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8 Steps To Take After You Get Engaged

chuy photo, apple, wedding ring, velvet wedding shoes, camp wedding in the woods, big bear wedding

A guide to start planning your wedding

8 steps to take after you get engaged, chuy photo, Feathered Arrow Wedding Planning, wedding ring, velvet wedding shoes, camp wedding in the woods, big bear wedding
Photo by: Chuy Photos

One of the most frequently asked questions I get from potential clients is, “What do we do next!?” Diving into the wedding planning process can feel extremely overwhelming, but that’s where I come in. If you and your love are stressing out on what to do first, I created a quick one sheet with the first 8 steps to take after you get engaged! This will help you start the planning process and prioritize your next steps. As a sneak peek, below are the first 3 steps:

Enjoy this season of life + celebrate!

You are getting married! This is such a big, exciting chapter in your life you and your partner should take the time to celebrate with family and friends and bask in the “just got engaged” glow. A few weeks, a few months, however long it takes. Soak it all in, friends!

Sit down as a couple + get on the same page

It’s time for “the talk”. I suggest my couples sit down together and have a real conversation about each of your visions are for the day. Really try to picture from start to finish what the day will look and feel like. Decide together what you both want for your wedding day. This is so important to figure out because there will be a lot of opinions that may not align with your vision, but this is your day. Knowing the things that are important to you both will help stay on a clear planning course.

Set a budget + break it all down

This can go hand in hand with the second step. Realistically look at the budget and decide where is the money coming from for your wedding.  Then decide what items are most important to you. If having great quality photos are a high priority but you want minimal flowers, then you know you’ll want to invest more of your budget into a photographer. Maybe you want a venue with a killer view, or you and your fiancé are foodies so catering is the most important. Whatever it is, list them all out so you know where you’re willing to spend the most money when you start researching.

Ready for more? Sign up HERE to get the full one sheet to help you get through your wedding planning woes.

Happy Planning Friends!

Feathered Arrow Signature Kari Dirksen

LATTE OBSESSED, OVERACHIEVER, Outdoor Lover, Sucker for Live Music, Donut fanatic, Life Long Grey's Anatomy Fan, DOG MOM + now mom to my girl Rye. 

Hi, I'm Kari.
Wedding Planner, Podcaster, & Creative Entrepreneur.

The founder and lead planner behind Feathered Arrow Studio. Over the past 11 years, I’ve designed and executed more than 175 weddings throughout Southern California, helping couples create celebrations that feel deeply personal and beautiful.

My approach blends thoughtful design with genuine hospitality. I care deeply about how a wedding feels not just how it looks. I want every detail to be intentional and every guest to feel taken care of. Together we take your inspiration, your story, and your priorities and turn them into a celebration that feels effortless, welcoming, and unmistakably yours.

Not every couple needs full-service planning, which is why I also offer wedding consults and planning guides for those navigating the process on their own. I’m also the co-host of Just Another Biz Podcast, where we have honest conversations about the wedding industry with fellow creatives behind the scenes.

Learn more

Did you just get engaged and wondering what the heck you need to do next? I've got you covered friend! You can download my full guide to help plan your wedding from start to finish. Including checklists, timelines, ceremony guidance, and so many tips from a planner with a decade of experience. 

Full Planning Bundle Guide 

A guide you won't find anywhere else

Need help figuring out how the heck to plan out your big day? I have you covered with my timeline guide. This will guide you from start to finish so you don't run behind, everyone knows where they need to be and when. Trust me, the day will run as smooth as butter. 

A Timelime Guide That Makes You Cry From Joy

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Browse Planning Resources

Planning On your own?

Not every couple needs full-service planning but everyone deserves expert guidance along the way.

If you're navigating the planning process yourself, I've created a few resources based on 11+ years of experience and 175+ weddings planned to help you feel confident every step of the way.

Wedding Planning Bundle
Step-by-step guidance to help you plan your wedding with clarity and less stress.

Wedding Timeline Guide
A detailed timeline used with real planning clients.

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@featheredarrowstudio

Based in Los Angeles, planning weddings throughout Southern California, Malibu, Santa Barbara, and beyond.