It’s the most wonderful time of the year… ’tis the engagement season!
Were you one of the lucky ones who became a fiance during all the festivities with friends and family this year? Congratulations!
They popped the question! You said yes! …now what?! It’s a crazy time of year, and it just got crazier, but don’t worry I’ve got a few tips and tricks that will help you through engagement season and jump start your wedding planning process!
First things first… This is an exciting moment, enjoy it! Stop for a second, sip some champagne, snuggle up with your sweetheart, and take it all in. You don’t have to start planning today, tomorrow, or even any time soon. Time flies and the big day will be here before you know it, so don’t rush things!
Get your priorities straight. What matters most to you, and what matters most to your partner. I recommend that you do this in a few parts – both separate and together. Start working on your top priorities list individually, then come together and compare. Are there things that are at or near the top for both of you? That’s great! Those definitely go on your joint priorities list. Is there anything on one list that isn’t included on the other at all? Is it something that isn’t important, or just something you didn’t even think of? Have some fun with this part of the process! If you’re anything like me (and my love of office supplies and organization) I recommend grabbing Post-It Notes, both of you writing down your wants and wishes for the big day on them, then moving them around as you work on what is most to least important!
I always remind my couples that your wedding day is exactly that: yours. However, for some, there are additional stakeholders whose opinions and input are especially important. If you want to include them in your wedding planning process, you absolutely should, but I wholeheartedly recommend you and your partner establish your mutual priorities list before you bring in any outside perspectives. This list will be your foundation for everything moving forward!
Crunch the numbers. This part isn’t always fun but it is incredibly important. Before you jump into looking at venues and vendors, you need to establish your budget. This may fluctuate as you go through the planning process but you need to start somewhere! A few things to keep in mind: How much money are you able to contribute? What amount is your partner able to put in? Is there anybody else who will be contributing financially (parents, family, etc.)? How much will they be giving? Will you only be using cash funds or will you be putting some expenses on credit cards? (Debating getting or using credit cards for wedding expenses? Be sure to check out this post!)
Once you have your general budget established, it’s time to start planning! Use your priority list as a guide when you are researching and booking vendors. (If you’re not sure where to start your vendor search, I highly recommend attending a bridal show or wedding expo in your area!) Check out this post for some tips and tricks on booking your vendors!
Is stationery a priority for your wedding? Let’s chat! Working with an experienced invitation designer can help you create the perfect design that will impress your guests and reflects your vision for the big day! With custom designs and unlimited revisions, Beach City Creative is here to help bring your ideas to life.
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