I’m Engaged! What’s Next?

The next 10 steps recently engaged couples should take when planning their dream wedding near Bakersfield.

Did you “yes” on Valentine’s Day? The excitement, the love, and that sparkling ring are all part of a moment you’ll cherish forever. Now, the journey to your dream wedding begins. And while it’s easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of wedding planning, it should feel as joyful and exciting as the love you share with your partner.

With over 13 years of experience hosting weddings and special events at El Tango Reception Hall in Bakersfield, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. From the big picture to the little details, we’ll help you navigate the process without the stress!

Here are the first 10 steps to kickstart your wedding planning adventure:

1. Enjoy the Moment

Take a Moment
Before diving into wedding planning, take a deep breath! You just got engaged, and it’s okay to enjoy this milestone without rushing the excitement. Spend some quality time with your partner and celebrate your new status of fiancé together!

Share Your Joy
Once you’ve taken a moment for yourselves, it’s time to share the good news! Call your closest family and friends to let them know before posting on social media. This way, those who matter most will hear it from you first, making the announcement even more special.

Snap a Ring Selfie
This one’s fun—snap a picture of that gorgeous ring! It’s an easy, memorable way to show off your new engagement and celebrate this milestone on social media.

Photo Credit: Arra Studios

2. Get Started with Wedding Planning

Organize a Rough Guest List
Now it’s time to start thinking about the details. Begin creating a rough guest list to help determine the size of your wedding. Will you be hosting an intimate gathering or a grand celebration? This will guide decisions like venue size and style. At El Tango Reception Hall, our elegant and versatile wedding venue can accommodate 150-450 people, with options to host an intimate ceremony on-site.

Choose a Wedding Date
Picking your wedding date is one of the first big steps! Choose a meaningful date for you both, and remember that some dates book up quickly. If you’re hoping to have your wedding reception at El Tango Reception Hall, it’s a good idea to reserve your spot early to ensure you get the date you want. Our booking calendar is open 18 months in advance.

3. Set a Realistic Budget

Create a Budget Plan
Sit down together and determine what you’re comfortable spending. Be open about finances, and have a conversation with anyone else who might be contributing to the costs.

Start Researching
Wedding costs can quickly add up, so it’s important to research your vendors and get an idea of what you can expect. At El Tango Reception Hall, we offer all-inclusive wedding packages that cover everything for a one-stop shop experience, helping you stay within budget and avoiding surprise costs.

Sticking to Your Budget
Create a system for tracking your expenses and prioritize the items that are most important to you. At El Tango we offer additional wedding planning services to help guide you to make sure your budget aligns with the vision you’ve been dreaming of.

Photo Credit: Hello Enamorada

4. Book Your Venue at El Tango Reception Hall

Schedule Venue Tours
Once you’ve set your date, it’s time to tour potential venues. El Tango Reception Hall is known for its elegant ambiance and inclusive packages, which makes it an ideal choice for many couples. We recommend booking a tour as early as possible to secure your date and see if the venue matches your wedding vision.

Venue Considerations
When touring potential venues, consider:

• Location: Is it convenient for your guests?
• Style: Does the venue match the vibe you are going for?
• Packages: What do they offer? Is it venue-only or inclusive packages? At El Tango Reception Hall, we offer inclusive packages to streamline the planning process.

5. Secure Your Vendors for a Seamless Event

Vendor Booking Time
After securing your venue, it’s time to lock in your vendors. At El Tango Reception Hall, we have a preferred list of trusted vendors who know our space well and can help make your day run smoothly.

Key Vendors to Consider

• Photographer: Find a photographer whose style resonates with you, and ask to see full galleries to ensure they can capture the essence of your day.
• Videographer: A videographer will capture the emotional moments you’ll want to relive for years to come.
• Caterer: If your venue doesn’t provide catering, it’s important to find a team who can create a dining experience that suits your tastes.
• Florist: The right florist will bring your wedding day to life with stunning arrangements that match your style and colors. From bridal bouquets to centerpieces, flowers will set the tone for your ceremony and reception.
• Entertainment: A DJ or live band is crucial for setting the mood of your celebration. Choose someone who can read the crowd and keep the energy high all night long.

Why Book Early?
The earlier you book your vendors, the better your chances are of securing your dream team, especially during peak wedding season.

Photo Credit: Hello Enamorada

6. Draft Your Wedding Party

Choose Your Wedding Party
Think about who you want to stand by your side on your big day. Consider how many bridesmaids and groomsmen you’d like and who fits each role best.

Proposing to Your Wedding Party
Once you’ve chosen your wedding party, ask them in a special way, like a small gathering or personalized gifts.

7. Choose Your Dream Wedding Dress

Find Your Wedding Dress
Start shopping for your wedding dress at least 10 months before your wedding. Visit different boutiques to find styles that suit you. Don’t forget to budget for alterations!

Tips for Dress Shopping

• Bring a Supportive Crew: Invite friends or family who know your style.
• Keep an Open Mind: You might be surprised by what you fall in love with.
• Plan for Alterations: Make sure to factor in time and budget for any necessary adjustments.

8. Plan the Perfect Honeymoon

Destination Decided
Start thinking about your honeymoon! Choose a destination early to budget accordingly. Whether you dream of a tropical beach or an adventurous mountain retreat, planning early can help you find the best deals.

Tips for Honeymoon Planning

• Research Packages: Many resorts offer honeymoon packages that can save you money.
• Consider Timing: Think about the best time to visit your chosen destination.

Photo Credit: AJ Productions

9. Final Details

3-6 Months Out
In the months leading up to your wedding, be sure to:

• Schedule cake tastings, finalize your guest list, and send out your invitations.
• Confirm all your vendors, and make sure all details are set in stone.

1-3 Months Out
As your wedding day approaches:

• Don’t forget to obtain your marriage license and do a final check with all your vendors.

10. Organize and Enjoy the Process

Checklist Creation
Creating a wedding planning checklist can be incredibly helpful. Write down everything you need to do to stay organized.

Don’t Forget to Have Fun!
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but remember to enjoy the process! Celebrate the little moments with your partner and stay focused on what truly matters—you’re preparing for a beautiful life together.

At El Tango Reception Hall, we’re dedicated to making your wedding dreams a reality. If you have any questions or want to tour our venue, don’t hesitate to reach out. Happy planning, and congratulations once again! Your love story is just beginning, and we can’t wait to be a part of it!

Photo Credit: Arra Studios

Make sure to follow El Tango Reception Hall on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

We hope to use our platform to create awareness for the value of supporting locally owned wedding venues. You can help support amazing locally owned wedding venues across the country by writing a Google review, following their social media accounts and referring locally owned wedding venues whenever you have the opportunity. We sincerely appreciate your support and want to share a shout out to some of our wedding venue owner colleagues around the country. Please consider a locally owned venue, you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.

The Barn at Twiggy’s, Yellow Brick on 39, Celestial Farms 22, Dream Bay Resort, Lavender on the Lake, The Admiral Room, Willow Sky Ranch, Celebrations Event Center, The Hillcrest Estate, The Hidden Abbey