What to do After You Are Engaged!
Congratulations, You're Engaged... Now What?
First of all, a heartfelt congratulations on your engagement! This marks the beginning of one of the most exciting chapters in your life. While the journey ahead may feel overwhelming at first, fear not! I am here to guide you through the next steps to make your wedding planning process a smooth and joyful experience.
1. Celebrate Your Love:
Take a moment to revel in the joy and excitement of your engagement! Share the news with your loved ones, gather them together, and celebrate this special occasion. It's a wonderful opportunity to express your gratitude and share your happiness with the people who matter most to you.
2. Choose between a wedding, elopement, or a hybrid:
Deciding between an elopement and a traditional wedding can be a deeply personal choice that couples face. On one hand, an elopement offers an intimate and private experience, allowing the couple to exchange vows in a secluded location, free from the pressures and expectations of a larger event. It amplifies the romance and focuses solely on the couple's love and commitment to each other.
However, a wedding brings together family and friends, celebrating the couple's union with joy and festivity. It allows for the creation of cherished memories and offers a platform for loved ones to witness and partake in the couple's happiness.
Another options most couples are choosing now are hybrid elopement and weddings. This is where the couple has a private and intimate day while ending the day with spending time with their close friends and family, usually in the form of a private dinner. Ultimately, the decision between an elopement and a wedding rests on the couple's desires, priorities, and the kind of experience they envision for their special day.
3. Set a Budget:
Once you have decided on what type of day you want to have, before diving into the nitty-gritty of planning, it's essential to establish a budget. Sit down with your partner, discuss your financial goals and expectations, and allocate a realistic amount for each aspect of your wedding. Remember, setting a budget will help you make informed decisions and prevent unnecessary stress later on.
4. Choose a Wedding Date:
Selecting a wedding date is an important milestone. Consider important factors such as weather, season, meaningful anniversaries, and in some cases your vendors. Once you've settled on a date, it's time to start coordinating your plans accordingly.
5. Create Your Wedding Vision:
You and your fiancé have already decided between a wedding, elopement or a hybrid of the two, now its time to take some time as a couple to envision your dream day. Discuss your preferred style, theme, and overall atmosphere. Are you drawn to an intimate beach ceremony, a grand ballroom celebration, or a rustic outdoor affair? Defining your vision will assist in curating a cohesive and personalized wedding experience.
6. Hire Vendors:
Securing professional vendors is a crucial step in transforming your vision into reality. Start by booking a reputable wedding/elopement photographer, like myself, to capture every cherished moment of your special day. Research and select vendors who align with your style and budget, including a wedding planner (if desired), caterer, florist, and entertainment. Planning an elopement vs. a wedding will entail a different bunch of vendors. You can always ask your photographer which vendors they would recommend depending on style of wedding.
7. Venue Selection:
Find the perfect setting to host your wedding festivities. Whether you desire a romantic vineyard, a mountain top with incredible views, or an elegant banquet hall, explore different venues that match your aesthetic and can accommodate your guest count (if any). Be sure to tour potential locations, negotiate contracts, and secure your date.
8. Assemble Your Dream Team:
Surround yourself with a supportive team comprising friends and family who will help bring your wedding vision to life. Delegate tasks, assign responsibilities, and lean on them for support during the planning process. Together, you can create a memorable celebration that reflects your unique love story.
9. Create a Wedding Website:
Build a wedding website to centralize all important information for your guests. Include details such as the date, venue, accommodations, and registry. This digital platform serves as a one-stop-shop for your guests to access essential details, share best wishes, and RSVP.
10. Plan and Send Save-the-Dates:
Once your date, venue, and other details are confirmed, it's time to send out save-the-date cards or email notifications. These announcements will allow your loved ones to mark their calendars and make the necessary arrangements to be a part of your special day.
Enjoy the Journey
While planning a wedding can be stressful at times, remember to savor every moment. Embrace the journey with your partner, celebrate the milestones, and cherish the excitement that comes with this significant phase in your life. Keep in mind that at the end of the day, what truly matters is the love and commitment you share.
I hope these initial steps help you navigate the wedding planning process with ease. Remember, should you require any assistance or have any photography-related questions, do not hesitate to reach out to me. I am honored to be a part of your love story and look forward to capturing your precious memories on your big day!
Are you recently engaged and ready to talk about photography? Send me a message here!
