5 Things To Do If You Just Got Engaged! A Guide to Enjoying Your Engagement

Congratulations! You just got engaged and are ready to embark on the journey of planning your special day! But while wedding planning can be quite exciting, it can also be overwhelming. Don’t worry, we’re here to help. This article provides a guide to enjoying your engagement with 5 things to do if you just got engaged. These quick tips will ensure you make the most out of this amazing phase in your life!

Step 1: Set a Budget

Setting a budget isn’t just about assigning numbers – it’s about prioritizing elements that are important to both you and your future spouse. Elements such as videography, photography, venues and catering will be impacted by what you decide to budget.

You don’t have to nail down every cent that goes into your wedding budget; however, having a solid idea of what you want to spend on each aspect will help you stay on track when planning for one of the most important days of your life. It may seem like a lot of work initially, but trust us—it’ll save you from major stress down the line! Start by setting up an overall budget first, and then dive into each section slowly.

Step 2: Choose a Wedding Date/Dates

Once you’ve established your budget, the next step is to choose your wedding date. This may seem like an easy task, but picking an appropriate date can be tricky. You’ll want to consider factors such as guest availability, venue availability, weather patterns and coordination with other events. We recommend choosing a couple of date options, so you have some flexibility based on venue and bridal party availability.

Elizabeth and I had originally planned our wedding for April 25th, 2020. Little did we know that Covid would completely throw a wrench into our beautifully laid plans! We had to reschedule our wedding to June 2020, but even landing on that date took flexibility with our bridal party and our venue. Hopefully you don’t have to deal with a situation like Covid, but having a couple of dates in mind can make things a little less stressful.

Step 3: Start Your Guest List

Now we’re chugging along! The next step is to come up with a rough idea of your guest list. This is where things can quickly get out of hand if you don’t use some moderation. Sometimes couples feel like they need to invite everyone that they’ve ever known to their wedding. We highly suggest against taking this route.

When you’re deciding on your guest list, we highly recommend inviting people that are truly close to you and people that you genuinely have a connection with. Don’t feel pressured to invite family members just because they’re family! For example, if you have cousins you haven’t seen in a decade, don’t feel like you need to invite them just because they’re family. Having moderation in who you invite will help you not only stay within your budget, but also make the day a lot more enjoyable!

Step 4: Wedding Venue Search

With your guest list and budget in mind, it’s now time to find your wedding venue! Finding a venue that suits both your guest list and budget can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! To ensure you find the perfect place for your special day, start by doing some research online. Look at photos from other weddings held at venues you like, and read reviews from real couples who have been married there recently.

You should also contact venues directly and ask them to schedule a tour, so you can get an up close view of the space. Online pictures are a great place to start, but nothing can take the place of seeing the venue in person. As you walk through the venue, be sure to envision how your wedding day ideas can come to life in that space.

Step 5: Book Vendors

The last step is to start booking vendors. Once you have your date and venue selected, it’s time to find the vendors that you want to use for your wedding! From photographers and videographers who capture the moments, to caterers who will provide delicious food, there are several important roles that need to be filled. The key is knowing what type of services you’re looking for and narrowing down the list until you find just the right fit.

As you search for these vendors, you want to make sure that you find vendors who not only fit your budget, but also fit the atmosphere you want to create! Meeting your vendor in person, whether at a show or a quick sit down, can be very helpful in your search. A website can’t show how that person communicates, interacts, or the type of presence and energy they bring to the table. Be sure you’re choosing vendors that will complement your big day, not detract from it.

Start Planning!

Now that you have the key points to focus on, it’s time to start planning your wedding day. Set your budget, pick some dates, start your guest list and find your ideal venue and vendors. As you juggle all this, don’t forget to enjoy the process! You just got engaged! Take in the moments and have fun and creating your special day.