We are entering engagement season! Getting engaged is one of the most exciting moments in your love story. But after the initial excitement, what comes next? If you recently got engaged, what should be on your to-do list? And what are some commonly overlooked steps you should take as soon as you are engaged?
Celebrate and Share the Good News
1: Announce the News
One of the most exciting parts of getting engaged is sharing the good news with your loved ones! Many couples enjoy announcing their engagement on social media after telling your closest friends and family in person. Looking for a creative way to make your engagement announcement? If you didn’t have a professional photographer at the proposal, consider scheduling an engagement photoshoot to show off your new ring and share the photos in an announcement post! You could also create a video montage of your love story, ending with the engagement. Or if you want to take a more subtle, mysterious approach, post a close-up of the ring or even a photo of you wearing it hidden in plain sight!
Common First Steps
After you tell your friends and family the big news, there is still plenty to do! What are some common first steps you might take as you plan your wedding day?
2: Choose a Wedding Date
Nothing says “It’s official!” like setting your wedding date. After getting engaged, you and your fiance will likely discuss how soon you’d like to get married, what time of year, and whether there are any important events you need to work around. Choosing a date takes time, so it is a good idea to start throwing ideas out there as soon as you are engaged.
3: Gather Inspiration
It is also exciting to start gathering ideas and inspiration for the theme of your wedding day. Whether you browse Pinterest, Instagram, or somewhere else, you’ll be inspired by color schemes, decorations, and attire for your bridal party.
4: Create a Vendor Dream Team
Before you get engaged, you may have an idea of certain wedding vendors you would like to work with. Start compiling a list of potential vendors, such as photographers, florists, and caterers. This is the fun part, as you begin to visualize your big day!
Commonly Overlooked (But Important!) Steps
There are a few things that are very important, but are commonly overlooked when it comes to wedding planning! Don’t forget to:
5: Attend Bridal Expos
Check for upcoming bridal expos and fairs in your area. Bridal expos are an excellent way to meet lots of vendors and service providers at the same time. It can help you narrow down your search for vendors. If you are in Wichita, be sure to check out the biannual Wichita Bridal Expo!
6: Consult Friends & Family
Have any friends or family members been married recently? Since the wedding scene changes so fast, chatting with those who have planned a wedding recently can be very helpful. Their firsthand experience can provide valuable insight, especially when it comes to vendor recommendations and pricing expectations.
7: Set Your Budget
Setting a budget early is crucial. You will start spending money on your wedding as soon as you start planning. If you don’t have a clear budget early on, you might accidentally overspend in an area that is not actually a priority.
8: Choose Your Photographer
Booking your photographer should be one of your top priorities. Once you have set your wedding date, you’ll want to lock in your dream photographer right away! This gives you time to schedule an engagement session with them. You’ll be able to use your engagement photos on wedding Save-the-Dates if you plan ahead! Want to learn more about the benefits of having an engagement session with your wedding photographer? Check out this post about feeling as comfortable as possible with your wedding photographer!
How Far in Advance Should We Book Wedding Vendors?
How far in advance do you need to book your wedding vendors to ensure you can have your dream vendor team on your wedding day? It depends on the local market and popularity of specific vendors, but here are some general guidelines:
- Venues: Book your venue 12-18 months in advance if possible, especially for popular dates or destinations!
- Photographers & Videographers: The best photographers and videographers get booked quickly! Secure your photographer or videographer at least 12 months before your wedding day.
- Caterers: Caterers also book up quickly for popular dates, so plan to book your caterer 9-12 months in advance.
- Florists: Reserve your florist 6-9 months out, especially if you have a specific florist in mind.
- Other Vendors: Hair and makeup artists, DJs, and cake bakers can be booked 6-9 months before the wedding.
During peak wedding season, vendors book up much quicker than during the off-season. Keep this in mind as you plan. Lock in your date as soon as possible by signing vendor contracts in a timely manner. This ensures that your favorite vendors are secured for your big day.
Tips for Stress-Free Wedding Planning
While getting engaged is one of the most exciting moments in life, planning a wedding can lead to overwhelm fast. Break down your tasks into manageable steps. Keep communication open with your partner and your wedding vendors. Set aside self-care days so you can relax and recharge during the planning process. And be as flexible as possible. Remember that the main goal is to get married—everything else is just a bonus! Prioritize what makes you and your fiance happiest on your special day.
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