I Said Yes, Now What? | How to Start Planning your Amarillo, Texas Wedding
- Ally
- Dec 31, 2024
- 8 min read
10 Essential Steps for Newly Engaged Couples to Take to Ensure Wedding Planning Success for Their Dream Texas Panhandle Wedding
Getting engaged is one of the most exciting milestones in life. Whether you've just received a sparkling proposal or you've been planning for a while, the moment you say "yes" marks the beginning of an exciting journey. Once you’re officially engaged, it's time to shift your focus to planning your dream wedding. If you're lucky enough to be planning your wedding in Amarillo, Texas, you're in for a treat. From stunning barn venues like Cornerstone Ranch Events Center to the variety of options for both large and intimate weddings, Amarillo offers the perfect backdrop for your big day. Here’s what to do after you get engaged to ensure your wedding day is everything you’ve dreamed of.
Frequently Asked Questions About Planning Your Amarillo Texas Wedding
What should I do first after getting engaged?
After celebrating, one of the first things you should do is choose a date and begin touring wedding venues in Amarillo, Texas. Booking your venue early helps determine your guest count, budget, and overall wedding style.
How far in advance should I book a wedding venue?
Most couples book Amarillo wedding venues 12 to 18 months before their wedding date, especially for popular spring and fall weekends. However, weekday and winter dates often offer greater flexibility.
What should I look for when touring venues in Amarillo Texas?
When touring venues in Amarillo Texas, consider guest capacity, indoor and outdoor ceremony options, parking, climate control, photo opportunities, and what is included in the wedding packages. A venue that provides tables, chairs, linens, and setup can simplify the planning process.
Are there wedding venues near Canyon Texas?
Yes. Couples planning Panhandle weddings often consider both Amarillo wedding venues and wedding venues in Canyon Texas. Expanding your search can provide more date availability and help you find the atmosphere and amenities that best fit your vision.
What is included in most wedding packages?
Wedding packages vary, but many wedding venues in Amarillo Texas include tables, chairs, linens, setup, cleanup, and access to both ceremony and reception spaces. Some venues also offer décor collections, preferred vendor lists, and additional upgrades.
When should I start booking vendors?
After securing your venue, couples should prioritize photographers, caterers, DJs, and florists. Many popular vendors serving Amarillo and Canyon book months in advance, so reserving them early helps ensure availability.
How much should I budget for a wedding venue?
Wedding budgets vary widely depending on guest count and what is included. Comparing wedding packages instead of base prices alone can help couples understand the overall value offered by different venues in Amarillo Texas.
What makes Amarillo wedding venues unique?
Amarillo wedding venues offer a blend of West Texas sunsets, wide-open spaces, rustic charm, and modern amenities. Many venues provide both outdoor ceremony locations and climate-controlled reception spaces, allowing couples to celebrate comfortably year-round.
Is it okay to have both the ceremony and reception at the same venue?
Absolutely. Many couples prefer venues in Amarillo Texas that allow guests to enjoy the ceremony and reception in one location. It creates a smoother experience for everyone and simplifies the wedding day timeline.
Should I choose my venue before shopping for dresses and decorations?
Yes. Your venue influences almost every other decision, including colors, décor, guest count, and timeline. Most wedding professionals recommend booking one of the wedding venues in Amarillo Texas before making major purchases.
1. Celebrate the Engagement
Before jumping into wedding planning, take some time to celebrate your engagement! Whether you opt for a quiet moment together, an intimate family gathering, or a big engagement party, this is a moment to enjoy your newly engaged status with your loved ones. Many couples in Amarillo choose to celebrate with family and friends at local venues or at home. An engagement party is the perfect opportunity to announce your engagement and share your joy with those closest to you. You can even use the opportunity to start gathering ideas for your wedding. This is also a great time to schedule engagement photos of the two of you!
2. Set a Wedding Date or Season
The next step after you get engaged is to decide on a wedding date. Choosing the right date will help shape your wedding planning process, from selecting venues to booking vendors. Keep in mind the season in Amarillo—Texas is known for its beautiful weather, so you might want to consider the time of year when you'd like to get married. Amarillo’s charm shines year-round, whether you're looking to host a wedding during the warm summer months or prefer the crisp, cool weather of fall. Cornerstone Ranch Events Center is one of the few venues in Amarillo that can host weddings and celebrations year round. Our large, climate controlled venue is the largest in the area and can accommodate both indoor wedding and reception setup at the same time during those cold winter weddings.
Your wedding date may depend on several factors, including:
Venue Availability: Popular venues like Cornerstone Ranch Events Center tend to book up quickly, especially during peak wedding seasons, so securing a date that works for both you and your venue is key. We typically book 12-18 months out for our most popular wedding dates each year.
Travel Plans: If you're inviting out-of-town guests, consider choosing a date that makes it easy for them to attend. Amarillo is centrally located in the Texas Panhandle, which makes it accessible to many areas of the state. Sunday weddings are growing in popularity at our wedding venue. Guests can travel all day Saturday, attend the wedding Sunday, and travel back Monday.
Personal Preferences: Is there a specific date that is meaningful to you and your partner? For example, the anniversary of your first date or the day you met can be a sentimental choice.
3. Determine Your Wedding Style: Large or Intimate
One of the first decisions you’ll make in the planning process is determining the size of your wedding. Are you envisioning a grand celebration with a large wedding reception, or do you want a smaller, more intimate affair? This choice will heavily influence the venues you consider, as well as your guest list, budget, and overall vibe. At Cornerstone Ranch, we can seat anywhere from 50-500 guests! We have seating plans for any size of event, large or small. With plenty of room to work with, our reception space is flexible, and offers room for marquee letters, photobooths, and more! Check out some of our seating plans here!
Large Wedding Receptions
For couples who dream of a big celebration with all their friends and family, Amarillo offers a range of stunning venues that can accommodate a large wedding reception. Cornerstone Ranch Events Center, with its spacious outdoor and indoor areas, is a perfect choice for those looking to host a big wedding in a beautiful, scenic location. You’ll have plenty of room for a large guest list, with the option for an outdoor ceremony surrounded by those famous West Texas sunsets and a large barn for a reception. A large wedding reception allows for grand decorations, entertainment, and a big celebration that everyone will remember.
Intimate Weddings
For couples who prefer a more personal experience, an intimate wedding might be the right choice. You might want a small gathering of your closest family and friends, allowing for a more relaxed atmosphere and personalized attention. Cornerstone Ranch can provide the perfect setting for a wedding with fewer guests. This style of wedding is all about creating meaningful moments with those you care about most. A cozy dinner at a local Amarillo restaurant or a quiet ceremony at a picturesque venue can make your special day feel both intimate and unforgettable.
4. Choose Your Venue: Amarillo Venues Offer Diverse Options
Once you’ve decided on the size of your wedding, it’s time to select the perfect venue. Amarillo, Texas, is home to a wide range of venues, whether you’re looking for a rustic barn, a traditional ballroom, or an outdoor garden. Amarillo venues offer diverse options to help you bring your vision to life.
Cornerstone Ranch Events Center
For couples dreaming of a picturesque outdoor wedding combined with an elegant indoor reception, Cornerstone Ranch Events Center is a top choice. Located just outside of Amarillo, this venue boasts sweeping views of the Texas plains and a charming rustic barn perfect for a small or large wedding reception. Cornerstone Ranch offers flexibility in terms of ceremony and reception spaces, making it an ideal venue for couples who want to combine rustic charm with modern amenities. Plus, the venue offers packages that include everything from DIY to décor, streamlining the planning process and giving you peace of mind.
If you’re unsure when to book vendors, our detailed wedding planning timeline for Amarillo couples breaks it down month by month.
5. Create Your Guest List
Once you’ve secured your wedding venue, it’s time to start creating your guest list. If you’re hosting a large wedding reception, this step might involve some tough decisions. How do you choose between friends and family members? Consider the size of your venue and your budget—both will play a big role in determining how many people you can invite.
For a more intimate wedding, you can focus on the people who matter most to you. These may be close family members, best friends, and those who have been a significant part of your relationship. Keep in mind that having fewer guests can create a more relaxed and personal atmosphere, allowing you to interact more meaningfully with each person in attendance.
6. Hire Vendors and Begin Wedding Planning
After securing your venue and guest list, it’s time to hire your vendors. Amarillo is home to some talented wedding vendors, from photographers (like Eleven Four Photography who took all these amazing photos in this blog) and florists to DJs and caterers. Many venues, including Cornerstone Ranch Events Center, have recommended vendors that you can trust, but don’t be afraid to shop around and choose the ones that best fit your wedding vision. You can also choose to have a wedding planner help with all the details and logistics, making the planning process much smoother.
7. Stay Calm and Enjoy the Process
Wedding planning can be overwhelming at times, but remember to take it one step at a time. Enjoy the process of choosing your dress, tasting cakes, and meeting with vendors. Whether you're planning a grand affair or an intimate wedding in Amarillo, your wedding day is all about celebrating your love and commitment. Keep the focus on what matters most—your partner—and the rest will fall into place.
After you get engaged, the planning process can be both thrilling and overwhelming, but with careful steps and the right mindset, you can make your wedding in Amarillo, Texas, everything you've dreamed of. From choosing between a large wedding reception or an intimate ceremony to selecting the perfect venue like Cornerstone Ranch Events Center, Amarillo offers a wealth of options to suit every couple. Whatever you envision, Amarillo’s stunning venues and welcoming atmosphere will provide the perfect setting for your celebration of love. When you're ready to tour our spaces at Cornerstone Ranch, contact us!
XOXO--Ally
Photo Credit to the amazing Eleven Four Photography, one of our favorite wedding photographers right here in Amarillo, Texas!
Special thanks to all the locally owned and operated wedding venues from across the country who continue to inspire us and support our small business daily!
Hi Ally. Thanks for the information you share and the perspective you give. Very helpful!
Hank Lane