One of my favorite things about the holidays is watching those engagement posts pop up. Maybe it’s my profession or maybe I’m just a sucker for a love story, but it’s true. I love them. If you just got engaged, congratulations on SUCH an exciting time in your life. Your engagement season is one to be treasured and cherished and your planning journey should be thoroughly enjoyed.
So you got the ring, you celebrated with champagne toasts with friends and family, you’ve taken one thousand ring selfies, and I know you already have a wedding Pinterest board, so WHAT NOW? Well, I’m breaking down what the first few months of planning should look like for you in today’s blog post.
Take a breather
Yep! Decide with your fiance a set time to just soak in this moment. This timeframe will be different for everyone and it’s personal. Use this time to brainstorm ideas of your perfect day, but importantly to enjoy the moment. Wedding planning willseem like a blur at times, so be sure to live in the moment and enjoy some time just you two to celebrate this sweet season of life.
Get your ring insured!
You’ll be wearing your ring for the rest of your life, protect it! Depending on a few factors, ring insurance is relatively inexpensive and super important! My favorite is Perfect Circle from Jewelers Mutual!
Think about what season you want to be married in.
What season do you want your wedding date to be in? Are you dreaming of being surrounded by spring florals, a wild summer night, cozy fall, or a dreamy winter backdrop? This is a great step to really reeling in the direction of your planning path.
Draft your guest list
It has to be done, and you can’t do a lot of planning without knowing who is going to be invited. Don’t forget to include your parents in this conversation as many times there may be people they’d like to see be included. You don’t have to know a precise number so you can relax a bit, but a ball park range is needed. (I.e. 50-75, 75-100, 100-125, 125-150, 150-200)
Establish your budget
Include everyone who will be helping out financially with your big day. Set a realistic budget and it might be helpful to create a budget breakdown. (There are online programs to help with this!) Make it known what you care most about on your day. If it’s splurging on a photographer or a 12 piece band, then it’s important that everyone helping to fund your wedding is informed on where the money will be spent.
Hire a planner
I always say the best time to bring on a planner is the very beginning. Having a planner be involved from the get go is a wonderful thing. You’ll feel more relaxed and more organized as your begin your planning season with a professional on your side. He or she will create a step by step plan for you and assist in guiding you.
Book your venue
My second favorite thing to do after hiring a planner. First things first, what is your ideal type of venue? What location are you thinking? If you have hired a planner, this will be one of your first things to check off. Venues are all different and include an array of amenities. Finding the right fit and a venue that checks all the boxes from location, what it comes with, budget among other things can take time so be patient. There’s nothing better on a nailing down a wedding date to move forward with,
Gather Inspiration
Again, I know you’ve had a Pinterest board for all things weddings for probably years now…which is totally normal by the way! Now that you have your venue, you can start to narrow down inspiration images and get real on your vision. Think big picture for now as depending on how long your engagement will be, there will be time to fine tune details.
Research vendors
Depending on your planning package, your wedding planner will help you with this process. Start looking into vendors (I’ve included a helpful list below!) that will be great additions in helping you build your A team.
Register!
Plan a day date and register! I love when couples do this early on after a few things have been booked, budget set, and guest list has been made. It’s a fun task to do just the two of you that’s no pressure.
Happy Planning!
Coming soon!
Tips on choosing a wedding planner!
Warmly,
Michelle
bonus!
A handy list of important vendors to hire to make your day perfect!
Planner
Venue
Photographer
videographer
catering
Hair and makeup
floral designer
calligrapher
dJ or band
officiant
invitation designer
Cake baker
transportation
ceremony musicians
rentals