We Are Just Engaged, What Do We Do Next?

Firstly, CONGRATULATIONS! Secondly, please take some time to enjoy being engaged! It’s such a special time and before you dive into the all-consuming wedding planning just take some time to bask in your just-engaged joy! It is a really exciting time and a big moment in your life so take some quality time out with your future husband / wife and please don’t skip this chapter! You’ll be so glad you didn’t.

Next on the just-engaged hit list…the announcement! While you might want to shout it from the rooftops and immediately post a ring selfie on Instagram – don't forget to tell your close family and friends first. Enjoy this special time with your nearest and dearest because you won’t get this unique opportunity again. Once the important people have been told, THEN you can post on social media and watch those likes and ‘congrats’ comments start stacking up!

Once your engagement party is over and the buzz has died down a little it’s time to get organised, get your budget nailed down, and start researching. Have an open, honest chat with your partner early on about your wedding priorities. Because if you both have a different end result in mind you’re going to clash further down the line! This is also true about your families. If you’re receiving financial contributions from them towards the big day, be honest with them about their level of involvement. Some people believe that by paying towards your wedding, they are somehow buying themselves a say in what you do. This doesn't apply to everyone of course, but it's just something to be aware of sooner rather than later.

While it’s great to take inspiration from Pinterest, remember those weddings or styled photoshoots are someone else’s vision. Take notes and be inspired by detail but always attempt to create the wedding that you want. This is where the serious research starts. It doesn't just have to be wedding related either. Reflect on your favourite films / books / music / hobbies and consider whether they could inspire elements of your big day. Try to include and reflect your personality in the food, décor, and suppliers you choose to work with. People love attending weddings that feel authentic and personal.

Ok, so the wedding inspiration is flowing, the wedding budget is set, now is the time to set a date and start booking things in – it’s starting to get real now! First things first, start with the venue and work from there. The reason being your chosen venue may have catering in house or particular suppliers they work with, which can save you a lot of time when it comes to sourcing your team. If that's not the case, it's always worth asking if your venue has a recommended list of suppliers anyway. This is a great place to start when considering who to work with for your wedding - who doesn't love a quality personal recommendation anyway?!

Once you’re firmly in the wedding planning groove it’s time to create your custom wedding website. This is an essential part of the planning process if you’re going to stay organised and on track before the big day. One of the biggest benefits of building a personalised wedding website is that you can keep all of your guest information in one place. Send digital wedding invitations to your guest list with customised RSVPs, and then collate the replies online. This is going to save you SO much time, believe us!

We totally understand that there is a lot at stake when planning a wedding but don’t forget to delegate tasks to people that want to help. You can’t do everything on your own...no really, you can’t!

Finally, be true to you. Try not to get overwhelmed (we appreciate that’s easier said than done!), don't forget to have fun along the way, and take time out whenever you need. Planning a wedding can be A LOT and while you may have an ever-growing list of tasks these should not be prioritised over your relationships or own wellbeing. And when you can, just enjoy the ride!