5 Minute Read

Photos in this Post by: Heather Purvis Photography

I said YES! …Now What?!

3 Engagement Essentials for Newly Engaged Couples to Guide Your Planning for a Dream Wedding in Fulshear, Texas

When I give tours at Brandt 1910, a wedding venue outside of Fulshear, Texas, I hear so many brides tell me, “This is my first time getting married and I have no idea where to start” or “This is my second marriage but I can hardly remember what I need to plan or the things I need to buy”! Don’t worry ladies (and gentlemen), I have you covered! This post covers the top three essential planning activities you need to focus on to get started on this amazing engagement journey you are on. There are engagement tips, tools, and even a free printables, all included.  

1. Pick a Timeline & Let Others Help You with Planning

When it comes to wedding planning, timing is everything. Sit down with your fiancé and decide how much time you want to give yourself to prepare. Are you envisioning an intimate celebration in six months or a grand event in two years? 

Once you choose your wedding date (or a rough estimate), start building a timeline. Break everything down month-by-month, outlining key milestones such as booking vendors, ordering your dress, and sending out invites. With a solid timeline in place, you’ll organize your tasks and keep stress at bay.   

But remember, you don’t have to do it all alone. Enlist the help of your bridal party, close family members, and even professional wedding planners. Assign tasks or ask for their opinions on specific details. Remember that having a support system is crucial during the planning process and can make all the difference in creating a memorable and stress-free experience. When I was planning my own wedding, I assigned each bridesmaid with scheduling tours for the venue, cake tasting, caterer, and dress. It worked out beautifully, and we got to spend a lot of time together. 

Bonus Tip: Need help? Download our free printable wedding timeline to keep track of all the essential steps leading up to your big day! 

Wedding Timeline at Brandt 1910

2. Secure the Perfect Venue and Make a List of Vendors 

 Pro tip: Your venue's availability will also determine the timeline and maybe even your vendors. Did you know that some venues require you to use their vendors? The very first vendor you want to secure is your venue. One location to consider is Brandt 1910, a stunning venue ideal for weddings near Fulshear and Wallis. The blend of historical charm and elegance makes this small-town setting a favorite among couples planning their Texas weddings. Booking your venue early will help secure your dream space and give you a solid foundation for the rest of your planning.  At Brandt 1910, you are welcome to bring in any vendors you would like but we also have an extensive list of vendors that we have personally used and vetted to fit your custom needs. 

Once your venue is secured, it’s time to focus on the amazing vendors who will help make your day unforgettable. Selecting the right team of professionals can elevate your wedding to the next level. Here are a few vendor recommendations to get you started:

• Caterers: Local and professional catering that never disapoints. Companies like Pier 36 plans with each catering customer to create a unique menu, making every event special, offering an upscale experience that will bring pizzazz with top rated Seafood and more. 
• Photographers: Capture every special moment by working with a skilled photographer such as Heather Purvis Photography, known for her impeccable attention to detail, she never miss out on the small stuff and captures what makes the marriage of two people a celebration.
• Florists and Rentals: Bring your vision to life with beautiful floral designs and rentals. Consider reputable local rental companies like Gigi’s China Cabinet, known for their exclusive collections and breathtaking designs. 
• Entertainment: Keep the energy high and your dance floor packed with a professional DJ and Emcee. Look into Deluxe DJ’s, Brandt 1910’s go-to for couples who want a exceptional quality, outstanding customer service, and a party of a lifetime. 

These are just a starting point, but take the time to research and meet with multiple vendors to find the perfect match for your wedding day dreams. At Brandt 1910, we can help cultivate the perfect list for you or even create a custom all-inclusive package to match your wish list. Remember, working with trusted and experienced professionals will ease your stress and help create cherished moments. 

Wedding Checklist at Brandt 1910

3. Set a Budget

When it comes to wedding budgets, brides typically allocate a significant percentage of their funds to three main categories. The venue often takes the largest share, consuming around 40% to 50% of the budget, and is a pretty important item since it sets the tone for your entire day. The second is your food and beverage. Feeding and hydrating people is expensive. The more people you plan on having at your wedding, the bigger you should plan your budget to be. On average, I see brides spend anywhere from $25 per person to $65 per person on catering and drink packages. The third big-ticket item is photography and videography, which usually accounts for 10% to 15% of the budget, ensuring that every precious moment is captured beautifully. These three categories are crucial to creating a memorable wedding day and often form the foundation of a bride's spending plan. Sit down and decide on the total amount you’re comfortable spending. Then, divide that budget among key categories like venue, food, photography, décor, and transportation. 

Setting a budget isn’t just about numbers—it’s about priorities. Splurge on the items that matter most to you (like hiring the perfect photographer or booking your dream venue) and save in areas where you can be a bit more flexible.   Remember, it’s always possible to find creative and budget-friendly solutions without sacrificing your dream wedding.

Once you have a budget in place, make sure to track your spending throughout the planning process. This will help you stay on track and make adjustments if necessary.

Don’t forget about additional costs like taxes, gratuities, and unexpected expenses. It’s always a good idea to set aside a cushion for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to negotiate with vendors or look for deals and discounts. Many vendors offer package deals or off-season pricing that can help you save money without compromising on quality.

Final Thoughts 

The first thing I do when I give a tour to a newly engaged couple at Brandt 1910 is reassure the couple that yes, there are a lot things to plan for but when you book with the right vendors you’ll have an amazing experience. Creating a preparation list is about putting your thoughts and dreams down on paper and making your dreams come true. Every experience is personal and should be fun. By choosing the perfect venue, like Brandt 1910, creating a timeline, and setting a realistic budget, you’ll set yourself up for a smoother, more enjoyable planning process. 

If you’re still looking for the ideal venue, don’t forget to tour Brandt 1910. Its charm and timeless beauty make it the perfect place to say “I do.” 

Get Started on Your Wedding Planning! 

Download our free wedding preparation checklist to ensure no detail gets overlooked. Whether you’re getting married in Wallis, Fulshear, or beyond, this guide has everything you need to start planning the wedding of your dreams. 

Your love story deserves the perfect beginning–happy planning! 

Looking for more inspiration? Explore our photo gallery, pricing details, or testimonials from happy couples who’ve walked down the aisle at Brandt 1910.  #Brandt1910, #Brandt_1910