Engaged!! Now What?

Getting engaged is one of the most exciting times for a couple! Most girls have dreamed of this day and have imagined their dream wedding since they were little and now it's time for that dream to become a reality. After calling all your closet family and friends, do what every girl does and go buy a bridal magazine (or three, or five…!) and spend time ooh-ing and ah-ing at all the beautiful dream weddings. And before you let any real planning begin, just enjoy being engaged! You have plenty of time to plan (unless you are planning a wedding in say a few months...). Once you have had time to take in all the excitement it is time tackle the first, and hardest, tasks of wedding planning.

Set a Budget: This can be the most difficult task of all! But it must be done first! This should involve determining who is contributing, how much they can contribute, and ultimately determines your overall budget. Once this is set you can move on with the rest of your wedding planning. 

Select a Date or Three: First think of a time of year, keeping in mind the weather. Take into account your work schedules, other family events/holidays, and your hobbies. For example, if your future husband is a huge sports fan or hunter then game days or opening day should probably not be on your top list. Once you have thought about all these things pick your #1 date, then pick a second and third. If you get lucky your desired venue will have your #1 date, but lets face it chances are slim they will have the date available - most places book up to year or year and a half in advance.

Make a Guest List: You and your fiancé should write down all the guests each of you wants at your wedding. Make sure to double check with your parents that you didn't forget anyone (they will always have certain people they want invited), then add them all up. Creating a rough outline of the guests you want to potentially include at your wedding will help you determine what type of venue you can choose based on price and venue size. And remember, this list is not permanent!

Select a Venue: Your venue sets the scene for the rest of the planning to come. You already have a solid foundation to start researching venues (budget, date, and size). Once you have selected your top 3 to 5 choices, set up a tour of the venues - then run the numbers and see if it really fits your budget and if you can envision your dream wedding there. After that, it's time to book your venue. Send in your deposit to secure your date and you will be saying "I Do" in no time (YAY!)!

Oh and don't forget to get your ring sized and insured! You definitely don't want anything happening to it!

For help with your stationery timeline or any other questions - let me know, I would love to help!