Congratulations are in order!
You’re engaged! You have the perfect guy, the gorgeous ring, and your happily ever after is on the horizon. So, what’s next? Do you start hunting for the dress? Who makes the cut as your bridesmaids? Are you hosting a destination wedding or a local wedding? Who all is coming? What about the honeymoon? The list of to-dos can quickly become overwhelming. To ease the stress of wedding planning we have put together a thoughtful list of the top things to do after your future spouse pops the big question.
Pause & Soak Up the Moment
The reality is you will only be engaged once in your lifetime. Pause. Take a deep breath. Take it all in. You found your person and they selected you from billions of other candidates. We highly recommend capturing this moment forever by scheduling an engagement shoot with your beau. Create and mail out engagement announcements to share with your loved ones. We also encourage throwing an engagement party to celebrate this significant milestone with those you love most.
Set a Budget
Perhaps the most crucial part of planning your special day is setting the budget. The discussion of budget maybe just between you and your future spouse or maybe even you, your spouse, and both of your parents. Take into consideration all the different elements that go into planning your wedding day, such as the cost for reserving the venue, number of guests in attendance, rental equipment, floral arrangements, catering, open or closed bar services, photography, videography, live entertainment, wedding attire, invitations, travel expenses, wedding coordination, and any special touches you would like to incorporate for your big day.
Pick a Date
Selecting a date really comes down to preference. How long do you want to be engaged? Do you prefer a certain season over others? Also, keep in mind the budget you have set aside – as some venues can differ in pricing depending on the time of year. Typically, you will see prices increase in the spring and fall seasons versus the summer and winter. Weddings held during the week (Monday – Friday) tend to be less expensive than weddings held during prime times on Saturday and Sunday. We also recommend being mindful of scheduling your big day around the holidays or national celebrations like July 4 to not interfere with guests’ preexisting commitments.
Decide on a Venue
When selecting your venue be sure to consider travel time for your guests. Are you leaning towards an intimate destination wedding, or are you wanting to host your big day in your hometown? Do you prefer an outdoor or indoor wedding, or perhaps you want a venue that caters to both options? The best thing to do when selecting a venue is to schedule an in-person tour to experience the setting first hand and to learn all the services and options the venue has to offer.
Select a Wedding Photographer
You will want to relive this day for the rest of your life, and to one day share this milestone with your kids and grandkids. It is critical that you select a professional photographer that captures the essence and tangible love on your big day. When selecting the right photographer consider hiring a professional that is located near your venue. Do your homework and review their portfolio on their Instagram page. We love the light, romantic photography by Morgan Franklin Creative and the dreamy, airy photos by Love Always Memories Photography.
Select Your Bridal Party
This can get a little tricky. You don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, but you need to select genuine friends who will stand next to you on your worst of days and will support you when life gets hard. Be selective when picking your bridal party. Pick real friends who are there for the long haul. Also, consider selecting friends you know will communicate well with you throughout the wedding planning process and will be supportive when things might not go as you had planned.
Create Your Guest List
Who’s coming to the big day? When finalizing your guest list, be mindful that your wedding budget plays a huge role in determining your guest count. If you have a large budget then typically you can have a longer guest list. Your venue capacity limits and venue location can also help determine the number of guests to invite.
Pick Your Honeymoon Location
We encourage our couples to consider the iconic white-sand beaches and emerald green waters of Rosemary Beach, Florida. The Pointe Resort on 30A offers a romantic escape for newlyweds and is conveniently located just steps from the beach and is within walking distance from eateries, boutiques, and live entrainment. Learn more about the primer luxury resort by visiting: https://thepointeon30a.com/
Create a Wedding Board on Pinterest
Sign up for Pinterest, an online resource for inspiration and ideas, and save wedding inspirations that can help customize your big day. Discover everything from color themes and floral arrangements to ceremony decorations and wedding attire. Follow our board for inspiration: https://www.pinterest.com/theoldoaksfarm/_created/
Hire a Wedding Coordinator
Planning a wedding can be tedious and stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. You always have the option to hire a professional wedding planner to help lighten the load and assist with all the details and coordination. When selecting the right professional be sure to stay within your budget and meet with them in-person before committing to their services. Personalities can sometimes clash, so be sure you and your soon-to-be husband are on the same page.
Congrats on your engagement and best wishes on your BIG DAY!