Just got Engaged? Now What?!

First off...congrats!! That's sooo exciting! Make sure to take some time to enjoy this special moment to soak up all the "Congrats!" and the "Let me see the ring!" or the "How did he pop the question?!?"

Whether you are making a Pinterest Wedding Inspo Board (here's mine: https://www.pinterest.com/hitchedwithhannah/ ) the night of your engagement or 6 months later, this guide will help you navigate the somewhat daunting task of figuring out what the heck to do now?!?

1. Have the "Money Talk"

I know, I know. It's not fun. No one likes talking money especially when it comes to one of the biggest days of your life and you want no expense spared! But, its important. Not only for you and your Fiance to get on the same page about finances (something that you'll have to do the rest of your life!) but its important for people helping you fund your day! You'll want to first set a rough budget for total cost of the wedding. This includes venue, all vendors, gown, rehearsal costs, and a little wiggle room for decor, bridal party gifts, honeymoon, etc.

This is an important first step because it allows you to map out what you can spend on your venue and vendors. Have a dream about getting married at a high end exclusive private country club on a Saturday in May? But your budget only allows for maybe a local golf course? You'll have to be realistic in what you want versus what you can afford!

Pro Tip: Figure out which aspect of your wedding is most important to you and allocate more funds to that. For me what I was getting married in 2018, I knew that photography was most important to us. Your Wedding Photos are the only thing that you'll have to show for years to come to I knew I wanted to spend more money to get my dream photographer!

Once you have a rough budget with wiggle room established, now comes the fun part!

2. Vendors, Design, Vibe, and Details!

Now comes the fun part! But also the most time consuming part of planning a wedding. With your budget in mind, start researching venues in the area where you would like to get married, vendors such as catering, photography, florists, decorators, officiants, DJ/Bands, etc. Write down everyone you want to invite to get a good idea of the guest count. Get ideas of the vibe and colors/decor you want for your day. Think about what you envision walking down the aisle in and go try on some dresses! This is where a planner (like me!!) can come in handy with recommendations, advice, and look over contracts with you! Wedding planning is supposed to be fun!

Pro Tip: The earlier the better! It's NEVER too early to book a venue or vendors. Sometimes they will also give you a better price booking far in advance rather than last minute! Once you decide on something - BOOK IT!

3. Follow a Planning Checklist

Easiest way to stay on the right wedding planning track is to follow a checklist. Following a checklist will ensure that the "big" items are done in the appropriate timeframes. These usually don't include every little detailed item that needs to be done, but it gives you a great idea of where to start! Check out my Checklist!!

4. Enjoy it!

You'll only plan a wedding once- so have fun and enjoy it!! Sure its stressful, and dealing with others opinions about what style of dress you should wear or what color the napkins should be can be can be overwhelming and not-so-fun. But its YOUR day and its YOUR way! Whatever makes you and your Fiance happy is what you should do! At the end of the day, everyone will be there on your Wedding Day happy, supportive, and ready to celebrate your love!

Congrats on your engagement and I am so excited for you to embrace this new phase in your life! Happy Planning!

Hannah