You got engaged! Now what?
Part one
If you’re reading this post you may be one of the lucky ones who recently got engaged. Congratulations! Or perhaps you know it’s coming up soon and you’re being proactive (staying ahead of the game, I like it!). Either way, this post will provide all couples with valuable information.
By sticking to these priorities, you stand a chance at actually living in the moment and enjoying every second of your engagement. You hear it from people all the time: “Don’t rush your engagement, enjoy the moment”. Well as a wedding planner I know that’s easier said than done. If you’re newly engaged you know your heart’s racing and your head is spinning (in a good way, of course). In this two part post I will cover the top 10 things you should focus on in the early stages of planning.
Let the VIP’s know you got engaged
I know, it’s an obvious one. But I am not talking about the Facebook and Instagram post you’re going to make. I’m talking about picking up the phone and personally calling your closest family and friends. This is a big moment in your life, they will feel honoured that you took the time to call and personally share the news with them.
Insure your ring… and get a manicure
I know that this is an unromantic topic, however your ring will be one of the most important things you will ever own. To insure your ring you must have it appraised first. Make sure to do your research and find someone who is knowledgeable and credible for the job. The jeweller will provide you with formal documentation of the ring’s value and that’s the information you will need to get the insurance coverage. Generally you can insure your ring through your homeowners or renters insurance, but all policies vary. Call your insurance provider to see what they offer and what’s right for you. Now that the paper work is out of the way, get a manicure and start waving that bling around!
Maverick and Me Photography
Think up a budget
You have to start talking numbers in the early stages of planning to avoid disappointment down the road. Don’t be afraid to involve your parents and see if they plan on chipping in too. Start by discussing your wedding’s “non-negotiable’s”, and research what they cost in your area. It’s fine to say your photography budget is $2000, but then find out the one you “must have and can’t live without” costs $3500+! Sticker shock will happen, but if you go into this process armed with a realistic budget and stick to it, things will be okay. You will survive. I do recommend being proactive and setting aside 5- 10% of your total budget for the unexpected. To help you out, here is a great list of unexpected costs most couples over look.
Get inspired: colours, vendors, styles oh my!
Take some time and get lost in the world of Pinterest. Figure out your style: is it glamorous and chic or rustic and relaxed? A good way to decide on a wedding style is to think of your personal style. Are you casual and laid back or fashion forward and modern? Knowing your wedding style is the ground work for all the decisions to come. Having a style will allow you to define all other elements of your wedding, like choosing a venue, colour schemes and decor. When choosing vendors, ask yourself if the vendor you are choosing fits and understands your style. Once you’ve made your style decision, be consistent and revert back to it.
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]
The Guest List
This is one of my least favourite tasks, but it’s one you need to address from the start. The guest list will not only affect your venue but your overall budget. My biggest piece of advice when choosing the guest list is knowing what you want as a final number. Then you as a couple choose 50% and then each set of parents get to invite 25% . You will see this is the only way to make things fair and avoid family feuds.
Start with these 5 tips and you will be on the right track to planning the perfect wedding. We will be posting our last 5 tips next week, so be sure to check back. Happy planning!
[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
