You’re Engaged – What’s Next? A Wedding Planning Guide

Wedding Planning
Written By Kaye Sedgwick-Jones

You’re Engaged – What’s Next?

First of all… congratulations! Getting engaged is such a special moment, full of excitement, love and probably a tinybit of “where do we even start?”. If you’ve recently said yes, popped the question, or shared the news with family and friends, this guide is here to help you take those first wedding-planning steps with confidence.

At The Oak Grove, we’re lucky enough to walk alongside couples right at the beginning of their journey, so we’ve pulled together the key things to think about next – with a relaxed, Oak Grove-style approach.

1. Take a Moment to Enjoy It

Before you dive headfirst into spreadsheets and Pinterest boards, pause and soak it all in. Celebrate with your loved ones, tell your story, and enjoy being engaged. There’s no rush – weddings should feel joyful, not overwhelming.

2. Talk About Your Vision (and Your Priorities)

Start by chatting together about what really matters to you both.

Ask yourselves:

  • Do we want something relaxed or more traditional?

  • Are we dreaming of an outdoor, nature-led celebration?

  • Is having all our friends and family together the priority, or an intimate gathering?

  • What food and drink do we want?

  • What time of year do we want?

  • What entertainment? Live music or DJ?

At The Oak Grove, couples often tell us they want:

  • A laid-back, personal celebration

  • Space for all their friends and family

  • A space where the whole wedding experience can take place. From the ceremony to the last dance.

  • Time to decorate, settle in and truly enjoy the venue

  • Choice of dining/Catering

  • A venue that feels hidden, natural and un-rushed

Knowing your shared vision early makes every decision easier.

3. Set a Realistic Budget

Budgets don’t have to be awkward – they’re simply a tool to help you plan.

Think about:

  • Who (if anyone) is contributing

  • Your overall comfort level on your spend

  • What you’re happy to invest more in (venue, food, photography, guest experience)

4. Choose Your Season & Ideal Date

Do you picture:

  • A warm, late spring woodland wedding?

  • A cosy late summer celebration with fire pits and warm lighting?

  • A winter gathering that feels intimate and atmospheric?

Popular dates do book up quickly, especially for outdoor wedding venues, so having a few dates or seasons in mind is really helpful when you start venue hunting. The Oak Grove offers only Later Spring and Summer only weddings, perfect for outdoor weddings.

5. Find the Right Venue (It Sets the Tone for Everything)

Your venue is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make – it influences the style, guest numbers, suppliers, and overall feel of your day.

When visiting venues, ask:

  • How long do we have on site?

  • Can we choose our own suppliers?

  • Is there a wet-weather plan?

  • Will the space feel ‘us’?

The Oak Grove is a three-day, woodland wedding venue in Kent, designed for couples who want freedom, flexibility and time. You’ll have:

  • Exclusive use of our woodland and glade

  • Space for tipis, marquees or tents

  • A dedicated set-up day, your wedding day, and a relaxed take-down day

  • The freedom to create something truly personal

6. Start a Guest List (Rough Is Fine!)

You don’t need final numbers straight away, but a rough idea helps when choosing a venue and planning layouts.

At The Oak Grove, we’re used to helping couples shape their guest experience – whether that’s a big party under canvas or something more intimate among the trees. We can accommodate up to 134 day guests and 160 evening guests (larger numbers by arrangement).

7. Book Key Suppliers Early

Once your venue and date are secured, it’s time to think about:

  • Celebrant or registrar

  • Catering

  • Photography & videography

  • Bar services

We work alongside some wonderful local and trusted suppliers and are always happy to share recommendations that suit your style and budget.

8. Remember: There’s No ‘Right’ Way to Do This

One of the most important things we tell our couples is this: your wedding should feel like you.

Whether you’re planning a handfasting ceremony, a relaxed outdoor feast, or a weekend-long celebration with your favourite people, the best weddings are the ones that feel personal, thoughtful and full of heart.

Ready to Start Your Oak Grove Journey?

If you’re newly engaged and dreaming of a woodland wedding with time, space and freedom, we’d love to meet you. You can book a viewing or check availability to start your planning journey.

📍 The Oak Grove, Kent
🌿 Three-day, relaxed woodland weddings
📩 Get in touch to check availability or book a viewing

Kaye Sedgwick-Jones
Next

Saying “I Do” Sustainably: How The Oak Grove is Redefining Eco-Friendly Weddings