Have you ever noticed that engagements come in packs? For example, it only takes one person in your friend group to get engaged, and the next thing you know your other girlfriends, neighbors, cousins, distant relatives, are all comparing rings, dresses and venues at gatherings!
As the song goes, we are rolling into "The most wonderful time of the year!" AKA, Engagement Season! Everyone loves the holidays, and rightfully so! It's an amazing excuse to gather your closest friends and family and celebrate being together. And what better way for your significant other to pop the question than in front of everyone you love.
So grab your Pumpkin Spice Latte, a copy of EA Magazine, and start thinking about how you want your perfect wedding day to be! And whether you know a proposal is just around the corner, or you want to get a jump start on planning for when it does, here are some tips I tell all of my brides when they get engaged to help them start the process of becoming a Mrs!
1. SET A DATE
The #1 thing any couple needs to do BEFORE anything else is set a date. By setting a date you are committing yourself to actually taking the plunge, and you have a better understanding of what you're looking for with the overall wedding feel. Lets say you are wanting the perfect winter wonderland. Well choosing a date in July will probably not be your best bet. Also keep in mind what date will work best for your guests, family, and friends who want either in or attending the wedding. While July might not be a good date New Year's Eve may not be either. Yes it's perfect for that winter feel, but a lot guests may have prior plans. Look at all your possible dates and pick the best one that fits you!
2. SET A BUDGET
Before you start thinking about venues, catering, dresses, or anything else of value in your wedding, set a REALISTIC budget. Talk openly with your parents and family members who will be giving you money toward the big day about how much they will be able to help with. Or if you're paying for the wedding yourselves, open a line of communication with your fiancé about how much you will actually be able to afford. By defining a budget you are setting a realistic foundation for what your wedding day will be. It will allow you to look at venues and dresses that are within your budget. The worst feeling in the world is trying on a dress you fall in love with only to find out its $10,000 and double your whole budget for the wedding! And one you define this realistic budget, STICK TO IT! Do not deviate. And remember, you can have your perfect dream wedding no matter what budget you have.
3. HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER
Yeah, yeah, yeah. We have all seen this at least a million times in our lives. Or our friends have talked about the ones they hired for their wedding. Or you know your own personal planner friend who is jumping up and down at the thought of planning your bridal shower! But on a serious note, hire a wedding planner. Wedding planners specialize in keeping couples on a budget, dealing with sticky situations, being organized, and above all, getting things done. Even if you feel you're the most organized and independent person there is, you can never go wrong with hiring a planner. Not only will they have amazing ideas to make your day that much more special, but they have access to an incredible thing called a vendor list. This coveted list is something planners spend years working on and it is filled with the best of the best in the wedding industry! So you know your wedding will be in amazing hands. Plus it takes all the stress off your and your fiancé so you can really enjoyed being engaged. After all, that's what it's all about!
So Happy Planning my beautiful couples! And enjoy this time of year where everyday is an excuse to stop by Starbucks!
Love,
AMH
