5 Things to Do First When You Get Engaged
Yay! You're engaged! I bet your mind is already becoming overwhelmed with thoughts of what to do next, am I right? Here are the first thing things we recommend doing after getting engaged.
1. Don't Do Anything
You may feel like immediately pulling up your wedding inspiration Pinterest board to start planning, but please stop and enjoy the moment! Take some time, maybe a couple of weeks, to spend with your fiancé doing things NOT related to wedding planning.
2. Set a Budget
Nobody likes to talk about money, but you need to agree on a budget before you can actually start planning. Are you going to pay for everything yourselves? Do you have parents or family helping to cover some of the costs? A lot of things can influence your budget: venue, guest list, bridal party size, how long you're engaged, vendors you choose, location, etc.
3. Create Your Guest List
Start by creating a list of everyone you can think of that you would want at your wedding. Then you'll most likely need to narrow down that list because of budget restrictions or your venue capacity. Start with the people you want there most, then include extended family, friends, and anyone else you may want to celebrate with. Don't include people you haven't spoken to in years, coworkers you barely know, or family that you really don't get along with if you're trying to keep your guest list small.
4. Pick a Venue
What's more important to you: your dream venue or your guest list? Start with this question in mind. Do you want the venue of your dreams or do you want to invite everyone? Maybe you can have both (fingers crossed)! Here are some important questions to ask venues before booking with them:
Are you available on my date?
How much does it cost?
How many people can you accommodate?
When can I set up and take down?
What restrictions do you have?
Do I have to use your preferred vendors?
Can we bring our own alcohol?
What's your refund policy?
5. Book Vendors with Limited Availability First
Vendors like your photographer, DJ/Band, videographer, and caterer tend to book out pretty fast for weddings, sometimes years in advance. These are the first vendors you want to line up, especially if you already have a particular vendor in mind!
These are the first five things we recommend prioritizing after you get engaged 💍 Remember to enjoy this time in your life! It will go by so quickly and be over before you know it.
Are you recently engaged? Tell us your engagement story in the comments!