You’re Engaged! … Now What? – Wedding Planning
Let’s talk wedding planning! Did you get engaged over the holidays? You’re not alone. According to Brides.com, December is the most popular time to pop the question, with 14 percent of respondents getting engaged at the end of the year. And with good reason! It’s the time where families are together, and it brings up the conversation of building a new one together.
“Of all the brides surveyed, a whopping 28 percent got engaged on a holiday or other special occasion, compared to just 12 percent last year.”
– Brides.com
As the holidays wound down, here comes… planning! Depending on the person, wedding planning could be a Pinterest dream or a nightmare. Here are some of the most important things to think about when starting to plan your wedding:
1. Plan and set your budget
As a personal finance fan, I have to reemphasize this: Do NOT blow money that you do not have your wedding day! I’m being the most anti-wedding industry professional when I say this, but please believe me. Whether you have florals on your welcome table, or have a fancy seating chart, those are tiny details that you will not remember on your wedding day. I would focus on three things to put your money into: 1) Your venue 2) Your wedding planner and 3) Your photographer. Your photographer has the ability to make anything look magical. Invest in these three things.
2. Decide if you want a wedding planner, a 6-weeks out planner, or a day-of coordinator
Depending on how much you want to invest into planning, a wedding planner is almost always a safe bet. They are professionals you have been working in the industry, and have seen almost everything. Plus, wedding planners have great connections to local vendors who could fit your budget and needs. Regardless of which option you pick, having a day-of coordinator is essential. Instead of having everyone ask you questions on your wedding day, a day-of coordinator is your point person. They manage the day so you can focus on one thing: marrying your love.
3. Reach out to wedding venues about available dates
Believe it or not, but venues book up to 2 years in advance, especially for Saturdays. Reach out to several venues that you like, and see which dates will work best. Also, consider whether you need a Saturday wedding. Could you do a Friday wedding, or perhaps a Sunday brunch wedding (my preferred choice, if I were to get married)? These days are also significantly more affordable.
4. Find your wedding photographer!
My favorite part! Most photographers start booking up to 9-18 months prior to a wedding day, depending on their popularity. When searching for a photographer, look at styles of photography you like: do you like more bright and pastel colors? Or more moody and dramatic? If you go on Instagram, you can find plenty of photographers using the hashtag YOURCITYweddingphotographer (ie #austinweddingphotographer). This is how many brides have found and booked me! Once you find your photographer, talk to them about booking an engagement session so you can print out save-the-dates/invites. It’s important to built trust with your photographer, so make sure it is the best fit – find out a little bit more about my process
5. Start thinking about the style you want
Do you want bright and colorful florals? Or romantic desert-themed vibes? Pinterest is your friend. Want to wear a black dress? Someone’s done it. Married in a candle-lit ceremony? Perfect. The most clarity to the style you want, you’ll be able to connect with vendors who are excited to make your vision become a reality
6. Have fun with the process!
Wedding planning does not have to be a scary thing. Remember, this day is about you and your S.O., celebrating the formation of two families. If you ever get overwhelmed, take a step back and think about your why. Have fun, and good luck.
