you're engaged, now what?

So, you just got engaged? Congratulations!!!! You called grandma and grandpa and all your cousins. You posted your engagement on social media. Here come all the texts and the calls. Everyone is already asking when the big day is. You get the overwhelming feeling in your stomach because you don’t even know what you are doing tomorrow. Cue the tears. Stop right there. Breathe because it’s going to be okay.

Here are the first things you should do when you get engaged!

1.   CELEBRATE

You just got engaged to the love of your life. you are so excited! You want to tell the world and post your shiny new bling on Instagram. Before you post to social media, take in the moment and lock it into your memory. This feeling is something you will want to cherish for the rest of your life. Celebrate with your new fiancé, family, and close friends. I mean come on, you have been waiting for this moment your whole life! Facebook can wait until tomorrow. It’s time to pop some bubbly because you are getting a hubby.

2.   THINK OF THE KIND OF WEDDING YOU WANT TO HAVE

Do you want a destination wedding? Maybe you want to get married in the mountains, or perhaps you want to elope. Get an idea so you can start looking for venues.

3.   SET A BUDGET

You have an idea of the kind of wedding you want to have. It’s important to set expectations for your wedding budget with your future hubby early on. Think of who will contribute and prioritize what is important to you. For example, photography may be important to you, but your partner might rather spend the extra money towards food. These decisions will help you to shape your ideal wedding day.

4.   DRAFT A GUEST LIST

When you have decided on a budget start that guest list. Yes, this may seem crazy to think about at this point, but the number of guests will help you narrow down which venue can hold all of your loved ones. The number of guests will also be a big factor to consider when planning your budget.

5.   BOOK YOUR WEDDING PLANNER

Let’s face it. We all have busy lives and you probably feel pretty overwhelmed at this point. Consider hiring a wedding planner to take some of that burden and guide you towards the wedding of your dreams. Hint, hint :)

6.   BOOK YOUR VENUE

Wedding venues typically book out 18+ months in advance. So if you have your heart set on a certain venue, it may be wise to get book sooner than later. If you are are set on a shorter engagement and your dream venue’s Saturdays are already booked, consider getting married on a Friday or during the off season. This may actually save you money and still allow you to get married where you always wanted.

Photo Credit// Summer Alisabeth Photography