The First Steps Every Bride Should Take After Getting Engaged
Congratulations! You just got engaged, and it’s time to celebrate this incredible moment. While you’re basking in the joy of saying “yes,” you might also be wondering, “What do I do next?” The early days of engagement are exciting but can also feel overwhelming. Here’s a guide to the first steps every bride should take to start the wedding planning process off right.
1. Celebrate and Soak It In
Before diving into planning, take time to truly enjoy this! This usually only happens once in your life so really relish in this moment. Celebrate with your partner, take lots of pictures, and share the news with close family and friends before making a big public announcement. This once-in-a-lifetime milestone deserves to be cherished!
2. Get Your Ring Insured
This step sounds like one of the most boring steps but truly one of the most practical and important steps. Reach out to your insurance provider or look into a specialized jewelry insurance policy. This will give you peace of mind in case of loss, damage, or theft.
3. Discuss a Vision with Your Partner
Before diving into the details, sit down with your fiancé and discuss your overall vision for the wedding. Do you both envision a big celebration or a small, intimate affair? Do you want a destination elopement wedding or a local venue? Understanding each other’s priorities will make the planning process smoother.
4. Set a Budget
Weddings can be expensive, and costs can quickly add up. Determine a budget early on and have open conversations with family members if they’re contributing financially. Having a clear budget will help guide your decisions as you move forward. If you don’t know what a typical wedding budget looks like, the average couple spends about $30,000 on their wedding day. You can spend more or less depending on where and how you’d like to get married!
5. Draft a Guest List
You don’t need a final headcount yet, but having a rough idea of your guest list will help determine the size of your venue and overall budget. Start by listing immediate family, close friends, and must-have guests.
6. Pick a Date (or a Few Options)
Popular wedding venues book up quickly, so having a few date options in mind will give you more flexibility when securing your dream location. Consider factors like the season, holidays, and personal significance of certain dates. Most wedding venues will book up 12-18 months in advance so if you’re thinking to get married the following year, you have to book asap!
7. Hire a Wedding Photographer
Photographs are one of the only things that last beyond your wedding day. If capturing beautiful memories is a priority, research and book a wedding photographer early. Many top photographers book a year or more in advance, especially for destination weddings. If photography is super important to you, this would be one of your top priorities! Truly decide what style you’d like your pictures to be. Every photographer photographs differently, and edits differently. Decide if you like light and airy, true color, dark and moody, bold colors. The best way to decide is truly look at portfolios and see what your eye is drawn to.
8. Research and Book a Venue
Your venue sets the tone for the entire wedding, so start researching as soon as possible. Once you book your venue, everything else—like catering, decor, and DJ—can start falling into place.
9. Start Thinking About Your Wedding Party
Deciding who will stand by your side on your big day is an exciting step. Once you’ve chosen your bridesmaids and groomsmen, you can start planning fun things like engagement parties, dress shopping, and bachelorette getaways!
10. Enjoy Being Engaged
Wedding planning can be stressful, but don’t forget to enjoy this special time. Take date nights with your fiancé, celebrate small wins along the way, and remember that at the heart of all the planning is a beautiful love story.
Planning a wedding is a journey, and these first steps will set you on the right path. Take your time, enjoy the process, and most importantly, have fun planning the day that celebrates your love story!
