We're Engaged!! Now what?!?
This holiday season, you got the surprise of your life. He/She opened up a box, asked would you marry them and your mouth dropped wide open, you screamed excitedly "YES!!", let out a few tears, screamed some more, may have jumped around some, and of course made sure they put the ring on your finger. It's a few days into the new year and you have told all your friends, family and social media the great news, and then it hits you ..."a wedding, WE HAVE TO HAVE A WEDDING...NOW WHAT WHERE DO WE START???".
Below, I have listed some tips to help you get started in the right direction.
1. Hire a wedding/event planner- I would suggest that you both interview 1-3 planners. Interviewing more than 3 can become overwhelming. Also, get a referral from a friend or family member who is married or has worked with an event planner before. This may make the hiring process that much easier. The knowledge, experience and network a planner has is invaluable, especially when it comes to your sanity during this process.
2. Before your first meeting or consultation with the planner, have an idea of what your budget for the entire wedding is. This includes dress, tux, hair, shoes, ceremony, reception, etc. Think about how much you are willing to spend per guest, this will help you get a realistic idea of what your wedding may cost.
3. What time frame are you looking at to plan this wedding? Consider the time of year you would like to get married and location, whether its local or a destination wedding. (you want to ensure your planner can travel)
4. What are 3-5 must haves? What are the things you must see when you walk into the ceremony or reception, that would make you feel as though your wedding was perfect. Be honest and realistic with yourself, knowing your budget.
5. What are 3-5 no-gos? Some brides or grooms may be allergic to flowers, so seeing any kind of flower on their wedding day is a no go, and silk flowers may not be as appealing to them so they opt for candles instead. Some may not want a live band, (can't control their volume) so a DJ is ideal for this couple. Most often than not, we think of all the things we want, and not the things we don't want, its important to share these things with your planner so they have an overall understanding of who the both of you are and what you are looking for.
