You’re Engaged! What are the next steps?
October 29, 2021
- You’re engaged!
Breathe in the moment! Scream! Jump up and down! Record the moment, enjoy a champagne toast (just the two of you), or plan a party. Celebrate your way before you start planning, even if it is for just a few days.
- Tell your loved ones
Get a hold of the folks that mean the most to you. Spread the news in person. Let them see your happiness up close, hear the story, and dream about the future. Be ready for shouting, hugging, kissing, and possibly tears.
- Journal
Record your thoughts. This is a time you’ll want to remember. There are lots of options from old-school pen and paper to online planners, or maybe starting a wedding blog is more your style.
- Tell the world
You’ve got lots of options. Change your status, shout it out on your IG story, send announcements to family and friends, publish an announcement in print… Or do it all!
- Set the Date!
This will be the first question everyone asks. Consider sentimental or significant dates: the anniversary of your first date, favorite holiday, a time when the family gathers. Remember, spring and fall wedding dates book up to two years in advance.
- What’s the vibe?
Romantic Old World. Glamorous. Rustic. Fantasy Garden. Bohemian. Don’t be afraid to stray from the Pinterest board. Be adventurous. Make this your day! Not a recreation of #weddingtrends or Bride.com.
- Who’s going to stand by you?
Your wedding party does a lot more than stand next to you during the wedding ceremony. They’re your moral support throughout the entire planning process, best friends, and confidants. Choose at least one that lives close by with impeccable taste to give you advice on the venue, decorations, music, invitations, and to remind you to give yourself time for self-care.
- Quality or Quantity.
What experience are you looking for? A curated, intimate celebration for a tight-knit group or big party with tons of family and friends?
- $$ or $$$$$
Are your resources unlimited? Lucky you! If you’re like the rest of us, start by finding a wedding budget worksheet. Look at your finances and figure out how much you want to spend. Be honest! Would your families like to contribute? If so, find out how much or if they’d like to pay for something specific.
- Hire a Planner!
I know. You think you can do this yourself and save major dollars. Or an aunt, sibling, or a best friend volunteers. Wouldn’t you rather have them standing next to you than making sure the cake is delivered on time? Planning a wedding is work. Trust a pro!! They already know which venues fit your guest count and budget. Plus they have relationships with all the best vendors. Contracts, liquor licenses, rain plans, seating charts, and payment plans are their areas of genius. When it comes to the BIG day, they’ll be there to make sure everything runs smoothly. And you have only one thing left to do. Focus on the commitment you’re going to make to your partner and celebrate afterward!!
- Creating, Ditching, or Observing Traditions
What traditions are you going to include? Or will you create some of your own? Will you be writing your vows? Throwing the bouquet? Tossing a garter? Burying bourbon? Money Dance? Take a second to do a little research and learn about the origin and symbolism behind each one. Do they reflect who you are?
- May I introduce…
Let the officiant and the planner know exactly how you’d like to be introduced. Will you be known as Carey and Aloysius Smith, Carey McKenzie and Aloysius Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Carey and Aloysius Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Aloysius Smith, or Carey and Aloysius Smith-McKenzie, or something else? Make your wishes known!
- Get Support and Self-Care
This will be one of the most important moments in your life. Filled with excitement, plans for the future, and details to arrange. So, ask for help! Lastly, take care of yourself. Schedule time to relax. Plan date nights (visiting venues or tasting cake is not a date), read a book, get a massage, spend time with family and friends. If you’re calm and well-rested, you’ll be focused, excited, and ready to have fun!
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