Engaged has a nice ring to it (literally!)…
Photographer: The Kensington Photographer
You've got engaged, now what… Getting engaged is such an exciting and overwhelming moment, whether it was a complete surprise, or your fiance's instinct had already kicked in and you had a ‘feeling'; or it was a total surprise. The biggest piece of advice I have is to just take a moment before doing anything! After the exciting of saying yes, there are a few key things to think about:
Pop open the champagne and celebrate
Before diving into any planning, take some time to celebrate the moment with your family and friends, do something special to mark the occasion, whether that be a trip to your favorite coffee shop to share the news with your loved ones or hosting an engagement party to commemorate the occasion. Every couple is different and the way we celebrate ourselves and love comes in so many different forms to different people - do what feels right for you both.
It’s all about the money…
Setting a budget is one of the more boring, practical sides of wedding planning but arguably the most important. Talk with your partner about how much you can realistically spend, you may already have a savings pot ready to go or you may need a year or 5 to save up! Being realistic with how much you can spend early on will guide your choices when it comes to venues, the date, vendors and other wedding elements.
More ‘I do’ and less ‘to do’s’
Enlist some help early on so you can spend more time focusing on the things you love and less on the never ending to-do lists. We highly recommend speaking with a wedding planner early on, even if you are unsure as to whether you need one? Perhaps a wedding coordinator would suit you better? We are experts in the industry and always here to help! Unsure where to start? All our packages come with a free consultation and if you want a bit more why not book our 1:1 power hour at the beginning of the process to start the planning. Get in touch!
Countdown & Coordinates
Start thinking about when and where you want to get married. Think big! What's the dream? Once you have a few main ideas down you can then narrow down your options and start contacting suppliers to check availability and affordability.
Build your guest list
This is one of the first major decisions you'll need to make. This will help you determine the size of the venue, catering and even the budget. Create a preliminary list and then you can work from there!
The ‘I do Crew’
Decide who you want to stand by your side on your big day. Think about bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls and any other important people in your life that could fill important roles - you don't necessarily have to ask them right away especially if you're planning a few years ahead! Think about those who have supported you both and whom you’d love to have with you as you marry.
Hire Key Vendors
Now that you have a date in mind and a better idea of your budget you can start booking vendors such as your photographer, caterer, florist and any entertainment. Some vendors book up months in advance (years in some cases!), especially if you are looking for something more bespoke so it is a good idea to start reaching out early to secure your preferred options.
Love every minute
The whole process can become overwhelming, so it's important to take breaks and enjoy the journey. Don't be afraid to ask for help, lean on your loved ones, enlist your ‘I Do Crew’ for any jobs - but most importantly savor the moments with your partner as you plan for your future together.
These tips will help you feel more organized and less stressed (hopefully!!) as you start the exciting journey towards your big day. Get in touch with us today so we can hear more about your exciting plans - we absolutely love weddings!!
Happy planning! X