You’re engaged! First off, congrats! We knew it would be happening any day now, we could just feel it. We’re so happy for you and are even happier that soon you’ll be celebrating the love between you and your honey!
Second, we don’t want to scare you, but there are some big decisions coming over the horizon. The who, the where, and the when are just a few of the many choices you’ll be making during the wedding planning process. But don’t freak out, we’re here to help! We’ve racked our brains and come with your Just Engaged must do’s. Consider this your wedding checklist intro!
Photo | Jennefer Wilson
Live In It
Take some time and soak up the newly engaged feeling! Keep it a secret for the day (or even a week!) because once you let the cat out of the bag, wedding talk will be top of everyone’s mind.
Budget
Start thinking about your wedding budget. It may seem early, but it will determine so many aspects of your wedding day. The guest count and venue are some of the big budget factors. Now would also be an excellent time to check in with parents or other close family members about whether or not they plan to chip in. Of course, they don’t have to! Plenty of 21st-century couples pay for their wedding 100% on their own, but often family contributes, and that’s something to consider when putting your budget together.
Venue
Start a list of venues the two of you like. Venues, especially the most popular ones, are known to book out a year or two in advance, so getting your name on the books asap will give you a better chance at getting the day that you want.
Photo | a sea of love
Date
Your wedding date goes hand in hand with the Venue, but you have to be flexible! Holidays weekends and matching dates like 02/02/2020 will go quickly. Even more regular dates may be all booked up once you get in contact with vendors, so consider choosing a date range or season that you want to get married to avoid disappointment.
Brainstorm
Create or revive your wedding Pinterest board. What’s your dream wedding vibe? Sit down with your fiancé and a wedding magazine and talk through your likes and dislikes. There’s no need to make any concrete decisions, just get a sense of your shared vision.
Wedding Party
Think about who you want to include in your wedding party. You don’t have to ask or dream up any proposals yet, but start getting a list together. Or do the two of you even want a wedding party? Your wedding, your choice.
Photo | Chelsea Q. White
Celebrate!
Bring your friends and family together to celebrate your engagement. This doesn’t have to be an all night rager or a pricey party, just gather your loved ones and celebrate this new phase of your life.