The holidays already bring out the sparkle, but nothing tops the moment you say “yes.” Once the champagne fizzles and the ring selfies are posted, most couples hit the same moment of panic: Now what?
If you’re newly engaged in Indianapolis, you’re in the perfect place to kick off your wedding planning with ease. From industrial-chic venues to talented local vendors, Indy has everything you need right at your fingertips.
Here’s your newly-engaged checklist to make the next steps fun, stress-free, and totally doable.
1. Celebrate (Seriously — Don’t Skip This Step)
Before you open Pinterest, breathe.
It’s tempting to jump straight into planning mode, but these moments should be treasured, so soak them in.
Celebrate with family, toast with friends, or enjoy a cozy dinner out. Take your engagement photos, make the announcement, and lean into the joy. This is your soft launch into wedding planning, and there’s absolutely no rush.
2. Talk About Your Vision (Not the Guest List… Yet)
Jumping straight into numbers leads to stress, so start with the fun part instead. Talk through what you want your wedding to feel like.
Do you picture something modern? Romantic? Classic? Industrial? Outdoor? Intimate?
Discuss your vibe, the time of year you love, and a general guest count range (no need for anything precise just yet).
If you’re dreaming of something industrial-chic or modern minimal, Indianapolis has beautiful venues ready for tours, including some with flexible layouts that adapt to any vision.
3. Set a Realistic Wedding Budget
Love is priceless — weddings… not so much.
Before you get too deep into planning, have an honest conversation about your overall budget and who may be contributing.
Break your budget into categories:
• Venue
• Catering
• Photography
• Entertainment
• Décor & florals
• Attire
• Planning & coordination
• Miscellaneous or contingency fund
This is also a great time to download a budgeting tool or create a spreadsheet to stay organized throughout your planning journey.
4. Choose Your Wedding Date (Or at Least a Season)
Vendors book fast, especially right after engagement season. Choosing a season can be just as helpful as choosing an actual date in the early stages.
Why a season works:
• More flexibility with venue availability
• More time to compare vendor options
• Freedom to prioritize budget or ideal weather
Indianapolis sees gorgeous fall weddings, popular June celebrations, and surprisingly beautiful winter dates (January–April offers great value and cozy ambiance). Just keep Indy’s unpredictable weather in mind when thinking about outdoor elements.
5. Start Touring Indianapolis Venues (This Is Your True First Step)
Your venue determines your date, your overall style, and sometimes even your vendor list. It’s truly the foundation of your entire wedding.
When touring Indianapolis wedding venues, pay attention to:
• Location + guest accessibility
• Capacity and layout flexibility
• Natural light + lighting options
• Indoor/outdoor spaces
• Parking availability
• How the space supports your vision
Holiday engagements mean early-January tour slots fill up fast, so don’t wait too long to get on the calendar.
If you’re dreaming of a modern, open-concept venue close to the heart of downtown, Radius makes touring easy with flexible date options, customizable layouts, and an industrial-chic design that fits nearly any wedding aesthetic.
6. Lock In Your Core Vendors
Once the venue is secured, the rest starts to fall naturally into place.
Your first vendor outreach should include:
• Photographer
• Caterer
• DJ or band
• Planner/coordinator (more on this later!)
Indy’s most in-demand vendors book quickly right after the holidays, so reaching out early gives you the best chance of securing your top picks.
Radius couples also love the flexibility of choosing from a wide range of vendors, whether you want to explore our partners or bring in your own.
7. Enjoy Engagement Season (Really!)
You don’t have to plan your entire wedding in January. Let yourself enjoy the magic of being engaged.
Send out save-the-dates, go on celebratory date nights, build your registry, or check out Indianapolis wedding shows and expos for inspiration (they’re fun even if you’re not ready to book anything yet).
This season is meant to be enjoyed, not rushed.
Your Indianapolis Wedding Planning Starts Here
Being engaged over the holidays is magical, and with a few smart steps, the planning part can be magical too. Start with the big decisions, take the rest one piece at a time, and savor the season you’re in.
Ready to start venue touring? Book a tour at Radius and kick off your Indianapolis wedding planning with confidence.
