Image by Lauren Nicole Photo.
If you happen to’re reading this it means that you just’ve recently said “yes” to the person of your dreams. First things first–congratulations on getting engaged! While chances are you’ll still be floating on cloud nine, we all know that you just’ve got work to do and we’re here to assist take advantage of your engagement. Below, you’ll find ten things to do right after saying “yes”—from spreading the news to finding your wedding vendors. Do these ten steps and also you’ll be arrange for wedding planning success.
1. Take The Time To Soak Up Being Engaged
Trust us, we know the way tempting it might be to run right to social media after getting engaged. But before shouting it from the rooftops, take the time to soak it in, just the 2 of you. You’re going to want to recollect this love-drunk high. Pop a bottle of champagne or enjoy a celebratory dinner and dessert–do whatever makes you blissful and enjoy your love.
Image by Cat Cunni Photography.
2. Announce Your Engagement
Unless you’re planning on keeping your engagement under wraps for some time, call your loved ones and friends to allow them to know concerning the exciting news! They’ll be so blissful you took the time to allow them to know before updating your social media. It might be helpful to make an inventory together of everyone who must know before the Web does to avoid any hurt feelings.
This can be a superb time to buy and send out engagement announcements.
Image by Map + Compass Photography
3. You’re Engaged, Now Plan An Engagement Party
After saying “Yes!” you’re probably able to jump into planning your dream wedding. But first, rejoice being engaged. Think champagne, family members, and a complete lot of congratulations. That’s right– we’re talking about your engagement party. Being the primary of many pre-wedding parties, it’s the right technique to kick off your wedding planning season.
4. Start Dreaming About Your Wedding
Before you begin crossing things off of your wedding planning checklist, you’ve got some daydreaming to do. Perhaps you’ve been planning your wedding your entire life, or possibly it has never crossed your mind. Irrespective of which boat you’re in, we recommend starting by creating a marriage mood board to assist you nail down your style. You’ll get a greater understanding of what color palettes you’re loving, what floral arrangements pique your interest, what decor you lean toward, etc.
Don’t stress if you happen to’re undecided what your wedding style ought to be. Hiring an important wedding planner can assist you have the marriage of your dreams, even if you happen to’re undecided what that appears like yet. These essential inquiries to ask before you begin wedding planning will probably be a giant help too.
Image by Through The Glass.
5. Set Your Wedding Budget
Setting a budget may not sound like a whole lot of fun, however it’s a crucial step to cross off your list early in the marriage planning process. We know the way overwhelming it might probably feel. That’s why we’ve created a budget tool that may get your funds so as in your big day.
While working in your budget, do not forget that there are almost certainly going to be unexpected wedding expenses that may take you by surprise. Plan for them early and also you won’t need to worry about sacrificing your dream wedding reception or live music to make room in your budget for them.
Still unsure of learn how to tailor a budget that’s best for you? Take a look at our wedding budget guide for you and your partner. And if you happen to’re interested by planning a destination wedding, here’s a budget breakdown of how much it costs to have a destination wedding.
6. Take Engagement Photos
Now that you just’re engaged the true fun part begins–it’s engagement photo time. Take your engagement photos as early as possible so you possibly can include a photograph or two in your save-the-date cards. Hiring an expert photographer will help capture this special chapter of your lives–it’s over before it!
Hate the concept of being in front of the camera? We get it. These easy suggestions for nailing your engagement photos will assist you feel more comfortable and able to strike a pose. Bonus: our first tip is to wear an outfit that makes you are feeling confident.
Image by Liv With The Lens
7. Create A Guest List
After you set a marriage budget, it’s time to sit down down and create your guest list. You want this guest list prior to meeting with venues and caterers, as it can determine what you’ll have the ability to afford and what form of venue will work best in your guest count.
If when you’ve created your initial guest list, you should trim it down, we’ve got you covered. Take a look at our handy suggestions for trimming your guest list—and see what the advantages to hosting a smaller wedding are. Irrespective of what, never feel guilty about your guest list. It’s your big day and you need to surround yourself with those who matter most.
Once the list has been finalized, use our wedding guest list tool to maintain track of everyone’s email address, home address, phone number, dietary restrictions, and more.
Image by Candida & Max Jan Photography
8. Select A Venue And Set A Date
Now that your guest count and budget, start the venue search! Start by considering questions like whether or not you wish a neighborhood or destination wedding. Do you need to be indoors or outdoors? Are you going to host your ceremony and reception in the identical space? These are stuff you’ll need to contemplate yourselves before you start searching.
Once you begin touring venues, it’s very essential that you just ask the venues inquiries to make sure that what to anticipate at your wedding. Just a few questions that we expect you possibly can’t forget are:
- Is the date of alternative available? If not, are there surrounding dates available?
- What’s the cancellation fee?
- What number of weddings do they host in a day?
- What are the rates for various days of the week? (ex. Thursday vs. Friday)
- What’s the deposit? What’s the structure for the payment schedule?
- Do they require using their approved list of vendors? If not, are there limitations on the vendors you’ll herald?
- Are there noise restrictions?
- Are there decor restrictions?
- What number of restrooms are there for the guests?
- Is there a food and beverage minimum? What are the implications if it’s not met?
- Are you able to source beer, wine, and liquor elsewhere?
Need to see wedding venues in your area? We’ve got an inventory of wedding venues all over the world. Lastly, don’t forget to take photos when you’re on venue tours.
9. Construct Your Vendor Team After Getting Engaged
It’s essential to pick out a dream team of wedding vendors as early as possible since lots of one of the best professionals are booked out a yr or two prematurely. If you happen to’re considering using a marriage planner, ask them for his or her vendor recommendations. Wedding planners work with other vendors throughout and know which vendors will line up together with your vision.
That being said, keep an eye fixed out for any red flags that may come up while trying to find or interviewing vendors. These range from poor communication, no reviews, and—after all—your gut instinct. The final thing you wish is to get burned by a poor experience since you booked someone that was low cost.
10. Say Yes To The Dress
Though you simply got engaged, finding your dream dress early is a must. It might take anywhere from six to nine months to get your wedding dress–and that doesn’t include the time it took to search out the dress or alterations! We all know, we were shocked once we first learned too.
It’s best to get this step out of the best way as soon as possible just in case there are any last-minute hiccups. Before making your technique to a boutique, take a look at this stuff to do before your first bridal appointment to assist you feel your best once you zip into the gowns. Crucial thing to recollect is that bridal appointments are supposed to be fun, and your dream dress should make you are feeling like a thousand bucks.
If you happen to’d slightly skip the bridal boutiques and check out on gowns within the comfort of your private home, you’re in luck. Because these ready-to-ship wedding dresses can be found now they usually’re also drop-dead gorgeous. Don’t wish to wear a dress in any respect? You’ll love one among these bridal jumpsuits and pantsuits, too.
From wedding planning tasks which you can tackle at home to one of the best wedding planning books, to one of the best wedding hashtags to follow on Instagram, we’re here to make wedding planning as easy as possible for you. Just don’t forget to blast this wedding planning playlist that may keep you motivated, either! And remember, wedding planning is supposed to be fun, not stressful. So break out the wine and order a pizza and get to planning–you’ve got this!
Image by Hugo Coelho Fotografia.
