Your Engaged!…. but what next? Here’s my ultimate guide to your first steps after getting engaged
Congratulations! You said yes, and now you’re basking in that newly-engaged glow. But what comes next? Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but by locking in a few key details, you’ll be on your way to the big day of your dreams.
Celebrate Your Engagement
Before you dive into Pinterest boards and bridal magazines, take a moment to celebrate! Host an engagement party or keep it low-key with a dinner or drinks with close friends. Share your big news with everyone in your life. This is your time to soak it all in and enjoy the engagement bubble.
Set Your Budget (Yes, Already)
Money talks, and when it comes to weddings, it’s best to have this chat early. Sit down with your partner and discuss how much you’re willing to spend. Don’t forget to factor in any contributions from family members. A clear budget will help guide every decision you make.
Dream Big (But Be Realistic)
Now for the fun part: brainstorming your dream wedding! Do you picture a countryside manor, a chic city venue, or a boho beach ceremony? Create a mood board to gather inspiration, but remember to keep your ideas grounded in your budget and practicalities like guest numbers and location.
Pick a Date (or a Season)
Choosing a wedding date can be tricky. Consider the time of year you love, availability of key guests, and whether you want a weekday or weekend wedding (weekday weddings can be kinder on your wallet!). Flexibility is key, especially if you’ve got your heart set on a particular venue.
Draft a Guest List
This can feel like walking a tightrope, but it’s essential to have a rough idea of numbers before you start looking at venues. There is no point in paying the extra costs for a large venue if you are having an intimate wedding. On the other hand some bigger venues have minimum numbers, so having a rough idea of your guest list will be key at guiding your venue choice. Keep it flexible for now, but remember that every additional guest adds to your budget.
Book the Key Suppliers Early
Wedding venues and photographers can get booked up over a year in advance. Once you’ve set a date and budget, lock in these essentials. If you already have some key suppliers that you have your heart set on then make sure you enquire early and get your deposit or booking forms sent as soon as they confirm their availability.
Enjoy the Process
Planning a wedding is a journey, not a sprint. Stay organised and if you know that the process is going to cause you stress then consider booking a wedding planner to help you navigate this. Don’t forget to enjoy these moments, your wedding is about celebrating your love story, so don’t sweat the small stuff . Guests won’t remember the number of wedding signs you have or the fonts on your invitations. They remember the venue, the vibe of your day and the things that make your wedding personal or different.