Congratulations! You’re engaged, and the whirlwind of wedding planning awaits you. This time in your life is undoubtedly filled with excitement, joy, and maybe a touch of overwhelm as you embark on this new chapter. To help you navigate the journey ahead with grace and ease, here’s where you should begin.
Celebrate the Moment:
Take a moment to soak in the joy of your engagement. Whether it’s an intimate dinner with your partner or a celebratory gathering with loved ones, cherish this special time. Reflect on your journey together and the beautiful commitment you’re about to make. Allow yourself to bask in the glow of love and excitement before diving into the details of wedding planning.
Communicate to Family First:
Before announcing your engagement on social media, ensure that your family and closest loved ones are the first to know. This thoughtful gesture will make them feel valued and appreciated, setting a tone of intimacy and inclusivity from the start of your wedding journey.
Insure Your Ring:
Prioritize protecting the symbol of your love by insuring your engagement ring. Accidents happen, and having insurance will provide you with peace of mind knowing that your precious ring is safeguarded against unforeseen circumstances.
Throw an Engagement Party:
Celebrate this milestone with an engagement party, whether it’s an intimate gathering with close friends or a larger celebration with extended family. It’s an excellent opportunity to share the excitement of your engagement and kick off the wedding festivities in style.
Start Discussing a Time Frame and Define Your Vision:
You will be asked over and over, “When’s the wedding?” Give yourself enough time to plan the details and not stress over limited time to make decisions. Before diving into the endless sea of wedding inspiration, take some time to define your vision for the big day. Sit down with your partner and discuss your priorities, preferences, and overall vision for the wedding. Consider factors such as budget, style, location, and guest count. Having a clear vision from the outset will streamline the planning process and ensure that your wedding reflects your unique personalities and values. Do you want an outdoor wedding, a destination wedding, something small and intimate? What’s your style – casual or formal? Do you want to dance the night away with a big band in a grand ballroom. Bear in mind, you might each have different ideas. Wedding planning is a good time for couples to really see how well they work together. If your ideas are different – can you agree on something both of you will love?
Set a Realistic Budget:
Establishing a realistic budget is crucial early on in the planning process. Sit down with your partner and any relevant family members to determine a budget that aligns with your financial situation. Be transparent about your priorities and non-negotiables, whether it’s a stunning venue, a gourmet menu, or a dreamy honeymoon. Remember to factor in all expenses, including venue, catering, attire, photography, and miscellaneous costs. Effective communication is key when planning a wedding, especially when navigating different opinions and expectations. Be open and honest with your partner about your desires and concerns, and encourage them to do the same. Download our FREE Wedding Planning E-Book for more information.
Connect with Wedding Professionals and Delegate Responsibilities:
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, so don’t hesitate to delegate tasks to trusted friends and family members. Whether it’s scouting venues, researching vendors, or addressing invitations, enlist the help of your inner circle to lighten the load. Consider creating a wedding planning checklist and assigning specific tasks to different individuals to ensure that everything gets done efficiently. Our web site can be a great resource in connecting with professional top vendors and venues. Brose through a curated list of vendors, who we know are the most trusted and reliable in their field, in over 26 categories of services and products. From wedding gowns to photographers, we’ve got you covered. And, finding a venue is super easy – we have listed over 300 venues BY AREA in the St. Louis and Southern Illinois regions. Your venue should be selected first, as it sets the date and tone of the entire wedding. From there create a schedule of activities leading up to your wedding date, spreading out tasks in manageable segments. Communicate openly with wedding vendors to ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards a shared vision. Keep photos on your smart phone – dresses you like, flowers, and any other details that inspire you.
Enjoy the Journey:
Remember to enjoy the journey leading up to your big day. Wedding planning can be chaotic at times, but it’s also a beautiful opportunity to bond with your partner and create lasting memories together. Embrace the ups and downs, laugh off the inevitable hiccups, and savor every moment of this special time in your lives. A great rite of passage for any engaged bride is to attend our BRIDAL SHOWS. Bring along your partner and wedding partner. Have fun, be inspired, connect face-to-face with our top professional vendors, win prizes, experience a runway fashion show, and so much. more.
Prioritize Self-Care:
Amidst the hustle and bustle of wedding planning, don’t forget to prioritize self-care. Take breaks when needed, indulge in activities that bring you joy, and carve out time for relaxation. Whether it’s a yoga class, a spa day, or simply curling up with a good book, make self-care a priority to alleviate stress and maintain a sense of balance throughout the planning process.
In conclusion, being newly engaged is an incredibly exciting time filled with love, anticipation, and endless possibilities. By following these tips and embracing the journey ahead with an open heart and a clear vision, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the wedding planning process with grace and ease. Download our FREE Wedding Planning E-Book for comprehensive insights and additional tips to aid you in planning the wedding of your dreams.
Cheers to love, laughter, and happily ever after!
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