Tis the season for my Facebook feed to be filled with proposals and all the pictures of painted nails with bling sitting on that fourth finger. Status’s are being changed from “dating” to “engaged,” and there’s nothing else I love more than seeing that in my feed.
Once all of the celebrating and toasts and celebratory drinks are all over though, I notice a common feeling amongst the ladies getting recently engaged, and that’s the feeling of being overwhelmed or stressed out, and not knowing even where to begin with planning what is sure to be one of the happiest days of your life.
Well ladies, lucky for you I have five sisters, a mom who’s a wedding planner, and have worked with MANY brides, so I’m here to help you out and give you ten of the best first steps to take in this exciting wedding planning process.
1. Find Your Date
This should be first thing on your list, ladies!! Think about what season of the year you envision your wedding being in and when is best with your schedules, and those two things should help you come up with the perfect date. The sooner you get that date locked in your calendar, the sooner the planning can begin! (insert heart-eye emojis)
2. Get Insurance
Ladies, I think I would actually die if I just received a ring from the love of my life, and something happened to it. Wouldn’t that be AWFUL?! Protect.that.bling. and first thing is first and get insurance on it. Safe > sorry
3. Get Your Ring Sized
You want to show those stones off to EVERYONE, but also you want it to fit on your finger, so if that ring of yours doesn’t already fit, get that ring sized!!
4. Set A Budget
This is definitely not a fun task to take on, but something that absolutely needs to be one of the first things you do. Whether it’s you and your fiancé determining how much you can spend, or a conversation you’re having with your parents, put this HIGH on your priorities list. This will determine how much you can spend on practically your entire day, so before you begin anything, have this discussion.
5. Determine A Wedding Size
Have the discussion with your fiancé on how many guests you would like to have. It’s good to have a number in mind BEFORE booking a venue and setting up your guest list, because your wedding size is a major factor in what venue you end up going with.
6. Book Your Venue
THIS IS IMPORTANT. Ladies, venues book up, and they book up FAST. We’re talking, a year out they’re typically all booked up. So this should be the first thing you book to ensure you are able to have the venue of your dreams.
7. Book Your Photographer
Okay, I may be biased, but THIS, is so so important, friends! We photographers book up just as quickly as the venues and have very limited availability, so just like booking your venue, book your photographer so you are sure to have the photographer of your dreams.
8. Create Your Guest List
Making the guest list has to be one of the most stressful, difficult parts to planning your wedding. There may be tears involved as sometimes individuals need to be cut, because budgets are real and so are pricey venues. Think about who means the most to you and those who will surround you with nothing but love and support on your big day, and stick to those individuals for your guest list.
9. Determine Wedding Party
Who will stand by your side on your big day is something that typically gets put off, but to me it’s vital to begin asking your people, to ensure they have your special date on their calendars, and to give them enough time to save up for all of the expenses that come with being involved in the bridal party.
10. Book Other Major Vendors
Not only is booking your photographer important, but there are also many other vendors to get booked for your special day. Your videographer, your DJ, your florist, your stylist, etc. They all book up quickly too, so making sure you have your date on their calendars, will give such peace of mind.
Feeling overwhelmed yet, ladies? Don’t be! I know this seems like a lot to get started on, but take it one step at a time. That’s why I made you a list. Honestly, for vendors, it’s best to just set an hour or two aside and just send out emails. Send emails to multiple vendors and ask about dates they have available, pricing, and research who you dream of having as a part of your big day.
And once you have these ten things checked off of your to-do list, I guarantee you will feel so much relief knowing you are on your way to having that perfect wedding of your dreams.
xoxo
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