Did You Get Engaged at Christmas? Here Are ADDO’s Top Ten Tips and Next Steps!

Christmas proposals are some of the most magical and memorable moments in life. The twinkling lights, cozy winter vibes, and festive spirit create the perfect backdrop for popping the question. If you got engaged this Christmas—congratulations! Now that you’ve said "yes," it’s time to start planning the next chapter of your love story: your wedding.

Here’s a guide to help you navigate the first steps of engagement and begin planning your dream wedding with confidence and a little touch from ADDO.

Tip 1: Celebrate Your Engagement

Before diving into the details, take a moment to celebrate this exciting milestone! Share the news with family and friends in a way that feels meaningful to you—whether it’s a cozy family dinner or announcement post on social media, spreading the joy is all part of the magic. Why not capture the moment with an engagement shoot so that you will always have something to remember the bubble with. Don’t feel rushed to start wedding planning right away—soak up the excitement and enjoy this special time together.

Tip 2: Decide on Your Vision

Once the engagement excitement settles, take some time with your fiancé to chat about your wedding vision—this is your chance to dream big and figure out what’s most important to you as a couple. Talk about things like your ideal wedding season (do you want to keep the winter vibes for a Christmas or New Year’s wedding, or are you picturing spring, summer, or autumn?), the overall vibe (intimate ceremony, big party, or something in between?), and your budget, which will guide your decisions moving forward. Make a “must-have” list of the three most important elements—like the venue, photography, entertainment or food—and prioritise those when planning.

Tip 3: Start Thinking About Dates and Venues

One of the first big decisions you’ll need to make is choosing your wedding date and venue, as venues often book up a year or more in advance, so it should be high on your to-do list. When booking, consider venues that match your style, whether it's a rustic barn, a stately home, or a vineyard abroad, and make sure the venue can comfortably accommodate your guest list. Be sure to ask about available dates and flexibility, especially if you're aiming for a busy season like summer or a holiday. And don't forget to think about the season when picking your date—if you're planning a winter wedding, ensure the venue is prepared to handle cold weather or there is a backup in case of rain.

Tip 4: Create your Guestlist

When selecting your guest list, keep in mind that quality matters more than quantity. Focus on inviting the people who truly matter to you and your fiancé—those who will support and celebrate your big day. It’s easy to feel obligated to invite distant relatives or acquaintances, but remember, this is your special day, so prioritise the people who will make it meaningful and memorable. Don’t forget to factor in your budget and venue capacity when making final decisions!

Tip 5: Build a Wedding Planning Timeline

Once you’ve picked your date and venue, it’s time to create a wedding planning timeline to keep everything on track. Breaking things into smaller steps makes the whole process more manageable and helps ensure you hit key milestones. About 12+ months before, finalise your budget, set a date, and book your venue. 9–12 months out, start booking suppliers like photographers, caterers, florists, and entertainment. 6–9 months before, send out save-the-dates, finalise the guest list, and start shopping for wedding outfits. 3–6 months ahead, plan your décor, order invitations, and schedule dress fittings. 1–3 months before, confirm supplier details, create a timeline for the

Tip 6: Set Boundaries for the Planning Process

Wedding planning can get pretty overwhelming, especially when family and friends start sharing their opinions. It’s helpful to decide early on who will be involved in the decision-making process and who will just enjoy the experience as a guest. If you’re feeling stressed, think about hiring a wedding planner—this is where we would come in and utilise our little black book to help you stay organised, support in the major decisions, manage suppliers, and bring your vision to life so that you can enjoy the process.

Tip 7: Create a Budget and Start Saving

Your budget is the key to making all your wedding decisions, from the venue to the flowers. Sit down with your fiancé and anyone else contributing financially to figure out what you're comfortable spending. Typically, the venue and catering will take up 40-50% of your budget, photography and videography around 10-15%, outfits and accessories 5-10%, décor and flowers 10-15%, and other costs like favours, travel, and entertainment 10-15%. It’s a good idea to leave some wiggle room in your budget for any unexpected expenses.

Tip 8: Don't Forget the Suppliers that Often Get Overlooked

When planning your wedding, it’s easy to focus on the big-ticket items like the venue, catering, and flowers—but don’t overlook the behind-the-scenes essentials! Production is the buzzword for everything that makes your event run smoothly, from lighting and sound to power and logistics. A great production team ensures your music sounds perfect, your venue is well-lit, and all technical aspects come together seamlessly. Cutting corners here can lead to last-minute headaches, so be sure to include production in your budget for a stress-free, magical day!

Tip 9: Enjoy the Process

Wedding planning can feel like a lot, but it’s also an incredibly special time in your life. Stay focused on the reason behind all the planning: celebrating your future together with your partner and loved ones.

Tip 10: Don’t Forget the Personal Touches

Don’t forget the smaller details—things like a guest book, personalised favours, or special touches that reflect you and your fiancé’s personalities can make a big difference. These little elements might seem minor, but they help create a unique atmosphere and give your guests a chance to connect with your story. Whether it’s a custom sign, handwritten notes, or meaningful decorations, these personal touches can turn your wedding into something even more memorable for you.

Huge Congratulations again on your engagement— if you need any advice, support or brainstorming please do get in touch, we would love to assist in turning your dream into a reality! Happy wedding planning!

Team ADDO x