What To Do Now That You’re Engaged!
Your wedding day is one of the most special moments of your life, and the key to making it memorable is careful preparation. From the moment you say "yes" to the day you say "I do," there's a whirlwind of decisions and tasks to tackle. To ensure your wedding day goes off without a hitch, here's a comprehensive checklist to guide you through the essential preparations.
Set a Budget: Begin your wedding journey by establishing a realistic budget. This will help you make informed decisions about everything from the venue to the flowers, ensuring you don't break the bank.
Create a Timeline: Develop a wedding timeline that outlines important milestones and deadlines. This will help you stay organized and on track, ensuring no crucial details slip through the cracks. Also speaking to your vendors to help you keep to your timeline will help keep things in order.
Compile a Guest List: Sit down with your partner and create a guest list. Be mindful of your budget and venue capacity, and consider the significance of each invitee to make your day truly special.
Choose a Date and Venue: Once you've established your budget and guest list, select a wedding date and venue. Popular venues may book quickly, so secure your dream location well in advance.
Hire Vendors: Research and book essential vendors, such as a photographer, videographer, caterer, florist, and entertainment. Read reviews, ask for referrals, and meet with potential vendors to ensure they align with your vision. What’s great about the website you are on is that I have compiled a list of some of my favorite people in the business.
Pick Your Bridal Party: Choose the special individuals who will stand by your side on your big day. Communicate your expectations and involve them in the planning process to make it a collaborative effort.
Shop for Your Attire: Begin the search for your wedding dress or suit early. This gives you ample time for fittings and alterations. Don't forget about accessories, shoes, and the attire for the bridal party.
Design Invitations: Work with a designer or use online tools to create invitations that reflect your theme and style. Send out save-the-dates well in advance, followed by formal invitations closer to the wedding date. I also have an Etsy shop that has templates that can help make your planning journey smoother.
Plan Your Ceremony: Collaborate with your officiant to plan a ceremony that is meaningful to you and your partner. Decide on vows, readings, and any special rituals you want to include.
Organize Accommodations: If your wedding is in a different location, arrange accommodations for you and your guests. Negotiate group rates with hotels and provide options for various budgets.
Create a Registry: Set up a wedding registry that includes items you both need and desire. Provide a variety of price points to accommodate different budgets.
Plan Transportation: Arrange transportation for you and your bridal party on the wedding day. Consider guest transportation if your venue is not easily accessible.
Prepare for the Unexpected: Develop a Plan B for outdoor weddings in case of inclement weather. Consider purchasing wedding insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances.
Finalize Details: As the big day approaches, confirm details with all vendors, update your RSVP list, and make any final payments. Create a day-of timeline to keep everyone on the same page.
Practice Self-Care: In the midst of wedding planning, don't forget to take care of yourself. Get enough sleep, eat well, and schedule some downtime to relax and recharge.
Your wedding day is a celebration of love and commitment, and with careful preparation, it can be a day to remember for a lifetime. This checklist is a guide to help you stay organized and enjoy the journey to saying "I do." Happy planning!
