Enaged? YAY! Do these top 8 things next!
Congratulations on your new engagement! This is so exciting. I am sure you have so many emotions and you are going to start a Pintrest board immediately(if you havnt’t already.) You might feel a little overwhelmed at first. That’s ok! Being the wedding expert that I am, I am here to help guide you through the next steps! Being organized and having the most communication with your new fiancé is the most important thing you can do!
Aside from figuring out all of your vendors, colors and little details lets talk about the top 8 next steps to do next! Let’s take a breath and relax!
#1: Enjoy the Moment
This may seem like a no brainer, but in reality a million thoughts could be going through your head besides excitement. That’s ok! Take a huge breath, because this moment is for you and your fiancé. ENJOY all of the emotions you BOTH feel together. This is a step into life together. in fact it’s your NEXT step in life together. So, everything that is moving forward do it together. Your fiancé is your best friend and your new life partner. Enjoy the yes, enjoy the telling all of your friends and family. Enjoy the moment of being a newly engaged couple together! This is where all the fun begins. The party is just getting started ;)
#2: Talk to your New fiancé
Try the best you can to include your fiancé, see if they have any thoughts on the planing, if they had any specific ideas on how they see the day. This day is also there’s too. It’s a day for both of you to celebrate together. So many times i’ll have meetings with my couples and hearing what the both of you want and your visions are beautiful. So, don’t be afraid to include and ask your partner what they want for that day. Also communicate through out the whole process! You can do this!
#3: Create a Budget
This is huge! Make sure when you talk to your fiancé, you both have the same budget in mind. I also feel that a lot of couples feel like they have to get married immediately after engagement. Honestly, if it’s better to save and choose a date a little farther than your thinking that’s ok! Keep in mind when planning your budget, the Venue, Photographer and Entertainment are the top three things that will take most of your budget. Also, having a budget is great so you know the price range you will be shopping for when talking to vendors. Sometimes, leave a little wiggle room, if you can, so if you find the vendor of your dreams you can make it work!
One thing to remember, this is a one day event. NO need to go over budget if you can't. Your friends and family love you regardless and are happy to be in celebration of your day, no matter what. Try to not skip out on important things such as photos, those are the only things that will grow in value over time after your wedding date.
#4: Choose a Date
Weirdly enough this is a super hard thing to do, but fun! When choosing a date think about these things. What season are you wanting for your date? Is it a popular date like Memorial Day weekend? If so, vendors may not be available during that date. May-August is the most busiest times for all vendors for weddings. Also, choose a back up date just incase when talking to venues. what way if they are booked for the first date you had in mind, you have a back up date. Is the date significant to you? I had a couple wait three years for there wedding date just so they can have it on Friday the 13th in October. Over all, make sure when talking to vendors that you have a date in mind. A lot of vendors book very fast. When planning give at least 1-2 years before the date you are planning when talking to vendors.
#5: Pick a Venue
Venue finding is fun! When finding a venue think of these few things to make it the best decision! Once booked you and your fiancé have one thing checked off the list and the wedding is one step closer!
When booking your venue think about these key things.
Size of venue. Will it fit everyone you plan on inviting or even is it to big for the amount of people you are inviting?
Location. Is it close to town or is it a drive for a lot of people to come to?
Photogenic. Does the venue have great and multiple places to do photos.
Air conditioning. If you are planning on having your wedding in the summer will there be air conditioning for your guests? Comfortable and happy guests will stay and celebrate with you longer.
Options to have ceremony indoors. You never know what mother nature will provide during your day. So make sure you have a plan b for indoor ceremony.
#6: Gather & find inspiration
This is the fun part! Go on Pinterest, talk to your family, friends and find anything that sparks your interest! Find things that inspire you, that make you happy. I highly suggest looking up DIY wedding on TicTok you will find so many fun things you can make and save money on. This is the time you can go wild, and make dreams of your day. Once you have what you think is enough inspiration, start narrowing down the colors, dress, the look of the cake, etc. Once you start booking to vendors, also ask for there option as well!
#7: Pick your bridal party
Ok fun fact… you do not need to have even numbers on both sides. Example if you have 6 people on your side and then your significant other has to have 6… nope! No need to stress. It’s 2022 there are no rules in weddings! When picking your bridal party make sure who you are picking is going to be a great asset and/or be significant to your day. Also, have fun with it, these are the ones that will be your ride or die on your day!
#8: Pick your Photographer!!
Just because I am a photographer…Everything I will be saying is not because I am bias, I truly deep down believe what I am goin got tell you. Photos should be the 2nd most important thing on your list to budget. Photos you cannot replace. Find a photographer that matches the style you are wishing. Make sure the style isn’t a trend, its something you can look back at in 10 years and still be obsessed with. Find someone that you vibe with. Your photographer is going to be with you all day, and helping you make your dreams come true. Find someone that is artistic, and has passion for their craft. find a photographer that knows weddings. Honestly, a photographer can make or break your day in many different ways. Just what ever you do love your photographer, and get a professional!! These are the only thing that will gain value after your wedding day. The only thing you can look back on and love more and more. Something you will treasure for times to come come. Photography is huge for your wedding day. Have fun picking gout a photographer, meet with multiple and enjoy the process!
I hope you find all of this information helpful! This truly is such a fun time in your life! Enjoy every minute of it! If you have any questions or what more information on how we can make your day a success go to the link below!