Engaged but not sure what to do next?
Congratulations! You’ve recently said yes to the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. Even though you’re basking in the love and excitement, I know you’ve got planning to do. Keep scrolling to find the eight things you should do right after you get engaged to set you up for success.
Take a moment celebrate, just the two of you
It’s so easy to grab your phone, snap a photo for Instagram, and get caught up in all the replies to your photo. Before you do that, celebrate with each other! Soak it all in, pop some champagne, have a celebratory dinner. Do something, just the two of you, to celebrate your new journey.
Tell your family and friends
If you aren’t planning on keeping your engagement hush-hush for a while, tell your loved ones! They want to celebrate with you. Do a video call or send a message to them and let them know before you post. They’ll be so appreciative that you took the time to tell them before social media. Put together a list of people to contact to avoid missing anyone and hurting someone’s feelings.
Dream about your big day
Before you cross things off of your wedding to-do list, you need to dream of your big day. If you’re like me, you have Pinterest boards full of wedding inspiration that you’ve been adding to for years. Maybe you’ve never really thought about it until now. If you’re not sure what you want, make a mood board!
SET A BUDGET
This is in caps because it’s so important! If making a budget feels overwhelming, find a wedding budgeting tool online. There will probably be some unexpected expenses, so add a little extra to your budget. You don’t want to be unprepared and have to remove something you really want to pay for something else.
Create a guest list
When you start looking for vendors like venues and caterers, one of the first things they will ask is how many guests you expect to attend. This is something you need to know beforehand. Make a list of everyone that you want to come. Keep in mind that everyone on your list won’t come. If your list has 175 people you can expect roughly 120-140 of them to come.
Take engagement photos
Guess what?! I can help you with this one. *wink wink* Take your photos early so you can use them for Save the Dates. This season of life is over before you know it. I can help you document this important chapter in your lives. I know being in front of a camera can be nerve-wracking, but I’m here to help. We will go over some tips and my posing style. Let’s hop on a call and chat about it!
Pick a date and tour venues
Once you pick a date your venue search can begin! Do you want an indoor or outdoor wedding? Will the ceremony and reception be in the same location? Here are some other questions to ask yourself and your prospective venues:
Is your date or a surrounding date available?
What are the rates for different days?
What is their cancellation policy?
Will they allow you to reschedule if necessary?
What restrictions do they have related to COVID-19?
Do they require you to use their list of vendors?
Is a payment schedule an option?
Don’t forget to have fun!
Planning a wedding is stressful. There are vendors to hire, people to invite, a dress to buy, and so much more. In the midst of the craziness, find ways to have fun and enjoy this time. You don’t want to look back on this time of your life and only remember how stressed you were. If you need help, enlist your friends and family or find a wedding planner. You can do this!