“When is the date?” “Where is the venue?” “Who are your vendors?” “What does your dress look like?” Ah, I can almost hear them now- the millions of questions that get thrown your way the moment you have some new bling on that ring finger!
When Justin and I got engaged, I remember feeling really overwhelmed with all of the choices to make and decisions to think over… and it didn’t help to get asked about it immediately upon our engagement (Like, same day!). I don’t know about you, but when I’m overwhelmed, I just want to close the book on the task at hand because I’m not sure where to start! If this is you- you’ve come to the right place. I promise after reading this blog with tips on the three first things to do post-engagement, you’ll walk away EXCITED to start wedding planning- not feeling overwhelmed!
Though I know quite a bit about weddings myself, I couldn’t think of anyone who could give better advice than the ever-important wedding planner, so I asked three of my favorites to share their tips- keep on readin’!
1) Pick a date
According to Nicole from NK productions, “ After you get engaged, one of the big steps is choosing a date for your wedding (and picking a backup, too!) The date you choose can hold special significance to you and your fiancé, or you may want to consider the weather, especially in Florida. 2021 and 2022 are gearing up to be especially busy years, so confirming your date/venue is going to be key! Having a planner from the beginning will help you with the dates and venues pros and cons so you are able to make an educated decision from the start.”
2) Choose some general ideas like location
On that same note Ashley from Love Lee Lane tells us: “Have a conversation right away with your partner about ideal time of year, possible date, and general location you would like to have your wedding. The details can always change as you encounter the planning process, but it is a great staring point to have decided some of the basics together.
Hiring a wedding planner shortly after engagement can give a couple valuable insight to venue locations, vendor suggestions, and general overall knowledge about where to begin in the planning process. “
I can’t tell you how true this is- once you have a general season and location in mind, the planner should be next on your list- they’re worth their weight in gold!
3) Set a budget
The third tip, and one of equal importance is told to us by Lindsay Jimison from Burlap to Lace: “The biggest most important first step to do for your wedding planning after you say “yes” is deciding on a price range! I can’t tell you how many brides call me and have no idea of a budget for their big day. You can’t buy a car without a price range and you certainly can’t plan a wedding without one either. When working on your budget, take a look at websites like Zola or Wedding Wire for budget planners. Also make sure to have an idea of guest count along with your budget since they affect each other. Happy planning!”
There you have it- pick a general season and location, then pick a date, set your price range, and finally (and most importantly, in our opinion) hire a planner!!! You’ll thank yourself later and actually enjoy your engagement, rather than starting it off feeling overwhelmed!
For more planning inspiration and ideas and advice, give us a follow on instagram (@justindemutiis) or keep perusing the blog- a personal fave of mine for the wedding planning groom can be found here.
