Did You Get Engaged on Valentine’s Day? Your First 3 Steps Before Booking a Venue

If you are reading this with a trembling hand, a heart full of hope, and a sparkling new addition to your left ring finger, allow us to be the very first to offer our warmest felicitations: Congratulations!

You have just experienced one of life’s most profound and transformative moments. Whether the question was popped over a candlelit dinner in Fort Lauderdale, beneath the swaying palms of a quiet beach in Hollywood, Florida, or perhaps right here amidst the serene, verdant gardens of the Town of Davie, the world likely feels a little different today. It is brighter, more exciting, and—if we are being entirely honest—perhaps just a little bit overwhelming.

Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is historically one of the most popular days for marriage proposals, which means you are in excellent company. As you read this, thousands of couples across South Florida are popping corks, calling their parents, and staring at their hands in happy disbelief. You have joined a club of optimists and romantics who have chosen to build a life together.

However, once the initial euphoria settles—usually right around the time you post that obligatory “I Said Yes!” photo to Instagram—a new question inevitably arises. It is the question every well-meaning friend, aunt, and coworker will ask you for the next twelve months:

“So, when is the wedding?”

Take a deep breath. You do not need to have the answer today. But you do need a plan.

The period immediately following a Valentine’s engagement is a critical window. It is the “Golden Hour” of wedding planning where the choices you make set the tone for your entire celebration. In the high-stakes world of South Florida luxury weddings, where prime dates are a finite resource and venues like ours book up 18 months in advance, navigating these first few weeks with grace, intelligence, and strategy is essential.

At Saint Patrick Palace, we have guided countless couples through this journey. We know that the difference between a stressful engagement and a joyful, curated one often comes down to the very first steps you take. We believe that planning should be as delightful as the event itself—organized, thoughtful, and devoid of panic.

So, before you download a dozen planning apps or start panic-booking vendors based on Instagram likes, let us guide you through the First 3 Essential Steps you must take after saying “Yes.”

Step 1: Pause, Protect, and Prioritize (The “Quiet” Phase)

It is tempting to immediately jump into the deep end of Pinterest boards, color palettes, and venue tours. However, the most successful weddings—the ones that feel personal, cohesive, and effortless—start with a pause. Before you become a “Project Manager,” you must first just be a fiancé(e).

The Art of the “Soft Launch”

In our hyper-connected digital age, news travels instantly. But some news deserves a slower, more personal delivery. Before you broadcast your joy to the world via social media, take a moment to savor it. Call your parents. Facetime your best friend. Visit your grandmother. Hearing the news directly from you is a gift to them, and it protects the intimacy of the moment before it becomes public consumption.

Once your inner circle knows, then—and only then—should you share that ring selfie with the world.

Protecting the Investment: Ring Insurance

Speaking of the ring, there is one unromantic but absolutely vital task you must handle immediately: Insurance.

It is a detail often overlooked in the haze of romance, but it is critical. Between passing your ring around at dinner parties in Plantation and traveling to see family, your new heirloom is at risk. Engagement rings are small, valuable, and easy to misplace when one is not used to wearing them.

The Action Item: Call your insurance provider today. You can typically add a “rider” to your existing renters or homeowners policy, or you can seek out a specialized jewelry insurance policy. It takes ten minutes, but it provides a lifetime of peace of mind. You want to wear that sparkle without a worry in the world.

Curating Your Hands

This may sound trivial, but for the next three weeks, everyone you meet—from your future mother-in-law to your barista in the Town of Davie, Florida—is going to grab your hand to look at the ring. Treat yourself to a fresh manicure. Ensure your hands are moisturized and camera-ready. It is a small luxury that makes the experience feel even more special and ensures you feel confident every time you extend your hand.

The “Big Three” Conversation

Before you look at a single venue or try on a dress, you and your partner need to have an honest, private conversation about the “Big Three”: Budget, Guest Count, and Vibe.

1. The Budget: Money can be an awkward topic, but it is the fuel for your wedding engine. Establishing who is contributing early on is vital. Once you have a total number you are comfortable spending, you can navigate the market with confidence. As we discussed in our guide to The Logistics of Luxury: What It Really Takes to Execute a Private Estate Wedding in South Florida, knowing your bottom line prevents heartbreak later. You do not want to fall in love with a venue or a designer only to realize it consumes 80% of your resources.

2. The Guest Count: Are you envisioning an intimate dinner party for 50 or a lavish gala for 150? This specific number dictates which venues you can even consider. While a space designed for 300 will feel cavernous with only 50 guests, a space built for 100 will feel stifling with 150. At Saint Patrick Palace, we find that guest counts between 100 and 150 are the “sweet spot” for our estate, allowing for a vibrant party that still feels exclusive.

3. The Vibe: Do you want a ballroom hotel wedding in the City of Miami Beach? These often provide high energy and public spaces, though they carry the potential for noise. Alternatively, a private, exclusive garden wedding in the Town of Davie offers something more intimate, secluded, and romantic

Expert Insight: If you value privacy and creative freedom, cross “hotels” off your list early. A private estate offers a level of exclusivity that commercial venues simply cannot match. Read more about why discerning couples are choosing estates in our post: The City of Miami Beach vs. Town of Davie: Escaping the City Hustle for a Serene Estate Wedding.

Step 2: Navigate the Calendar (The “Strategic” Phase)

Once you have your “Big Three” established, it is time to look at the calendar.

If you got engaged on Valentine’s Day 2026, you are likely looking at a wedding date in late 2026 or early 2027. This puts you squarely in competition with thousands of other couples for the most coveted dates in the country.

Understanding “Reverse Seasonality”

While national wedding magazines will tell you that June is the most popular month to get married, in South Florida, that is false.

We operate on a reverse calendar. Our “Peak Season”—the time when the weather is flawless, humidity is low, and outdoor weddings are magical—is January through April.

• The Reality: To secure a Saturday in March 2027, you need to be touring venues now.

• The Opportunity: However, if you are open to a “Shoulder Season” wedding in October or November, you might find more availability and better rates.

For a deep dive into picking the perfect date, including a month-by-month weather breakdown, consult our essential guide: How to Pick Your Wedding Date: The Ultimate Guide to Securing Your Dream Day in South Florida.

The “Holiday” Factor

Since you got engaged on a holiday, you might be considering a holiday wedding.

• Valentine’s Day 2027 falls on a Sunday. This could be the perfect opportunity for a romantic, long-weekend celebration.

• Presidents’ Day Weekend often coincides with Valentine’s Day, giving your guests an extra day off work.

However, be mindful of local events. February in South Florida is busy with the Miami International Boat Show and the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. These events drive up hotel prices and traffic. Choosing a venue in the Town of Davie, Florida, away from the coastal chaos, becomes a strategic advantage for your guests’ comfort and budget.

The “Wedding Weekend” Trend

One of the most significant shifts we have seen for 2026 is the move away from the “One Day” event. Couples are realizing that five hours is simply not enough time to celebrate a lifetime commitment. They are looking for venues that allow them to host a rehearsal dinner, a ceremony, and a farewell brunch all in one location.

This is where Saint Patrick Palace shines. Unlike a hotel that requires you to vacate the ballroom by midnight so they can set up for a corporate conference the next morning, our private estate allows for a multi-day buyout.

Imagine checking in on Friday, hosting a relaxed welcome dinner on the veranda, waking up on-site for your wedding on Saturday, and enjoying a lazy brunch by the pool on Sunday. This decompressed timeline allows you to actually spend time with your guests.

For more on how to structure this type of celebration, read The “Wedding Weekend” Trend: Why You Need a Venue with On-Site Lodging.

Step 3: Secure Your Venue (The “Action” Phase)

This is the big one. The venue is the domino that knocks everything else into place. Until you have a signed venue contract, you do not technically have a wedding date. This means you cannot book a photographer, a florist, or a band with any certainty.

Therefore, booking your venue is your #1 priority.

But not all venues are created equal. As you begin your tours, you will quickly notice a divide between “Wedding Factories” and “Bespoke Experiences.” In 2026, luxury is defined by privacy and personalization. Couples are moving away from cookie-cutter packages and seeking spaces that feel like a home away from home. Architecture that speaks for itself and grounds that offer natural beauty are now the gold standard.

Why the “Private Estate” Model Wins in 2026

In 2026, luxury is defined by privacy and personalization. Couples are moving away from cookie-cutter packages and seeking spaces that feel like a home away from home. They want architecture that speaks for itself, grounds that offer natural beauty, and policies that allow them to be creative.

At Saint Patrick Palace, we offer a unique proposition that solves the biggest headaches of modern wedding planning.

1. The “Open Vendor” Freedom

Most luxury venues lock you into their in-house catering. This often means paying $250+ per head for generic food. It also means you are stuck with their specific wine list and linens.

We believe in culinary freedom. Our Open Vendor Policy means you can hire anyone.

• For the Foodie Couple: Want a Food Truck for late-night snacks? Do it. Want a Sushi Station from your favorite local spot in Weston? Bring them in. Want a traditional Cuban feast? Absolutely.

• For the Budget Conscious: Want to buy your own alcohol at Costco and hire a licensed bartender? You just saved thousands of dollars compared to a hotel bar package.

This flexibility allows you to allocate your budget to what matters most to you, whether that is gourmet food or an incredible live band. Discover the possibilities in our guide: Food & Wine: Why “Open Vendor” Policy is a Foodie Bride’s Dream.

2. The Aesthetic Versatility

Whether you are dreaming of the 2026 Wedding Forecast: The Colors, Themes, and Vibes Defining the New Luxury trends like “Supper Club” vibes or bold “Cobalt Blue” color palettes, our estate is the perfect canvas.

• The Architecture: Our grand white columns and green facade provide a timeless, “Old World” backdrop that rivals any European villa. It is a structure with presence and history.

• The Grounds: With five acres of manicured gardens, a private pond, and mature oak trees, you have endless options for your ceremony and photos. You can host a waterfront ceremony, a tented reception on the terrace, and cocktails by the pool—all without ever leaving the property.

3. The Logistics of Luxury

Hosting a wedding at a private estate does require more planning than a hotel ballroom. You need to think about lighting, flow, and power. But the payoff is a wedding that feels entirely unique to you.

We have detailed exactly what this entails in our guide The Logistics of Luxury: What It Really Takes to Execute a Private Estate Wedding in South Florida. We provide the infrastructure (the paved terraces, the power capabilities, the suites) so that you can focus on the design.

Bonus: Curating the Guest Experience

Once you have secured your venue, you can start thinking about the guest experience. In 2026, guests expect to be entertained, not just fed.

Interactive Catering

Gone are the days of the boring buffet. Couples are looking for “Interactive Food Stations” where chefs prepare food to order. Think fresh pasta wheels, raw bars with live shucking, or dessert stations where guests can customize their treats.

This trend pairs perfectly with our open vendor policy. You can bring in specialized vendors who focus on “culinary theater.” Read more about this trend in Interactive Food Stations: The 2026 Trend That Is Redefining Wedding Catering.

The Bar Experience

Similarly, the bar is getting an upgrade. It’s not just about beer and wine anymore. It’s about craft cocktails and elevated mocktails. Guests want signature drinks that tell a story—perhaps a “Spicy Margarita” that reminds you of your first date, or a “Smoked Old Fashioned” that serves as a nightcap.

Check out our guide on Craft Cocktails & Mocktails: 2026 Wedding Bar Trends  for inspiration on how to stock your bar at Saint Patrick Palace.

Location and Accessibility: The Best of Both Worlds

While Saint Patrick Palace feels like a remote European sanctuary, it is positioned with unparalleled convenience for your traveling guests. When hosting an estate wedding, one must consider the “Travel Experience.”

• Arrivals: For your out-of-state guests, the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is a mere 15 to 20-minute drive away. This proximity is a significant luxury; after a long flight, the last thing your guests want is a two-hour shuttle ride to a remote beach location.

• The Beach Excursion: While your wedding will be held in the serene greenery of Davie, your guests will likely want to experience the quintessential Florida coast. Fort Lauderdale Beach is close enough for a Friday morning yoga session or a pre-wedding brunch by the Atlantic, allowing your party to enjoy the “surf and turf” of Florida luxury.

• Retail and Preparation: For those last-minute needs—be it a forgotten tuxedo accessory or a designer gift—the world-renowned Sawgrass Mills Mall is just a short drive north. Having access to The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass allows your wedding party to access brands like Gucci, Prada, and Burberry without traveling into the heart of Miami.

A Note on “Engagement Season” Urgency

We do not say this to stress you out, but rather to empower you: You are in a race.

Because so many couples get engaged between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day, venues see a massive spike in inquiries in February and March. The dates you are looking at right now are being looked at by dozens of other couples.

• The “January Rush” might be over, but the “Valentine’s Wave” is just beginning.

• The Inventory: Remember, unlike a hotel that can host three weddings a day, we host only one. Once a date is gone, it is gone forever.

The Strategy: Do not wait. Schedule your tours this week. Even if you aren’t ready to sign a contract today, getting on the venue’s radar and walking the grounds will give you a massive advantage over couples who wait until March to start looking.

For a detailed breakdown of why speed matters, revisit our post: The Ultimate 2026 Wedding Planning Checklist: Why January is the Month to Book

Your Love Story Starts Here

Getting engaged is just the first chapter. The wedding is where the story truly comes to life.

You deserve a celebration that reflects the magnitude of your love—one defined by privacy, luxury, and the freedom to create a day that is unapologetically yours. Ultimately, you deserve a venue that feels less like a rental and more like a legacy.

Saint Patrick Palace is that venue.

From the moment you drive through our iron gates, you will feel the difference. The quiet of the gardens. The grandeur of the staircase. The sparkle of the pond. It is a place built for love stories.

Are you ready to turn “We’re Engaged!” into “We Saved the Date”?

We are currently opening up additional tour slots to accommodate the Valentine’s Day engagement wave. We invite you to come walk the grounds, see the bridal suite, and visualize your future here.

Don’t let your dream date slip away. Click here to schedule your tour today.

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Just Starting Your Journey? Ensure you haven’t missed a beat with our comprehensive guide on Holiday Engagements: The First 5 Steps to Take After Saying “Yes!” 

Curious about Planning Support? Wondering if you need a full planner for an estate wedding? Read our honest take in The Wedding Planner Debate: Is Hiring One Worth It?