5 Things to Do Now That You're Engaged
It finally happened!?!?! You’re engaged. Congratulations!!!
Honey, you’re a fiancé now, shout it to the rooftops.
So, what next?
Well, first things first, don’t feel rushed. Unless you’re planning to have your wedding in 3-6 months, there is plenty of time to get what you need to be done for your upcoming nuptials. Planning a wedding can be a time-consuming process that doesn’t have to start when you say, “yes.” But, when it comes down to the steps you need to take to plan your wedding, things can sometimes get confusing.
Well, Nine One Four Photography + Film is here to help you out!
I won’t even include this one on the list per se because it’s a no-brainer, but…
1, but not 1. Tell your loved ones!!
Whether you’re a couple who wants to tell everyone as soon as possible or a private couple who would instead take your time, it’s still important to make sure that every one significant to both you and your partner knows that you’re recently engaged. Don’t let social media be your first and only announcement as a courtesy; take the time out to reach out to immediate family, then post, post away! That will help avoid hurt feelings, and your loved ones will appreciate the chance to congratulate you and your partner intimately.
Okay, now that we have gotten that out the way. In no particular order.
1. Take the Time to Enjoy Your Engagement
You and your partner have just decided to enter the next chapter of your lives together, a lifetime. So, no need to rush the planning for your wedding. Again, unless you’re working with a strict timeline, take the time out to enjoy that engagement feeling. I mean, you’re a fiancé now, and for most of us, hopefully, this is the first and LAST time. Hell, take an engagement moon. Apparently, that’s a thing! Who knows? Enjoy it. Enjoy each other. Then and only then, after you and your partner feel like you’ve both milked the engagement phase, strap on your boots and get to planning your wedding.
2. Secure Your Wedding Date and Start Booking
Don’t take too long to figure out when you and your partner would like your wedding to take place. Selecting a date is important but should be a fun process. If you both know you want an outdoor wedding, try to choose a time of year when the weather is nice. If you want a winter wedding, pick a date in December. I think you get the idea. Select the wedding date that you know will help bring your dream wedding to life. Once you’ve selected your wedding date, then you can begin to book your vendors, choose your wedding party (optional), send out your invites, and more.
3. Find Inspiration
If you’re looking for some inspiration for your wedding, I suggest using Pinterest. It will help you pool ideas and have all your thoughts organized in one place. Check out our article on How to Plan Your Wedding Using Pinterest for more handy dandy tips. If you’re not big on Pinterest like my little sister, pick up some bridal magazines or attend a bridal show. Bridal shows are great for seeing what vendors are out there like make-up, photography/videographers, décor, dress, venues, and the list goes on. Keep in mind not every vendor out there participates in bridal shows, so it is essential that you still do your research and find the vendors that fit your vision for your wedding day.
4. Get Organized
When getting organized, the first step is to manage your wedding information. Several wedding planning websites can help with that, for example, The Knot, Zola, Appy Couple. Take the time out to explore all the websites and pick the one that works best for you and your partner’s wedding planning. Here are a few other things you can do to help get yourself organized.
Set Aside Time to Plan. Set time aside for you and your partner to plan your wedding and make sure you both are on the same page. Although we all know the wedding is about the bride, lol, your significant other’s opinion matters! Setting time aside will also allow you and your partner to focus on planning, helping you accomplish more TOGETHER!
Create a Timeline. Once you have selected your wedding date, create a timeline of the tasks you need to complete and by when. This will help hold you accountable for what needs to happen next and when.
Divide, Conquer, Communicate. Utilize your friends, family, and wedding party. Not everyone can be helpful, but for those you know you can put to the task, ask. Hopefully, you shall receive it. Be as communicative with everyone you have recruited to help plan your wedding as possible. If you’re sharing a task, you should be sharing the details. One more thing, don’t beg! If someone shows, they can’t be helpful, relieve them of their duties and press forward. There is no need to have extra stress from people who should provide stress relief.
5. Find Your Wedding Photographer
Your wedding photographer and videographer are two critical people to have secured for your wedding and your engagement session. They document and catch all the memorable moments throughout your day. DO YOUR RESEARCH! Be sure that the company you hire can capture your vision. Don’t be afraid to ask them for their work, and don’t feel like you must decide right away. I mean, don’t take too long, but still, take enough time to do your research and see which wedding photographer and videographer fit your vision and your budget.
Once you have selected your wedding photographer and videographer, start to plan your engagement session. These images are used as part of your wedding invitations and save the dates. For some ideas for planning your engagement session, head over to How to Plan Your Engagement Session and check out our 4-part NOF Series: Engagement Session Tips:
Hire a Wedding Planner or Coordinator
Not everyone may feel they need to hire a wedding planner or a coordinator because nowadays, people are trying to make things as cost-effective as possible, but sometimes you can't do it on your own. If you're struggling to keep things organized, or you don't even know where to start, hire a wedding planner or coordinator. If anything, always get a day of coordinator. Someone who knows all the details of your wedding and your timeline and keeps your wedding day running smoothly.
BONUS
Well, you got me, LOL. This is the part where I shamelessly plug Nine one Four Photography + Film. Take a look around our website and see if our aesthetics fits your vision.
Nine One Four Photography + Film is a Photography + Videography company based in South Florida.
We would love to work with you.
Book your consultation today!