Just Engaged? Here’s What to Do First When Planning a Key West Wedding

Pop the bubbly and cue the happy tears—you’re engaged! This moment is everything: exciting, joyful, a little surreal, and maybe even a tiny bit overwhelming. Whether you’re already envisioning your dream wedding or just soaking in the glow of the proposal, one thing’s for sure: you’re about to start a beautiful new chapter.

If you’re considering a wedding in Key West, we’re so glad you found us – Welcome to The Hemingway Home. Planning a destination wedding can feel like a lot, especially if you’re not sure where to start—but that’s exactly why we’re here. At WCO Events, we plan stunning, stress-free celebrations right here in paradise, and today we’re sharing the very first steps you’ll want to take after saying “yes.”

Step 1: Dream Big, But Start Simple

Before you dive into Pinterest or start making lists, take a beat with your partner. What kind of wedding do you both imagine? Something intimate with close friends and a sunset ceremony? A lively celebration with a tropical vibe and a full dance floor?

It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers right now. This stage is all about dreaming and starting to sketch out the big picture. Trust us, Key West can bring almost any vision to life—laid-back beach vibes, lush garden elegance, or something totally unique.

Pro Tip: Create a shared Pinterest board or folder to collect ideas you both love. It’s a fun way to get inspired and aligned early on!

Step 2: Set a Budget Range (Even a Loose One)

Let’s talk money—but gently. You don’t need to have everything figured out just yet, but having a general budget range will help guide your next steps.

Planning a wedding in Key West is an investment, especially since it’s such a popular destination. That said, our team at WCO Events can help you set realistic expectations for your budget and show you how to make the most of it.

Not sure where to start? Begin by deciding what matters most—venue, guest count, food, or décor—and build around those priorities.

Step 3: Choose a Date or Season

Your date will guide everything from availability to weather planning. In Key West, popular months for weddings are typically spring (March–May) and early winter (November–December), when the weather is cooler and breezy. Summer and early fall are still gorgeous, but they come with warmer temps and the chance of rain.

If you’re flexible, consider a weekday wedding or off-season celebration for more availability and potential cost savings.

Step 4: Book Your Venue Early

This is the big one. Once you have a date or time of year in mind, it’s time to book your venue.

Our Key West venue is a hidden tropical gem—a lush garden oasis with historic charm, romantic pathways, and unforgettable ceremony backdrops. We’ve hosted everything from intimate micro weddings to full-scale celebrations, and we know this space is the heartbeat of so many love stories.

Venue dates book quickly, especially during peak season—so securing your spot early gives you the best options.

📸 Explore Our Venue Photo Gallery

Step 5: Hire a Local Wedding Planner (That’s Us!)

Planning a wedding from afar? This is where we come in.

At WCO Events, we specialize in creating unforgettable weddings right here in Key West. We know the vendors, the logistics, the weather patterns (and the rain backup plans), and how to make the planning process feel effortless—so you can enjoy this season instead of stressing through it.

Whether you need full planning or month-of coordination, we’ll guide you every step of the way. No guesswork, no overwhelm—just joyful planning and expert support.

Let’s make your vision a reality. Schedule a consultation with our team →

Step 6: Start Building Your Vendor Dream Team

Once your venue and planner are in place, it’s time to think about your vendor team: photographer, caterer, DJ or band, florist, officiant, and more.

We make this easy. At WCO Events, we’ve curated a trusted list of local vendors who consistently deliver beautiful results and stress-free experiences. We’ll help you match with pros that fit your vibe, style, and budget.

Step 7: Enjoy the Moment (Seriously!)

Yes, planning is important—but so is pausing to enjoy this special season of your life. Go out for a celebratory dinner. Schedule an engagement shoot in Key West. Take a sunset sail. You’ll remember this time forever, so don’t rush through it.

Let’s Make Wedding Magic in Key West

We know how to turn “just engaged” into “just married” with joy, ease, and a whole lot of love. Whether you’re still dreaming or ready to dive into the planning process, our team at WCO Events is here to guide you every step of the way. With our deep knowledge of the island, trusted vendor connections, and years of experience creating unforgettable celebrations, we make planning a Key West wedding feel seamless and even fun. From your first venue tour to your final dance under the stars, we’ll be by your side bringing your vision to life.

Reach out to WCO Events today to learn more about planning your Key West wedding—or schedule a visit to tour our beautiful garden venue in person. We can’t wait to meet you, hear your love story, and help you create a wedding day that’s completely, beautifully yours.

✨ Ready to plan your Key West wedding? Contact us here
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