First Things to do After you Get Engaged
Getting engaged is one of the most exciting moments of your life, and it’s the beginning of a new chapter. However, planning a wedding can be overwhelming, and it’s important to take it one step at a time. coming from a newlywed and wedding industry professional, I have some great tips that will help the minefield of wedding planning seem like a walk in the park. Here are some preliminary steps to wedding planning that will help you stay organized and stress-free.
1. Have some serious conversations with your partner
Before you start planning anything, you need to be on the same page. What kind of wedding do you want, how much money do you want to spend, should the ceremony be religious or non-religious, what time of year is preferred etc. One of the most important factors of these chats is to set a budget. You need to figure out how much you can afford to spend on your wedding. Sit down with your partner and have an honest conversation about what you can afford. Once you have a budget, it will be easier to make decisions about the rest of the planning.
2. Create an ideal guest list and realistic guestlist
Creating a guest list can be a daunting task, but it’s important to do it early on in the planning process. Start by making a list of everyone you want to invite, and then divide them into categories (like family, friends, and co-workers). Think about all the people who you’d love to share the day with.
This list might be a bit extensive so perhaps apply some general rules like, no partners unless they are serious, or you have to have spoken to them in the past year, or both the bride and groom have to know them. This will help widdle down the list.
Here is a great article about how to downsize your wedding guestlist. Once you know the cost of catering then you can determine the guestlist that is best for you.
3. Choose a venue
Wedding venues can vary from stately homes to barns, tipis to a metropolitan hotel so once you know the style of wedding you want to have then you can start your research. The venue is one of the most important parts of your wedding, so it’s important to choose the right one. Consider the size, location, and style of the venue. My pro tip would be to find a spot that let’s you get ready on-site. There is nothing worse than dealing with hired cars, traffic etc on your wedding day. Once you have a shortlist of venues then get in touch and check their availability. If they have room when you are hoping to get married then arrange a visit. If they don’t have availably then either reconsider your preferred time of year or move on to another venue.
4. Get the legal stuff in place
Get in touch with your local council and make sure they have availably on your date to officiate. I wish I could provide more details here but each council in different so it’s best you chat to them, tell them where and when you want to get married and they’ll instruct you further.
5. Find vendors
Once all the big jobs are done it’s time to start curating your aesthetic by looking for vendors. You’ll need to find a caterer, a photographer, a florist, cake maker, a band/dj, and evening entertainment like photobooths, and a videographer. Might I suggest myself. A Midland’s based
wedding videographer who is passionate about capturing your memories with profound authenticity and joy.
Check out my work! 6. Get shopping
Around 9 months before the wedding is when you should be shopping for your wedding dress. If you’ve got more time, great. Less time? Not the end of the world. I bought my dress the day before my wedding. You’ll also need to go shopping for shoes/jewellery/accessories, groom/groomsmen suits, bridesmaids dresses and perhaps mother-of-the bride/groom outfits too. You’ll also need to consider if you are giving favours, bridal party gifts, a sentimental gift for your partner’s parents, or something nice for your partner to open on the morning of your wedding. Lots of shopping. Its a marathon not a sprint.
Some final thoughts on what to do after you get engaged.
Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it’s important to remember that it’s supposed to be a joyful and exciting time. Take it one step at a time, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. With careful planning and preparation, you can have the wedding of your dreams. If the stress is getting to you then you should absolutely consider hiring a wedding planner. They are worth their weigh in gold. A good wedding planner can help you with everything from choosing a venue to finding vendors. They can also help you stay on budget and keep everything organized.
Your wedding will be amazing. Just take it one step at a time. Best of luck!!
