You’re Engaged, Now What? A Cincinnati Wedding Planner’s Guide to Kicking Off Wedding Planning Without the Stress
Pop the bubbly, cue the happy tears, and take a breath, you’re officially engaged! Whether the proposal happened during a quiet walk at Ault Park or over espresso martinis in the Oregon District, we’re already cheering for you over here at Love & Whimsy Events.
But once the initial “OMG we’re doing this” settles in, the big question becomes… now what?
If you’re in Cincinnati, Dayton, or somewhere in between and feeling a little overwhelmed by all the wedding planning advice flying at you, we’ve got you. This is where the chaos turns into clarity (and dare we say, fun).
Here’s what to do after the ring, from your favorite local wedding planning pros:
Soak. It. In.
Before diving headfirst into Pinterest boards and guest lists, take a beat. Go on a just-engaged date night. Call your grandparents. Post the ring selfie (or don’t!). This is a big, beautiful moment, don’t rush through it.
Talk Vision & Vibe
This doesn’t mean picking out napkin colors on day two. Start with the big-picture feels. Do you want a garden party at Greenacres, a modern fête at The Steam Plant, or a tented soirée at home? Chat with your partner about the experience you want to create, and what matters most to both of you.
Bonus points for narrowing down your guest count early. Intimate micro wedding? 250-person bash? That number will shape a lot.
Set a Budget (We Know… Not Fun, But Necessary)
Money talks. And in wedding planning, it sets the tone. Decide who’s contributing, what your overall budget looks like, and what areas you’d like to prioritize (Venue? Photography? The band that turns your reception into a rager?).
If you’re not sure where to start, a wedding planner Cincinnati or Dayton (hi!) can help build a realistic, custom budget based on local pricing.
Consider Hiring a Wedding Planner Early
We may be biased, but bringing in a planner early on can save you time, stress, and costly mistakes. At Love & Whimsy Events, we help couples in Cincinnati, Dayton, and beyond plan weddings that feel like them, not like a copy-paste Pinterest board.
Think: curated vendor recommendations, timeline help, and a stress-free planning experience so you can stay focused on being in love, not logistics.
Lock in Your Dream Venue
Venues in the Cincinnati and Dayton areas book quickly, especially the good ones. If you have your heart set on a certain space (like Peterloon Estate, Mojave East, or The Dayton Art Institute), reach out early to schedule tours and check availability.
Already overwhelmed? We know all the hidden gems.
Build Your Dream Team
Once you have a date + venue, it’s time to start assembling your vendor crew. Planners, photographers, florists, caterers, Cincinnati and Dayton are full of talented folks, but availability goes fast. Booking early = peace of mind.
We’ve worked with the best of the best and can help match you with vendors who get your vision and fit your budget.
Enjoy the Process
Wedding planning doesn’t have to be a stress spiral. With the right support (and a little bit of whimsy), it can actually be… fun. Cue the champagne tastings, design meetings, and mood boards that bring your story to life.
Ready to Plan a Wedding That Feels Like You?
At Love & Whimsy Events, we plan weddings for stylish, intentional couples in Cincinnati, Dayton, and throughout Southwest Ohio + beyond. Whether you’re newly engaged or knee-deep in decisions, we’re here to help make this feel as good as it looks.
Let’s take the pressure off—and bring the party on.
👉 Inquire Here or check out our Personalized Planning Packages.
Love & Whimsy Events is a wedding planner in Cincinnati, that curates thoughtfully personalized and fun celebrations, creating one-of-a-kind days filled with joy. We plan weddings in Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Northern Kentucky, and beyond.
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I'm Alana
lead planner and founder of Love & Whimsy Events
I handle the details, so you can focus on being in love.
I believe every couple deserves a wedding that’s 100% them. As a wedding planner in Cincinnati, I’ve built connections with the best vendors from Columbus to Northern Kentucky and everywhere in between. My planning style is detailed, fun, and totally focused on making sure your big day is as joyful and stress-free as possible. I’m all about creating a day that feels so you because this is one of the most special days in your lifetime. And when I’m not busy planning the details for my couples, you’ll find me hanging out with my fam!
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Whether you're just starting or knee-deep in the details, this checklist will be your new best friend. Download it now and let's get you one step closer to planning your wedding without the chaos!
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