Congratulations!!! Your boyfriend just proposed, and you said “YES!” and can’t stop smiling. The period right after you get engaged sets the tone for your entire wedding planning experience, and taking the right steps early can save you stress, money, and confusion down the road.
Here are a few important steps to take after you get engaged.
You’re so in love and can’t stop looking at that brand-new bling.
1. Take time to soak it in
This is a very exciting and emotional time, and it is okay to sit back and soak in the moment or jump straight into sharing the news with family and friends. This is one of the most beautiful seasons of your relationship, and it goes by faster than you think. Don’t rush through it.
2. Have the important conversation(s)
Before you book a vendor or wedding planner, sit down with your partner and align on the big picture. These conversations are essential and often overlooked in the rush to start planning.
Pen down the most important things that are vital to you for the wedding. The popular topics are budget, wedding style/venue, food, guest list, etc.
3. Fix a tentative wedding timeline
You don’t need to fix a date immediately, but having a general timeline will guide your decisions before you start reaching out to venues and vendors. The most popular vendors book 12–18 months in advance, so the earlier you have a rough timeline, the better.
Whether you’re thinking of a short engagement or a longer one, clarity here helps you plan realistically.
4. Set a budget
Having a budget is the most important thing to consider in planning your wedding. You can’t make any decisions until you know approximately how much money you are working with, the type of vendors you want to work with, what goes into what, and the like. If you plan on using a wedding planner, now’s a great time to start searching for one.
5. Draft your guest list
Your guest list will influence almost every aspect of your wedding, from venue size to catering costs and invitation quantities. Start with a rough list and refine it over time. It’s okay if it changes, but having a starting point is essential.
6. Reserve your venue
You don’t have a fixed wedding date until your venue is reserved. Your vendors are more likely to want to know your wedding date before you book them; as such, booking your venue should be at the top of your priority list. The best venues and vendors get booked quickly, especially during peak seasons. Begin your research early so you can compare options, check availability, and make informed decisions when you’re ready to book.
7. Marriage requirements
If you’re having a religious and/or civil ceremony, it’s important to find out the requirements, e.g., pre-marital counseling, affidavits, church policies, etc. This list can be easily forgotten, so the quicker you know the requirement, the more time you have to get everything in place. Some churches require as much as 6 months’ notice before joining, so get all the information you need as early as possible.
8. Delegate
A wedding planner can be one of the best investments you make, or you may decide to go the DIY route. Either way, this decision should be made early because it determines how you structure the rest of your planning process.
You will have decisions to make, and it is very easy to get overwhelmed, but always delegate. You know your family and friends best; there will unarguably be people who have skills that can really take loads of work off you. Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks.
It may appear consuming and daunting; just remember to take deep breaths and take everything one step at a time. Attempting to focus on too many aspects of the planning process at once makes planning a wedding overwhelming. Relax, you will get through it.