5 Action Steps To Take After You Get Engaged

Hey Girl hey! I see that sparkly ring on your left hand. Congratulations on your engagement! This is such an exciting time but it can also be overwhelming. It is time to start planning but are you confused on where to start? Continue reading because I am giving you 5 action steps to take after you get engaged.

1. What is your wedding date?

Your first action step (after announcing your engagement to family, friends and the entire world via social media) is to choose your wedding date. Are there any dates that are significant to you and your fiance’ such as first date, first kiss or a special holiday? If most of your family will be gathering for a pre-planned family event, selecting a date during this time may make sense since most of your family will be in town. On the other hand, this may not be the best time because it can bring on more chaos than normal with the already jam packed family schedule. Venue availability is a consideration that can possibly drive your date. See #5 for more venue information.

2. How much moolah will you spend?

A budget is going to be your roadmap to keep you on track during the planning process. Remember those 6 feet tall vases with all fresh blooms that you saw on Pinterest? Your budget will determine if you can have those on all of your guest tables or only as a statement piece. We will get to the wedding planner next but she or he can help you with deciding your budget percentages for each category based on industry standards in your area. Your budget is going to be the driving factor for the rest of the planning process.

4. Don’t you want a guide?

 A wedding planner will be your advocate, your confidante and your counselor. She will be able to guide you through your Pinterest designs, help you to decide if and where to use those vases mentioned above, keep you on track with your budget, feed you the “next steps” and be in your corner throughout the planning process. A wedding planner will save you a great deal of stress and anxiety during the months leading up to the wedding and on your wedding day.

5. Where should you get married?

The hottest venues will book fast so planning ahead is key. When choosing your venue, don’t forget to keep your theme in mind. If you have your heart set on a particular venue, you may have to re-arrange your date according to the availability of that venue.  Another important factor to remember is the date you choose may also determine the cost of your venue. Venue fees during the off season months or certain days may be cheaper to rent versus renting during the peak wedding season months or on a Saturday. You can read more about navigating your venue selection here.

So, there you have it! If you follow these 5 action steps, you will be well under way to planning your big day.

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