So You're Engaged - Now What?

Engagement season is officially upon us, which means it's also wedding planning season! If you've recently gotten the ring and found out that you're big day is just around the corner - then a CONGRATULATIONS is in order! Enjoy this super exciting time - and try not to freak out (I know... easier said than done, right?!). 

It's funny, I can remember back when I got engaged, and what changed at that time. My fiancé and I had discussed marriage on multiple occasions. I knew the proposal was coming and we had talked all about our future. But before I got the ring, we never thought about the details. Then, once the engagement happened - BAM! - the first question out of everyone's mouths was "so, when's the wedding?" It's crazy how after one moment, out of one ordinary day, everything suddenly changed.

We went from happy couple knowing marriage was in the future to full on wedding planners. And was completely overwhelming!

All of a sudden we had all of these decisions to make. We had planning and planning and MORE planning piled onto our already full plates - I mean it's not like we could quit our jobs to be full time wedding planners for a year! So it caused stress, disagreements, and loss of sanity at times. Of course it was the "happy" kind of crazy - we realized through all of the chaos, we were doing all of this because we love each other and want a perfect day. But still, planning a wedding will take a lot out of you.

So if you've recently gotten engaged, I have put together a little advice to guide you along if you need a little help knowing what to do next. Having been there myself, I know I would have loved some sort roadmap of wedding planning tips, if only just to keep my sanity.

Tip #1: Take your time

I remember being blissfully ignorant when people initially asked me for our wedding date. "I haven't even thought about it yet" I would say. And it was the truth. We didn't discuss any plans right away. It was nice just to be engaged, and to gawk over the new rock occupying my left ring finger. I learned the hard way that once that first wedding decision gets made, it creates a snowball effect that doesn't end until the day your wedding is over. I actually would have been happy waiting a little longer before I jumped into the planning stage. I mean what's the rush really? Take a little bit of time to enjoy each other and your engagement. Let any wedding conversation happen organically, on its own. It will be less overwhelming that way.

Tip #2: Prioritize

There is no real roadmap here for what should be decided first. Every couple is different. Do  you have a certain date that is really important to you that you want to be THE date? Then choose your date first. Or is there a perfect location that you've had your eye on where you have your wedding at? Then choose location first, and then pick a date based on when that location is available. As a couple, you should both discuss what the top priorities are and the "must-haves"/"must-dos" for each of you.

Some examples of early decisions to make (or at least topics to discuss early on): Date, Color Scheme, Possible Locations, Overall Style or Theme (rustic, vintage, formal), Number of Guests, Size of Bridal Party, and Must-Have Vendors.

Tip #3: Utilize Pinterest

Assuming you don't already have a Pinterest Wedding Board set up.... do it! Set up a board and pin everything you love to it (wedding-related of course). In the beginning, before you have a good idea of what you want, I suggest pinning it all. Then you will start to see some recurring themes. Study your pins and get an idea of what really speaks to you. Once you have some great ideas of what fits you, then create a new board and only pin the ideas that you want to use for yourself. This board should be much more limited. There is no way you can do every single idea you see. You will have to be selective and get rid of all the pins that aren't the best fit.

Tip #4: Set a Budget

This is a biggie because nothing creates more stress than money. Sit down as a couple and discuss realistically how much you have to spend. You will have a little wiggle room within the budget to move money around (for example, spending less on a cake may give you more money to spend on your dress), but the overall number will likely need to be firm. After all, this is supposed to be a day to celebrate your love for one another, not a debt-piling event that you will have to spend the rest of your lives paying off.

Tip #5: Stay Organized

I suggest coming up with a timeline for what needs done and when. Set goals for yourself to make certain decisions/book vendors. Keeping up with to-do lists and calendar reminders will come in handy. There is nothing worse than procrastinating and then scrounging around at the last minute. Lots of times, vendors book up far in advance, so if there is a well known DJ or fabulous photographer (cough, cough) that you absolutely love, reach out to them early so that you can be sure they are available on your date. Accomplishing small tasks along the way will save you some major headaches in the long run.

Most importantly though, you should both be active in the planning process. Make sure you communicate and are on the same page every step of the way. Lots of brides take control of the planning, and that is fine to an extent. But grooms should be voicing opinions and doing some of the legwork too. Even just making some phone calls and paying vendors can help take the stress off of just one person. You are a team and this will likely be the most stressful time of your lives, up until this point at least. So stick together and lean on each other. 

Want to get your Engagement Pictures marked off your to-do list? Click here to contact us now!

Click here for more information on planning your Cleveland area Wedding!