7 Wedding Planning Tips for ENGAGED COUPLES.
Photo credit: Sevs Wedding Photography
Congratulations on your engagement! Now that you’re engaged, it’s time to start planning your perfect Wedding Day. Getting engaged is so exciting and is a special time of your life. Now that the initial shock and checking your hand every minute to make sure this is real life has set in, you may start to feel a bit overwhelmed. But don’t worry, we’ve got you and your wedding planning checklist covered! Here’s a few TIPS to help ease the “where the heck do I start” feeling. Sit back, relax and enjoy!
1. Engagement Announcement
Be sure to tell all close family and friends personally or pick up the phone. You don’t want your parents to find out on Facebook! Social Media only after the most important people in your life.
2. Choose your STYLE
Choosing your wedding STYLE/THEME that you both love is the 2nd best thing to decide on! Immerse yourself in beautiful photos of other couple’s big days, with the help of instagram or Pinterest. Don’t copy, rather look for inspo that inspires and excites YOU. Every couple is uniquely special and your wedding day should reflect who you are as a couple.
Talk about your wedding dreams with your partner. What is most important to you both? The experience, the entertainment, the dress, the food, florals, etc., and this will lead you into which theme is best for you!
Photo Credit: Riley White Photography
3. Set your budget
Start by deciding on the investment level you’re both comfortable with and then begin looking into venues and vendors that match your style and budget.
A HUGE element when planning your wedding is how you’re going to pay for everything, so talk about your wedding budget together over your favourite beverage. Nail down a budget before signing contracts with vendors. You will have a better grasp on what is a priority for you and what is simply out of reach.
4. Start your guest list
This is the number one element that will affect almost everything. It will alter the number of tables, chairs, sashes, china sets, centerpieces, favors, etc.
The best way to control your budget is to control your guest list.
5. Professional engagement photos.
Doing this can serve a few purposes:
– To have beautiful photos to add to your wedding invitations.
– A trial run with your photographer before your big day to get to know them better and get comfortable in front of the camera.
– This is also a fantastic time to get a hair & makeup trial!
Photo credit: Ryan Barnes Photography
6. Wedding planner
No, not a wedding planner person—at least not yet. Get an app, a datebook, a calendar or some other kind of keep-organized device to help you create a timeline for major wedding-related tasks. While you’re at it, pick up a wedding-planning binder to keep all those inspirational ideas you found in step 3. Alternatively, if you’re time-poor and tend to be anxious when planning events, you may want to consider having a Wedding Planner or Co-ordinator person. They will help you navigate the process and keep you organised. Most couples are planning their wedding for the first time and there are always a few unexpected elements that crop up closer to the Big Day!
7. Wedding Website
Lastly, set up a wedding website so all the important information is in one place, and don’t forget to make the time to enjoy this special moment with your fiancé. This is a once-in-a-lifetime event purely about you and your fiancé, so take time to relax—get a massage, sleep in when you can. Best of luck with the planning and congratulations again!
With love
Jo xx
Creative Director – JRW Bridal & Couture