You’re Engaged! Now What?!
There’s nothing that hurts my heart more than a couple who has just gotten engaged, one of the most exciting things that will happen to their relationship, but they don’t even get to enjoy that special time because of the looming dread that comes with planning a wedding. Because let’s be honest, wedding planning can be pretty stressful (understatement of the century). But the key words here are can be, that doesn’t mean that it has to be!
My first piece of advice for any couple that has just gotten engaged is to insure that ring! No seriously, if you haven’t already insured your ring, open up a new tab and do it right now…I’ll wait.
Okay my second recommendation is to take. a. breath. Like, a really long one. I’m also a huge advocate for a small getaway post-engagement, or a big getaway, follow your heart! You and your partner are going to have so many decisions ahead of you and so many things to tackle, take this time to bask in that newly engaged bliss. I would encourage waiting at least a month before you dive into planning (but if you’re on a time crunch you have my permission to cut that down to a week…no less).
When you and your partner do decide you’re ready to start planning your wedding, start small! Have a super candid conversation, or many conversations, around your visions for your wedding. All the planning in the world won’t do you any good if you two aren’t on the same page. I have a few recommendations on what some of the most important conversations are.
Once you are both on the same page, it’s time to hire your wedding planner! Your planner should be the first vendor you book, and I’m saying that with my full chest. There are a few different service levels that wedding planners typically offer: Wedding Coordination, Partial Planning, and Full-Service Planning. Even if you’re only looking for a Coordinator level of service, I highly recommend booking them first to avoid missing out on any planning materials they may offer. For example, every Sur Mesure Couple gets access to their entire planning portal starting on day one, even if I’m not actually working with you until 60 days out! Make sure you’re getting the most out of your planner’s experience and expertise by booking early.
Remember, your engaged era is not just your wedding planning era. It’s the only time you’ll get to be a fiancé, so you may as well enjoy it! And yea, be as obnoxious as you want about it too. ;)