Wedding Planning after getting Engaged!
Congratulations on your engagement! This is a exciting time and the start of a new chapter in your life!!! The engagement period can be both exciting and overwhelming, as there are many things to consider and plan for. And it’s okay if it gets a little hectic or stressful, THAT IS NORMAL! Here are some steps to guide you through the process.
Celebrate! Take time to enjoy the moment and celebrate with your partner, family and friends. This can be a small intimate gathering or a big celebration. Make sure to include this in your wedding budget!
Set a wedding date: Decide on a date and make sure it works for both of you, your families and any key wedding vendors.
Determine your budget: Having a budget in mind will help you make important decisions and prioritize what is important to you. There is so much in this, but my biggest tips are to pick the 3 biggest things that are important to you and your significant other and create a that reflects the things most important to you.
Start the guest list: This will give you an idea of the size of the wedding and help with venue selection. Decide between you and your spouse if you want an intimate get together and are PARTA. And just because you have a smaller wedding doesn’t mean the cost will go down!! There are lots of vendors that happen regardless of your guest count (venue, photographer, decor, etc).
Choose your wedding party: Decide who will be in your wedding party and ask them to be a part of your special day. This doesn’t mean you have to spend lots of money putting together bridesmaid proposal boxes or elebroate parties; I recommend taking them out somewhere to eat or dropping by their house to ask! If you are detail oriented, think about providing a small little contract so that they know what they are getting into/paying for.
Start planning the details: Research wedding venues, photographers, florists, and other vendors. Make a list of the ones you like and start visiting and booking. Vendors often are booked months in advance, so start this process as soon as possible!
Take engagement photos: Engagement photos are a great way to commemorate this special time and they can also be used for save-the-date cards, wedding website, or even your wedding album. Often times if you book a photographer for your wedding, they will give discounts on engagement sessions!
Get in touch with your vendors: Contact the vendors you have chosen and start the booking process. This is also a good time to ask for referrals and recommendations from family and friends.
Take care of the legalities: Start researching the requirements for getting married in your area, including obtaining a marriage license. This is something that is often overlooked in the budget, but make sure to save room for legal things! Also start considering if you are going to change you name and begin researching the process.
Enjoy the journey: Planning a wedding can be a long and at times stressful process, but it’s important to enjoy the journey and make it a positive experience for both of you. Remember to take some time for just the two of you, without talking about wedding planning.
