Congratulations on Your Engagement! 🎉
The ring is sparkling, and the excitement is real! As you step into this new chapter, you'll likely be bombarded with well-meaning questions, advice from family members, and endless planning decisions. While the journey ahead includes some big choices (and a few tiny details!), remember that this is a time to savor and celebrate together.

As an Idaho Wedding Photographer, I’ve seen firsthand what couples experience in the early stages of wedding planning. Here are 10 essential steps to help you navigate the process with ease, especially if you're planning a wedding here in Idaho!

10 Things to Do Now That You’re Engaged

1. Spend Time Together as a Couple

Amid all the excitement and wedding talk, carve out quality time with your fiancé. This is your moment, and enjoying each other is the most important thing. Schedule a few dates that have nothing to do with wedding planning—just focus on the love you’re building.

2. Announce the Big News!

When you’re ready, share your engagement with friends and family. Be prepared for a flood of questions and heartfelt congratulations! People may surprise you with their enthusiasm, so let yourself be surrounded by their joy.

3. Plan a Wedding Vision Date Night

Set aside a night for a relaxed, no-pressure planning session. Chat about what each of you envisions for the wedding, from the season to the venue and guest size. Idaho has stunning options from Salmon to Sun Valley, so start dreaming together!

4. Set a Realistic Wedding Budget

Discuss a budget that aligns with your priorities. Decide where you want to save and where you want to splurge. Idaho wedding vendors offer a variety of options, so finding the right fit won’t be difficult if you stay organized and clear on your budget goals.

5. Stay Organized with a Wedding Planner Book

Invest in a wedding planning book or create a system that keeps all your ideas, vendor communications, and budget details in one place. This will make the planning process much smoother and prevent those last-minute stresses. You can get my WEDDING PLANNING GUIDE, which includes 13 pages of planning tips, guides and more. 

6. Explore Wedding Venues in Idaho

Research local Idaho venues and arrange private showings. Here in Salmon, Sweet Water Hollow and Twin Peaks Guest Ranch are popular choices that offer stunning backdrops for your big day. When visiting venues, consider how much time you’ll need to set up, decorate, and break down.

Pro Tip: I’ve put together a Salmon, Idaho Wedding Planning Guide that includes my favorite venues and tips for the area. Feel free to check it out!

7. Lock Down Your Wedding Date

Narrow down a few potential dates and begin confirming availability with key vendors. The sooner you set your date, the better your chances of securing your preferred Idaho wedding vendors, like photographers, caterers, and florists.

8. Choose Your Wedding Party

Consider the size of your wedding party, and make sure both of you are happy with the choices. Once you’ve made your decisions, you might want to create bridesmaid proposal boxes as a fun way to invite them into the journey—or keep it simple if that’s more your style!

9. Treat Yourself with a Bride-to-Be Box

There are so many fun “bride-to-be” subscription boxes out there, filled with little treats and wedding planning tools. Plus, many bridal magazines and websites offer free trials, so enjoy this time of pampering and excitement. 

10. Book Your Engagement Photos

Engagement photos are a beautiful way to celebrate your love and a great opportunity to try out an Idaho wedding photographer before the big day. If you’re planning an Idaho wedding, consider a local photographer who knows the area well and can help capture the Idaho scenery. 

I am based in Salmon, Idaho and travel all over the west for weddings and engagements. Let's chat about your big day!

Looking Ahead: Save the Dates and Invitations

Once you’ve got your engagement photos, date, and guest list sorted, it’s time to think about Save the Dates and wedding invitations. I’m a partner with Basic Invite, so if you’re wondering about timing, I can help you break down when to send everything. Learn more about when to send invitations and save the dates here. If you use my partner code at checkout using BasicInvite.com you save 20%! 

Need Help with Idaho Wedding Planning?
Check out my comprehensive Salmon, Idaho Wedding Planning Guide on my website for additional resources on venues, timelines, and checklists tailored to the area. Planning a wedding should be a joyful process, and having a local guide makes it easier.

What’s been the hardest part of planning so far? Let me know in the comments, and feel free to reach out if you need help planning your dream Idaho wedding!