post on social media with a caption that tells your love story in just the right way. 💍

You can combine your announcement with a photo shoot at a Central Florida wedding venue like Lakeview Gardens.

Want to make it extra memorable?

Plan a small celebration. Imagine an intimate evening at Lakeview Gardens, celebrating with your closest loved ones under beautiful oak trees, overlooking the lake, and dancing beneath the stars. ✨

It’s a romantic way to kick off your engagement journey and start creating unforgettable memories at the place where you might say “I do.”

Whether it’s a photo shoot or an engagement celebration, Lakeview Gardens offers a stunning and flexible space to make your announcement special.

Step 2: Start Dreaming About Your Wedding Vision

Now comes the fun part—dreaming about your big day! 🌸

Start by imagining what feels most like you two. Are you picturing a cozy celebration surrounded by nature, or a lively gathering filled with friends and family? Do you love the idea of an outdoor ceremony under the shade of oak trees or an intimate evening reception with string lights and a lake view?

Here are a few questions to guide your vision:

What’s your ideal guest count—something small and intimate or a larger celebration?
Which season feels meaningful for your wedding date?
Do you want a theme or vibe, like boho-chic, rustic romance, or classic elegance?

At this stage, don’t worry too much about the details. Focus on the overall feeling you want your wedding to have. These early dreams will guide you when it’s time to make decisions about venues, decor, and other details.

Tip: Many couples fall in love with Lakeview Gardens because it’s the perfect blend of romantic, intimate and nature-inspired. With its beautiful lake views, flower gardens, and cascading oak trees, it’s a space that brings your dream to life, no matter your wedding style.

Step 3: Set a Budget and Guest List

Once you’ve started dreaming about your big day, it’s time to dive into two important planning pieces: your budget and your guest list. These decisions set the foundation for everything else, so it’s worth taking a little time to get them just right.

Start with Your Budget
Talk with your partner (and any family members contributing to the wedding) about what feels realistic and comfortable. Decide what matters most to you—whether it’s the venue, photography, food, or an unforgettable experience for your guests.

Talk with your partner (and any family members contributing to the wedding) about what feels realistic and comfortable. Decide what matters most to you—whether it’s the venue, photography, food, or creating an unforgettable experience for your guests.

To get started, create a simple spreadsheet like this:

A Helpful Tip: Choosing an all-inclusive package like what we offer at Lakeview Gardens can simplify your planning and help stretch your budget. With ceremony and reception spaces, gorgeous photo spots, and options to customize your day, you’ll get incredible value without needing multiple locations.

Next, Your Guest List

Think about who you’d love to share your day with. Your guest list will play a major role in your wedding budget—after all, each guest adds costs for catering, seating, invitations, and more. And it will ultimately play a role in narrowing down options for Florida wedding venues that fit your style and budget as well as whether to host a more intimate celebration or a larger gathering.

Here’s a good approach to manage it:

Start Big
Write down everyone you’d love to have there—friends, family, coworkers, everyone important in your life. Don’t hold back at this stage; this is your dream list!
Set Your Guest List Goals
Compare your dream list to your budget. If your catering cost per guest is $100, for example, every 10 guests add $1,000 to your budget. Keep in mind other costs like tables, chairs, and even favors increase with guest count.
Narrow It Down
If your dream list exceeds your budget, it’s time to refine. Focus on the people who mean the most to you—close family, lifelong friends, and those who’ve supported your relationship from the start.
Decide on the Celebration Size
Your guest list and budget will help determine if you’ll host a small, intimate celebration or a larger gathering. Both options are beautiful—it’s all about what feels right for you.

You can organize your guest list in a spreadsheet to keep track of details like this:

Tip: If you already have a venue in mind, keep its size in mind while making your list. For example, our wedding venue, Lakeview Gardens, here in Central Florida is perfect for couples who want a beautiful outdoor setting that feels intimate, yet spacious enough for everyone you care about.

Setting these early parameters will make everything from finding your venue to booking vendors so much easier. And trust us, the time you spend here will save you so much stress later on!

Step 4: Research and Tour Venues

Now that you’ve got a vision, budget, and guest list, it’s time to take the next big step: finding the right venue. The venue sets the mood for your day, so it’s worth spending time to choose one that fits your style, guest count, and overall vibe.

Start with Online Research
Browse venues in your area to get a feel for what’s available. Look for photos, reviews, and details about amenities.

Some questions to keep in mind:

Does the venue offer both ceremony and reception spaces?
Is it the right size for your guest list?
What’s included (tables, chairs, decor, etc.), and what will you need to bring in?
Do they offer package options that fit within your budget?

If you’re imagining a romantic, nature-inspired wedding, Lakeview Gardens might be the perfect fit. With serene lake views, cascading oak trees, and flexible outdoor spaces, it’s a favorite for couples who want something memorable.

Attend Open Houses
Exploring venues during an open house is a fun and helpful way to narrow down your options. Open houses are often designed to give couples a feel for how a wedding might look, complete with decor and setups.

Here’s why attending an open house is worth your time:

See the Space in Action: Walk through the venue and imagine what your day could look like.
Meet the Team: Chat with the venue staff, ask questions, and get a sense of how they’ll support you on your wedding day.
Gather Inspiration: Many open houses feature local vendors, such as florists, photographers, and caterers, giving you fresh ideas and potential connections.
Special Perks: Some venues offer exclusive incentives or discounts during open houses.

Where to Find Open Houses
Venues often share open house events on their websites or social media platforms. At Lakeview Gardens, we host a special Immersive Tour Experience, where couples can explore the property, meet our team, and imagine celebrating their love in our beautiful setting. You can find our events on Facebook and Eventbrite—it’s a laid-back, inspiring way to take the next step in your planning.

Tour in Person
Whether you attend an open house or schedule a private tour, visiting a venue in person is key to getting a feel for the space. Walking the property lets you visualize your wedding and ask important questions, such as:

Is there a backup plan for weather if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony?
Are there getting-ready spaces on-site?
What are the policies on decor, catering, and setup timelines?

At Lakeview Gardens, we love welcoming couples for tours and sharing ideas on how to personalize the space. Touring also lets you explore our photo spots and check availability for your preferred wedding date.

Tip: Book Early — Popular Central Florida wedding venues book up quickly, especially for peak months like October, November, and spring. Once you find a space you love, securing your date early can give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on the other details of your wedding.

Choosing the right venue is one of the most exciting parts of planning your wedding. If Lakeview Gardens feels like the kind of place where your story begins, we’d love to host you for a tour or invite you to one of our Immersive Tour Experiences.

Step 5: Book Key Vendors Early

With your venue locked in, the next step is to focus on the people who will help bring your wedding day to life—your vendors. Florida is home to many talented wedding professionals, and the most popular ones tend to book up quickly. Securing your key vendors early gives you the best chance to work with the team you love.

Which Vendors to Book First

Photographer/Videographer: These professionals capture the special moments of your day so you can look back on them for years to come. Find someone whose style resonates with you and fits the vibe of your wedding.
Planner/Coordinator: Whether you hire a full-service planner or a day-of coordinator, having someone to handle the details can make your wedding day feel smooth and stress-free.
Caterer: Delicious food is always a highlight for guests. If your venue doesn’t provide catering, look for local options that fit your budget and taste.
Florist: A great florist can elevate your decor and make your space feel magical. This is especially true for outdoor venues like Lakeview Gardens, where natural beauty is part of the experience.

Tip: Check Preferred Vendor Lists — Many venues, including Lakeview Gardens, provide a list of trusted vendors they’ve worked with before. These professionals know the venue’s layout, style, and logistics, making your planning process even easier.

Stay Organized with a Vendor Spreadsheet

Keeping track of your vendors and details in one place will save you time and reduce stress. Here’s an example to help you stay organized:

Having this kind of system will help you stay on track with your planning and feel prepared every step of the way.

Why Booking Early Matters
In Florida’s busy wedding seasons, the best vendors are often booked months (or even years) in advance. Once you’ve chosen your vendors, securing your dates early means you can move forward with confidence, knowing the major pieces are in place.

At Lakeview Gardens, we’re here to help make this process smoother for you. Whether it’s sharing vendor recommendations or answering questions, we’re excited to help you create an unforgettable day.

Step 6: Plan for Engagement Photos

Engagement photos are a beautiful way to celebrate this special chapter in your lives. They capture your excitement, your love, and those quiet little moments that make your relationship unique. Plus, they’re great for save-the-dates, your wedding website, or just as keepsakes to look back on.

Choose the Right Location
When picking a spot for your engagement session, think about places that reflect your style as a couple. Start by asking yourselves these questions:

Do you prefer a natural setting like a park, garden, or beach, or something more urban, like a cityscape or historic district?
Are there locations that are meaningful to your relationship, like the place where you got engaged or had your first date?
What kind of vibe are you going for—romantic, adventurous, cozy, or playful?
Do you want a location that ties into your wedding theme or contrasts with it for variety?

By thinking through these details, you’ll find a location that feels personal and unique to your love story.

Tip: If you’ve already chosen your wedding venue, ask if you can use the space for your engagement photos. It’s a great way to build excitement for the big day and explore the property in a more relaxed setting.

Coordinate Your Look
Your outfits don’t have to match, but they should complement each other. Soft, neutral tones or colors that work well with your location are always a safe choice. Bring a few options to switch up the look, and don’t forget to consider the weather if you’re planning an outdoor session in Florida!

Work with Your Photographer
If you’ve already booked your wedding photographer, this is the perfect opportunity to get to know them better and get comfortable in front of the camera. If not, engagement photos can also help you find the right photographer for your style.

Make It Personal
Add a personal touch to your session by including props, pets, or locations that are meaningful to your relationship. Whether it’s the place where you got engaged or a setting that feels like “you,” these details make your photos even more special.

Why Engagement Photos Matter
Beyond the practical uses, like save-the-dates or invitations, engagement photos let you pause and celebrate this amazing time in your lives. They’re a chance to slow down, laugh together, and create memories before all the busyness of wedding planning kicks into high gear.

At Lakeview Gardens, we’ve hosted countless engagement sessions that capture love in its most natural and beautiful form. If you’re looking for a location that’s romantic, versatile, and filled with breathtaking backdrops, we’d be thrilled to welcome you.

Celebrate the Journey Ahead

Your engagement is such a special time—a season filled with excitement, love, and the promise of your future together. Taking these first steps, from celebrating and dreaming to planning and booking, helps create the foundation for a wedding day that feels completely yours.

At Lakeview Gardens, we love being part of this journey and helping couples bring their wedding vision to life. If you’d like to explore our space, meet our team, or find inspiration for your day, we’d be thrilled to welcome you for a personalized tour.

Here’s to celebrating your love, creating lasting memories, and starting this incredible chapter together.💍🌿

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Engagement, Wedding Planning