You’re Engaged, Now What?
After the excitement of getting engaged settles in, it’s time to start planning your dream wedding! Here’s what you can do next:
1. Celebrate with your loved ones:
Take some time to bask in the joy of your engagement and celebrate with your family and friends. Share the news with those closest to you and relish in the happiness together.
2. Choose a wedding date:
Discuss potential wedding dates with your partner and consider venue availability. It’s helpful to have a couple of options in case your preferred date is booked at your desired venue.
3. Talk about the budget:
Have an open and honest conversation about your wedding budget and decide who will be contributing financially. Understanding your budget early on will help guide your wedding planning decisions.
4. Be inspired:
Follow wedding inspiration accounts on Instagram to get ideas for local vendors, décor, and more. Seeing real weddings and styled shoots can spark creativity and help you envision your own special day.
5. Start pinning:
Create a Pinterest board to gather inspiration for your wedding. Pin ideas for décor, flowers, dresses, and more. Share your board with close friends and family members who will be involved in the planning process.
6. Choose the style/theme/color palette:
Decide on the overall style, theme, and color palette for your wedding. Whether it’s rustic chic, modern elegance, or bohemian romance, selecting a cohesive theme will guide your planning decisions moving forward.
7. Pick your wedding party:
Choose who will stand by your side as bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other members of the wedding party. Ask them to be a part of your special day in a thoughtful and meaningful way.
8. Schedule engagement photos:
Arrange a photo shoot with a professional photographer to capture your love and excitement during this special time. Engagement photos are a wonderful way to announce your engagement and document this chapter of your lives.
9. Start compiling the guest list:
Begin creating a list of family members, friends, and other loved ones you’d like to invite to your wedding. Keep in mind your budget and venue capacity as you finalize your guest list.
10. Research venues and vendors:
Explore potential ceremony and reception venues that align with your vision and budget. Begin researching vendors such as wedding planners, caterers, musicians, photographers, and videographers to find the perfect fit for your big day.
11. Research wedding dress styles:
Start researching wedding dress styles and plan a shopping trip to find the gown of your dreams. Consider booking appointments at bridal boutiques and trying on different silhouettes to see what suits you best.
With these initial steps, you’ll be well on your way to planning the wedding of your dreams! Take your time, enjoy the process, and savor every moment as you prepare to say “I do.”
