Congratulations! You’re engaged! This will undoubtedly be one of the most memorable times in your life. There is so much to celebrate and so much to do. You will have people asking you questions right from the start about your wedding date, colors, bridal party, flowers… truly the list never ends. If you have no idea where to begin thinking about those questions, we’re here to help! This is our guide to the 6 things you should do once you’ve said yes. These are just the beginning of all the planning to come, but doing these will set you up for a fun engagement season – one you will love looking back on after it’s all said and done.
- Enjoy the moment
You don’t need to start planning the moment you share your news with the world. In fact, we insist that you take some time to really relish in the newness of your engagement. Go out, introduce your partner as “fiancé,” show off that ring (and get it insured), and be intentional about simply being together. This is the beginning of a brand new chapter for you both. You deserve the time to soak it in and appreciate all the goodness that is coming your way.
- Pick a date
You will need to consider if you have a certain time of year you are hoping to get married in, or if you have a particular date that is special to you as a couple. Keep in mind that off-season weddings and Friday/Sunday weddings are generally less expensive and have more availability than those in peak wedding times and on Saturdays. This really comes into play if you have a specific vendor in mind that you are hoping to use. Picking a date that works for them might be a priority for you, and if that is the case, we recommend reaching out to them as soon as possible to find out their availability.
- Create a budget
Once you have an idea of a date, we always recommend sitting down and figuring out your overall budget. We know – it is not the most exciting conversation to have. However, knowing from the beginning how much you are able to spend on your wedding will cut down on stress and make the planning process much more enjoyable. When you have a firm budget in mind, the decisions will come easier because some things simply won’t be within your allotted budget. Once you come up with a number, the exciting stuff can begin!
- Hire a planner and start a checklist
As planners, we believe in the value of the work we do and think planners are a crucial piece of the wedding planning puzzle. If you choose to hire a full-service planner, they will be with you every step of the way ensuring that the process is smooth. Together you can create a checklist of vendors, colors, food, florals, guests, etc. and then start marking them off one by one. Planners can answer any questions you have and give you inspiration if you are unsure of your vision. Even if you feel like you have a pretty good feel for what you want and how to plan it, we still recommend hiring a planner that will coordinate the day when it arrives. This will take the stress and responsibility from you and your family members, and allow you to really enjoy the wedding day moments as they happen.
- Plan your engagement party/engagement photos
An engagement party is a fun way to celebrate with all the people you love. It can be as intimate or extravagant as you would like and is such a fun way to kick off the wedding planning process. Whatever fits your vibe as a couple is how you should celebrate. You’ll also want to get some engagement photos done to have for save the dates and just for the memories. Often times, photographers include either an engagement session or bridal portraits session in their wedding packages. If you have a photographer in mind that you would like to photograph your wedding, this would be an ideal time to reach out to them and find out what their packages offer so you can get the most for your money.
- Have fun with it
Once you have all these pieces in place, the decision making will begin. It can feel overwhelming at times, but our biggest piece of advice is to have fun with it. Of course you want your day to be perfect, but we have found that regardless of any decision you make or any hiccups along the way, all brides and grooms are simply happy to be married at the end of the day and your guests will feel grateful that you included them in your celebration. If you can focus on that goal, it will be perfect no matter what.
Let the planning begin!
