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Wedding Planning Checklist: First 30 Days Engaged

Use This Wedding Planning Checklist to Start Planning Your Austin, TX Wedding

Congratulations on your engagement! The first few weeks after getting engaged are some of the most exciting times in your relationship. But amid all the excitement, you may find yourself wondering, “Where do we even start?” Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Before diving into all the details of your dream wedding, it’s important to make sure you have the basics covered. This includes setting a date, determining a budget, and creating a guest list. These three things will serve as the foundation for all of your future planning decisions. Kickstart your wedding journey with our Wedding Planning Checklist: First 30 Days Engaged. Stay focused, organized, and on track with a clear plan from the very beginning.

If you’ve booked Villa at the Vineyard in Driftwood, TX, or you’re contemplating hosting your wedding near Austin, this guide is here to help! We’ll walk you through a simple 30-day checklist to begin your wedding planning process, covering everything from initial vendor outreach to setting a theme that reflects your style. Plus, we’ll dive into all the reasons why Villa at the Vineyard, with its stunning views and elegant spaces, could be the perfect backdrop for your big day. Whether you’re envisioning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, this venue offers the charm and flexibility to make your dream wedding a reality. Let’s get started!

Before we jump into today’s topic, let’s tell you a little about our gorgeous vineyard wedding venue, just north of Austin. Welcome to Villa at the Vineyard! We know every great relationship starts with trust, which is why we’re all about transparency. You can find all the details about our wedding packages and pricing right on our website. Want to see more? Check out our wedding venue gallery to get a closer look at our beautiful spaces. If you can see yourself getting married here, we’d love to have you schedule a tour and experience the magic in person. Our goal? To make your wedding planning easy, fun, and totally unforgettable—just like your big day!

Beautiful In Time Photography

First 30 Days of Wedding Planning

Before you get overwhelmed by Pinterest boards and wedding timelines, take a deep breath and start with these key tasks to lay a strong foundation for your wedding planning.

1. Celebrate Your Engagement!

The first step is to bask in the joy of your engagement! Share the news with family and friends, take photos, and maybe throw a small engagement party to kick off this new chapter.

2. Decide on Your Budget

Sit down with your partner (and any family members who may be contributing) to determine your overall wedding budget. A clear budget is essential for allocating funds to the right places and making decisions down the line.

3. Start Your Guest List

The number of guests will heavily influence your choice of venue, so begin drafting a guest list. Do you want an intimate gathering or a grand celebration? Make a rough estimate to guide your venue and vendor choices.

John Winters Photography

4. Book a Venue (Hint: Villa at the Vineyard!)

Securing your wedding venue is one of the first major steps in the planning process. If you love picturesque outdoor ceremonies, elegant indoor spaces, and the charm of Texas Hill Country, Villa at the Vineyard in Driftwood, TX, is a must-see venue. (We’ll explain why below!)

5. Choose Your Wedding Date

Once you’ve confirmed your venue, decide on a wedding date. Keep in mind the seasons in Austin, popular holidays, and any special anniversaries that might influence your decision. Pro tip: Book early if you want a prime spring or fall date, as these months are extremely popular for Texas weddings.

6. Hire a Wedding Planner

If your budget allows, hiring a wedding planner can save you tons of stress and time. A local planner who is familiar with Austin venues and vendors can make your vision a reality with ease.

7. Begin Researching Vendors

Start researching photographers, caterers, florists, and entertainment options. Many vendors book months (if not years) in advance, so making early inquiries is always a good idea.

John Winters Photography

8. Create a Vision Board

Whether you use Pinterest, a physical scrapbook, or a digital tool, gather inspiration to create a cohesive vision for your wedding. Think about themes, colors, and must-have details like floral installations or specific décor elements.

9. Schedule Engagement Photos

Capture this once-in-a-lifetime milestone! Scheduling an engagement photo session not only celebrates your love but also gives you photos for save-the-dates or your wedding website.

10. Take Time for Just the Two of You

Wedding planning can feel hectic, even in the early stages. Don’t forget to enjoy this time together as a couple! Plan special nights out or simply take a pause when things feel overwhelming.

Why Villa at the Vineyard is the Perfect Wedding Venue for Austin Couples

If you’re dreaming of a Texas Hill Country wedding, Villa at the Vineyard offers everything you could wish for in a venue. Here’s why it should be at the top of your list:

1. Stunning Hill Country Setting

Nestled in Driftwood, TX, just a short drive from Austin, Villa at the Vineyard offers breathtaking natural landscapes, lush greenery, and serene surroundings that are perfect for your big day.

Joanna & Brett Photography

2. Versatile Indoor and Outdoor Spaces

Whether you’re envisioning a grand outdoor ceremony under the open sky or an elegant indoor reception, the venue provides versatile spaces to fit your vision.

3. Perfect for Every Season

With beautiful indoor and outdoor options, the venue ensures your wedding will be magical no matter the weather or time of year.

4. On-Site Amenities

From a stunning bridal suite for getting ready to ample parking for guests, Villa at the Vineyard handles the little details so you can focus on celebrating.

5. Easy Access for Austin Guests

Located just 30 minutes from downtown Austin, the venue offers convenience without sacrificing the charm of a destination wedding feel.

6. Incredible Photo Opportunities

With its vineyard views, outdoor ceremony site, and romantic architecture, Villa at the Vineyard provides stunning backdrops for your wedding photos.

John Winters Photography

7. Expert Staff and Support

The team at Villa at the Vineyard is committed to bringing your dream wedding to life. Their experience and professionalism ensure a seamless day for you and your guests.

8. Partnerships with Trusted Vendors

Take advantage of their curated list of trusted local vendors to simplify your planning process.

9. Taste of Texas Charm

Villa at the Vineyard offers warmth, hospitality, and a unique blend of rustic charm and modern elegance, making it a favorite among Austin couples.

10. Exclusive Deals for Early Bookings

When you schedule a tour and book with Villa at the Vineyard early, you could gain access to exclusive offers and perks for your wedding day.

Pixie Wed Photography

A Stress-Free Start to Your Austin Wedding

Planning your wedding can feel overwhelming, especially in those early weeks when there’s so much to think about. From choosing a venue to finalizing your guest list, it’s easy to feel like you don’t know where to start. That’s why we’ve created this 30-day checklist to help you tackle one task at a time, making the process more manageable and enjoyable. By breaking it down into small, actionable steps, you’ll gain confidence and feel ready to move forward with the next stages of planning.

If you’re still searching for that perfect venue to bring your vision to life or need expert guidance to make your big day unforgettable, we’re here to help. Schedule a venue tour at Villa at the Vineyard today and let us show you how we can help you create the wedding of your dreams. From stunning outdoor spaces to elegant interiors, we’ll work with you every step of the way to ensure your day is nothing short of magical.

If you’re getting married near Austin, Dripping Springs, Texas Hill Country or Driftwood and in search of your wedding venue, we would love to invite you and your fiance out for a wedding venue tour. We’d love to show you around the Villa at the Vineyard! Come see the magic for yourself and discover how you can blend the charm of Driftwood, Texas with the energy of Austin for an unforgettable destination wedding If you’re ready to elevate your wedding plans and need expert help designing your perfect day, contact our friendly event team. You can also connect with us on FacebookInstagram, or TikTok for more inspiration!

Want to schedule a tour? Just fill out our contact form—all tours and visits are by appointment only. For any other questions, feel free to email us at info@villaatthevineyard.com, mail to: info@villaatthevineyard.com or give us a call at 737-377-8817. We can’t wait to hear from you!