What to Do When Recently Engaged and How to Plan a Wedding
Congratulations on your engagement! As you step into this beautiful phase of life, you might be feeling a mix of excitement and a bit of overwhelm. Trust me, it’s completely normal! Having recently gone through my own wedding planning journey, I’m here to share some personal insights on what to do next. With love and laughter, let’s dive into this adventure together.
Budget
First things first—let’s talk about the budget. Grab a cozy seat with your partner, maybe a cup of coffee, and start chatting about how much you want to spend. It might feel daunting, but laying it out there will help guide your decisions. Think about what’s most important to you and what you can compromise on. For us, it was all about the venue and food, so we allocated most of our budget there. Set aside a small cushion for unexpected expenses; trust me, they will pop up!
Start Pinning
Next up is the fun part: starting to pin ideas! I absolutely loved scrolling through Pinterest and creating boards for everything that caught my eye. Choose a theme that resonates with you both. I found that curating ideas not only helped clarify our vision but also made sharing those ideas with family and vendors much easier. Plus, it’s a great excuse to sit together and dream up the perfect day!
Set a Wedding Date
Choosing a wedding date can be a whirlwind in itself. Do you want to celebrate during spring blooms or a cozy winter wonderland? Consider any meaningful dates, like anniversaries or when you first met. Once we settled on our date, there was a sense of relief. It made everything feel more real and exciting! Just make sure to check with your venue availability and keep in mind any major holidays that could affect your guest list.
Decide on Numbers
Now it’s time for the guest list! I remember the mix of joy and stress when deciding who we really wanted present on our special day. Start with a rough list, focusing on close family and friends. We had some tough conversations about who to include, but in the end, we prioritized the people who truly mattered to us. It can be tricky, but you’ll get a better sense of your venue needs and budget based on these numbers.
Choose Your Tribe (Bridal Party)
Selecting your bridal party was such a special moment for me. I wanted those who had been part of my journey to stand by my side. Think about your closest friends or family members who will encourage and support you throughout the planning process and beyond. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about the love and support they’ll bring to your day. I personally found joy in having my best friends with me as we planned everything together—nothing beats that camaraderie!
Get Help
Don’t shy away from asking for help! I quickly realized the importance of leaning on family and friends for support. Whether it was crafting DIY decor or tackling vendor communication, having a circle of support made the process much more enjoyable. If it fits your budget, hiring a wedding planner can also be incredibly beneficial. They bring a wealth of knowledge and can ease the stress of juggling multiple details.
Book Your Venue
Booking the venue is a huge milestone! I can still remember the thrill when we found our dream location. Take your time to visit different places, ask questions, and envision your day in each space. Once you find a venue that feels right, secure it immediately. This will set the tone for everything else and help you breathe a bit easier as the planning progresses.
Book Your Photographer
The memories you create deserve to be captured beautifully, so don’t delay booking your photographer! Start researching local photographers whose style resonates with you. We met with several before making a decision, and it was essential for us to feel comfortable with our choice. An engagement session is a wonderful way to break the ice! It was great to see how our photographer captured our authentic moments, making us feel relaxed and excited about the wedding.
Engagement Session / Pre-Wedding session
Speaking of engagement sessions, I can’t recommend them enough! This is your chance to celebrate your love and capture it in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Pick a location that holds meaning for you, whether it’s the spot of your first date or a favorite park. Our session felt like a mini-date, and the photos we got from it became some of our favorites. Plus, they make beautiful save-the-dates!
Throw an Engagement Party
Lastly, consider throwing an engagement party—it’s an incredible way to celebrate with friends and family! We chose to host a casual gathering at our home. It brought everyone together to share in our joy and excitement for the wedding ahead. Trust me, it’s a wonderful way to kick off the celebrations, and you’ll create cherished memories along the way!
Embarking on your wedding planning adventure can be exhilarating yet challenging. Embrace each step and focus on the love you are celebrating. Remember, this journey is about you and your partner’s unique story;
