Photo Credit: Margaret Elizabeth Photography
Hey there! Congratulations on your engagement!
Can you believe I’m saying that to you? Well believe it. Being engaged is such an exciting time in your life and one I want you to enjoy. As the big news spreads, people are going to start giving you all kinds of advice. Some advice will be helpful and some not so much. Yes, there is a lot to do like booking a Venue, hiring a Photographer, designing invitations, creating a menu…bar menu that is (lol) and so much more but it doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming.
Here are a few tips to get your wedding planning journey off to a great start.
Photo by Ryan Hoffman
1. Call Mom + Dad
Before you start posting on Instagram and Facebook, call or visit your parents and share the good news on a more personal note. Chances are, they already know and are waiting for your call. You’ll appreciate being able to witness their initial reactions. Don’t forget to personally reach out to your siblings, grandparents and closest friends. The last place they want to hear about your engagement is on social media.
2. Post a Ring Selfie…but First, a Manicure
Now it’s time to show off your bling! If you are ready to share with the world, take a picture of the ring or a picture of you two and post with a cute caption letting everyone know you are going from Miss to Mrs. BUT, before you start snapping pictures, make sure to treat yourself to a manicure. Your hands will be the center of attention for a while so make sure to give them something pretty to look at!
3. Get Your Ring Sized and Insured
I know you can’t stop staring at it but if the ring doesn’t fit properly, take it to the jeweler immediately and get it sized. The last thing you want to happen is for your beautiful 2 carat “too big” diamond ring to slip off your finger and you loose it. No Bueno!
And for extra security, get it insured. As a planner, I’m wired to make sure you prepare for the what-ifs. What if the ring does slip off and you loose it? What if your ring is stolen? Having your ring insured is the only way to replace your ring without having to buy another one. Insurance sounds worth it to me!
4. Take A Moment to Enjoy Being Engaged
Planning a wedding can become very time consuming but you don’t have to start planning the moment you say “Yes”. Soak in that just engaged feeling for as long as you can. Spend quality time together, just the two of you. Celebrate together before inviting other people to join in. Focus on why you want to spend the rest of your forever together.
5. Think About a Date
After the congratulations, comes the, “Have you set a date yet?” question. Do not feel obligated to give them an answer. Simply say, “We are enjoying our engagement right now and haven’t begun planning details just yet.” That response should satisfy their curiosity and decrease the pressure of making such an important decision at that moment.
However, you and your partner should start thinking about possible wedding dates to make sure you’re on the same page. Do you want a Spring or Fall wedding? Do you want a long or short engagement? Is there a time of year that you both are crazy busy with work? Open the discussion to close family to see what works for both sides and consider any possible conflicts. Trust me, it’s worth it!
TIP: Remember, your wedding date is not set-in stone until you have secured a Venue! Have a few possible dates in mind and be open to suggestions.
6. Draft a Guest List
Are you dreaming of a small, intimate wedding or a grand, elaborate party? This is another must have conversation for you and your fiancé to make sure you’re on the same page. Each of you should create a list of people that MUST be in attendance and go from there. If your parents are paying for the wedding or if you want their input, invite them to collaborate on the guest list now to avoid a headache later. This is also a good time to think of who you want in your wedding party or if you want a wedding party at all. Having a rough estimate of your wedding size will help when you start looking for the perfect Venue.
TIP: Keep in mind that every person you invite to your wedding has a cost associated (Invitation, Catering, Bar, Place Setting, etc.).
7. Discuss a Budget
Specifically, a realistic budget! Google, Pinterest and your favorite wedding movie can have you thinking about an elaborate, over the top wedding day but it’s important to think about what you want and can afford to spend on your event. No one likes to talk about money but you can’t successfully move forward with wedding planning without having this discussion. If your parents are contributing, make sure to include them in on the discussion as well.
Photo Credit: Scope Lifestyle
8. Start Planning!
Now that you’ve had some time to settle in to your new “engaged” status, let’s start planning. Gather inspiration from Pinterest, Google, bridal magazines and social media. Find out what styles and trends you like and dislike. Research Venues that match your vision and schedule tours to see them in person. Once your Venue is booked, slowly but diligently start researching and hiring other vendors.
TIP: Planning a wedding takes countless hours of research, preparation and attention to detail, so consider hiring a wedding planner to take some of the load off. Wedding Planners are an essential asset with their knowledge and experience, vendor referrals, and insights and tips to keep you on budget. Having a wedding planner will save you time and energy alone along with so much more.
There is so much more to do before you walk down the aisle but hopefully this helps to set a foundation for a successful wedding planning journey. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. I would love to chat with you!
Happy Planning!