Congratulations, You're Engaged! Now What?
Congratulations! You’ve found the perfect partner and can’t wait to start your life together. You’re filled with excitement as you start thinking about planning your dream celebration surrounded by those you love most. And then, suddenly, the pressure begins to set in. What exactly do you do next?!
There is so much information – which often can be conflicting -- about what the next steps are. Whether it’s picking a date, insuring your ring, creating a wedding website, establishing a budget, deciding if you’re going to invite your crazy Uncle Joe…it’s no wonder that many couples are overwhelmed from day one.
We believe that marriage is about committing yourself to the best human you know. Your wedding is time to celebrate that commitment surrounded by your friends and family. Honestly, your engagement should be the most magical time in your life, not the most stressful! Here are a handful of tips to keep you grounded during this process.
be present
Breathe! There will be plenty of time for wedding planning. For now, take some time to savor the moment and bask, unapologetically, in your bliss and have fun. Drink the champagne, get your nails done, fete and be feted!
keep dating your fiancé
It’s important to remember that during your engagement, your relationship should always remain a priority. So, as you begin to plan, keep “dating.” Remember why you fell in love with each other in the first place. Schedule time to play, laugh, and stay connected.
practice self-care
Ensure that from your engagement until your wedding (and beyond), you are the best version of yourself. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, taking time to exercise, seeing friends, laughing, and engaging in activities that make you happy. Be kind to yourself, your body, and your mind!
establish your guest list and budget guardrails
While you may be eager to dive right into booking vendors and designing your dream wedding, it is VERY important to have a conversation about your budget and guest list. I know that these aren't exciting or sexy topics and these two items - budget & guest list - are inextricably linked and aligning on the size and cost of your wedding will set the guardrails for the balance of your planning decisions.
discuss the priorities for YOUR wedding day
Unless you have an unlimited budget, you are going to need to prioritize how you want to spend your wedding budget. Have you always dreamed of having a ballroom wedding with five-star food? Or do you want mark the day by dancing the night away with a live band and a raging after-party? Or are tulips your favorite flowers (non-negotiable) and given the season, they will need to be flown in from The Netherlands. While these all sound amazing, you may not be able to afford everything, so getting clear on priorities upfront, is key.
I would suggest spending some time dreaming about how you and your partner envision your day and what is most important.
consider hiring a wedding planner
Imagine being stress-free throughout the entire wedding planning process. Imagine being able to focus on your relationship, job, hobbies, passions, and simply enjoying being engaged. Well, we can help! Working with a professional wedding planner is not only an investment in your wedding, but it is an investment in YOU!
To get started planning your wedding that is playfully planned, joyously celebrated, and magically memorable, click here.
Congratulations on your engagement!
XOXO, LJE