10 things to do after getting engaged
Engagement Checklist for Newly Engaged Couples planning your Minnesota wedding
At Adler Ranch, we’ve seen so many engaged couples! It’s an exciting time and we’re so excited for you! You've shared the exciting news with family and friends, maybe posted photos, but now you’re wondering, What’s next?
Here at Adler Ranch Wedding Venue, just outside Alexandria, MN we’ve created a handy engagement checklist for couples like you. As a seasonal venue open from May to October, we know how important it is to enjoy the planning process and savor these moments. Here’s a few quick engagement planning tips:
1. Take Time to Celebrate Together
In the whirlwind of wedding planning, don’t forget to soak in this special time as an engaged couple. Schedule a date night, plan an engagement celebration with close family and friends, or simply spend a quiet evening reflecting on the commitment you’ve made to one another. These moments will help you stay connected and excited as you prepare for the next chapter of your lives.
Adler Ranch Banquet Barn, filled with antique decor and lighting, located two hours from Minneapolis/St Paul area
2. Make a List and Prioritize
Before diving into the fun of wedding planning, sit down with your partner to discuss your priorities. What matters most to you both? Whether it’s having all your loved ones present, capturing the perfect photos, or curating an unforgettable menu, knowing what’s most important will guide the rest of your decisions.
To get started, here’s a few things to consider:
Venue, size, style, location
Guest count, are children included?
Catering, style of meal? Venue recommendations?
Photography/Videography
Decor and flowers
Attire, Formal or more casual?
Entertainment
Setting Priorities for Your Wedding
Make a list of all the important wedding details and prioritize them based on your vision, budget, and timeline.
3. Set Your Budget
Your budget is the foundation for everything. It helps you determine your guest list size, which in turn guides your choice of venue and other expenses. Sit down together to decide what you’re comfortable spending and gently consider asking your parents if they might contribute financially. Many families are happy to support their children’s weddings, and their help could give you more flexibility with planning.
Adler Ranch a private wedding venue with antique decor and full-service located in Western MN, approximately two hours from Minneapolis MN and two hours from Fargo ND.
4. Find Your Venue
With your budget and estimated guest count in mind, it’s time to start looking at venues! The size of your guest list will determine the type of space you need, so use that as your guide. Keep in mind, when you find a venue you love and confirm their availability, you’ll also be setting your wedding date—an exciting milestone in the planning process.
For example, Adler Ranch offers stunning seasonal wedding opportunities from May through October, perfect for couples dreaming of outdoor charm and rustic elegance. Many venues, like ours, book quickly, so once you find a spot that speaks to you, don’t hesitate to secure your date. Interested in learning more about Adler Ranch? Contact us to learn more.
Choose your Vendor Team
Your venue knows the best! Tap into their experience with vendors who’ve done amazing work on-site
5. Start Building Your Vendor Team
Once your venue is set, you’ll want to find the vendors who bring your wedding vision to life. Research photographers, caterers, florists, and other professionals whose work aligns with your style. Look at reviews, meet with potential vendors, and book early—many top vendors are secured a year or more in advance. Remember to ask your venue what vendors have done great work at their venue, they likely have many recommendations of vendors that have provided excellent services at their venue. Learn more about choosing your MN Vendor Team.
At Adler Ranch, these excellent services always include set up of the meal, with staff to clear and bus the meal from guest tables after your meal. Adler Ranch also provides bussing services throughout your event and handles all garbage services, all clean up and all removal and clean up of furniture at the end of your event, allowing you to feel like a wedding guest at your wedding! Learn about our Amenities at Adler Ranch.
6. Set Up a Wedding Bank Account
Create a dedicated wedding account to keep expenses organized. This makes it easier to track vendor payments, manage your budget, and allocate funds as contributions and gifts come in. Plus, it ensures you don’t accidentally mix wedding costs with everyday spending.
Send Out Save the Dates
Send them out six to twelve months to give wedding guests time to make plans
Abby Dahlberg Photography
7. Send Out Save the Dates
Save the Dates are especially helpful for out-of-town guests. Send them 6–12 months in advance to give loved ones plenty of time to plan. If you’re doing an engagement photo shoot, consider timing it so you can use those beautiful photos for your Save the Dates.
8. Create a Wedding Website
Your wedding website is the perfect way to keep everyone informed and excited. Share your love story, photos, logistics, and registry details. Modern registries let you include options like honeymoon funds, experience gifts, or contributions to your future home, (watch out for the service fees) and don’t forget to include details about your wedding venue, including the website address so your guests can learn more about the venue you’ve chosen. Personalize your website so it reflects your unique style as a couple and use this tool to pre-answer questions your guests will have.
Consider a Wedding Coordinator
Adler Ranch provides a venue coordinator to handle any venue related items, a Wedding Coordinator will assist you and the wedding party, keeping the timeline on track, decorating and anything else (non-venue related) that may occur.
9. Consider a Wedding Coordinator
Even if a full-service planner isn’t in your budget, an event coordinator is worth considering. They handle logistics, timelines, and any last-minute issues, so you can focus on enjoying every moment. Ask your venue what services they provide and what event coordinators have worked at the venue before and have done great work! Truly, your venue is aware of excellent local vendors so you can skip those travel fees that some wedding vendors charge! Adler Ranch has recommendations for LOCAL wedding coordinators. *Use local to the venue and avoid travel fees!
10. Start Thinking About Your Wedding Style
Your wedding should reflect who you are as a couple. Do you dream of a formal, black-tie affair, or are you picturing a relaxed, rustic vibe? Think about colors, themes, and elements that resonate with you. Browse Pinterest, Instagram, and wedding blogs for inspiration, but don’t feel pressured to stick to trends. This is your story—make it uniquely yours!
The Adler Ranch Cabin and Gas Station, wedding party getting ready suites at Adler Ranch Wedding Venue
Your engagement is a season of joy, connection, and excitement. By following these steps, you’ll make the planning process smooth and enjoyable, ensuring your big day is everything you’ve dreamed of. At Adler Ranch, we’d love to help you create the perfect celebration of your love. Are you newly engaged and looking for a very unusual wedding venue? Contact us here to learn more about Adler Ranch, we can’t wait to meet you!
Adler Ranch is the ideal destination for couples seeking a truly unique wedding experience. Conveniently located just five miles from Alexandria, MN, in the heart of the stunning lakes area—and only two hours from both Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN, and Fargo, ND—our independently owned and family-operated venue offers the perfect blend of accessibility and seclusion.
We pride ourselves on hosting a limited number of weddings each season to ensure every couple receives personalized care and attention. Rooted in community, we support local businesses and provide an inclusive, unconventional setting that stands apart from traditional venues. When you choose Adler Ranch, you’re not just booking a venue—you’re joining our family and becoming part of the vibrant Alexandria community.
A Thank you and a shout out to these locally owned, Independent wedding venue owners who show their support each day: Montague Meadow, Wild Rye KC Ranch, Izenstone, Evergreen Ranch Wedding Venue, Hidden Springs Venue, Riverbend Estate Venue
