10 Things To Do After Getting Engaged
Justin Solomon
CONGRATULATIONS! You're officially engaged! It's one of the happiest moments in your life, and you've been waiting for this day forever. You've called everyone, including your parents, your parents-in-law, and all your best friends. But now what?
Alright... don't stress out. Your engagement is exciting for the both of you, but now comes the daunting task of planning that big day! Having a calm and collected attitude throughout this process will definitely make all decisions easier! Just think, there is nothing worth stressing out about!
So let's talk about some of the things you should be thinking about going forward! Here are 10 things to do after getting engaged to help your wedding planning process!
10.) Don't forget about your extended family!
You've called those that are most important... but don't forget Cousin Sam and Great Aunt Jane! I know, I know... it is going to take forever. But hey! You want to make sure everyone knows of the great news!
One way to make sure you don't start up the family drama is by asking your parents who you should call. It's important to get the entire family list, because this will also help get the best address to send save-the-dates, wedding invitations, and other updates about your wedding.
Go ahead and accept you are going to offend someone... I'm serious. We all forget someone, and that's okay. Have a backup plan for that! Think of creative ways or lines to say when talking to someone about your big day that you forgot. Listen, this process is stressful... just blame it on the excitement!
9.) Make up a date...
Yes... I said it... Make up a date! Everyone is going to be asking you, "Have you set a date yet?" or "So when's the big day?" It's going to sound like listening to your favorite high school song on repeat, except much more annoying.
So start talking about when you really want to schedule that wedding day. Although it is early, don't stress out. Take a second to decide what season you want to get married... then the month... then the time of month (because you don't want your big day to be lost by a holiday or *gulp* an important football game), AND THEN THE DAY!
I get it. It's a stressful decision. But at least you can have a general answer to give to all of those crazy interested friends and family, and continue wedding planning.
HOLD UP! One tip!!! Venues and vendors normally have discounted prices for weddings on Fridays or Sundays. So when you begin to think about your day of choice, definitely consider this. Most of the time, those that you invite are already taking an extended weekend away from work, so why not save some money, and dedicate that to other things that could potentially have a larger budget!
8.) Create a list of important things!
Your wedding day will be the most wonderful and memorable day of your lives. You will plan, plan, plan... almost to a fault. Don't fall into that mistake! Stop! Make a list of all the items you think you will need for the wedding. However, take it one step further: Categorize those items you are going to remember for the rest of your lives!
Think about it for a second. *Think, think, think* Everyone has a budget, and you want to make the most out of it. So why not spend your money on things that will last for a lifetime, rather than those items that clearly make you feel like you had a one-night-stand and threw away the money.
Okay, let me be a tad bit more clear. What is important to you? To Lisa and I, we love to travel. So on the top of our list was our honeymoon destination. I'm also partial to photography. This is the medium you will remember the big day for the rest of your lives, and you will pass your wedding album on to generations to come. Nothing is better than having a high-quality heirloom for everyone to enjoy when they come to your home.
7.) Obtain an unhealthy addiction to Pinterest
There are so many things that you will see, hear, feel, touch, love, hate, etc....... So please, create an idea board with Pinterest! Trust me, this will help you find items that you absolutely must have, as well as remember things that you may forget easily.
Your mind is going to be moving at one-bazillion miles per minute from the moment you get engaged until you are on the beach sipping margaritas on your honeymoon. So don't forget!
More importantly, Pinterest can help you find great ideas that will make your wedding day more awesome than you had originally planned. Confused about colors? No problem! Looking for an epic wedding venue style? They have it! Want a creative pose that will be one for the ages? It's there!
Ultimately, you are going to need an idea generator. Scrapbooking ideas is old-school... Get an account and start creating boards now with Pinterest! Click here to go there now! And don't forget to download their app!
6.) Create a Wedding Website
Already tired of everyone and their brother asking what's going on with the wedding? Solve that issue and create a wedding website! There are so many ways to do this for free or on the cheap.
Not only will it relieve some unnecessary stress from everyone wanting information, but it will also organize your thoughts and needs when it comes to planning & informing those you love most. The website also gives your guests an inside-look into you as a couple, your personalities, and your passion you both share.
Be creative! You can even use the website for registries, RSVP's, and communication boards between you and your guests. Remember, everyone wants to share in this special day. Empower the masses! Try Squarespace! It's what you're looking at now!!!
5.) Delegate! Delegate! Delegate!
I keep talking about stress throughout this blog. Let's face it: Planning a wedding is STRESSFUL! Take a load off. Delegate tasks to those you trust most! I'm going to go ahead and bet that the moms are already throwing ideas out there right and left. So give them tasks that you trust them with, and let them go crazy... with your approval of course.
Don't forget about your maid of honor and best man! The whole reason you chose them is because you trust them fully and they've been there for you through good and bad. So empower them to help you out.
Okay, okay... I know it's hard to take your foot off the pedal. But trust me, it will help you relieve stress, and make this process more enjoyable. It's easier to say yes or no, rather than being a control freak and trying to do everything. It will also help not to forget important details when planning!
4.) Bridezilla meets Indecisive
The first thing you say to yourself after watching your first episode of Say Yes to the Dress is "I am never going to be that Bridezilla! She's crazy!" Well guess what... It is very easy to fall into that trap.
How? The number one thing that can create that stereotype for you is to be indecisive about the many decisions you have to make. It creates stress! Everything piles up, and you're either screaming at someone, crying for no reason, or you both are at each others' throats because you can't decide on the flavor of the groom's cake!
SLOW DOWN! I revert back to #5: Delegate! If you know it is going to be a hard decision, have someone you trust come up with the plan, the topic, or the idea and present it to you. Make a rule now... You can only answer "Yes" or "No". If it is a maybe, you have 5 seconds to decide when you come back to it. Can't decide? It's a big, fat NO!
Remember, don't stress about this. Enjoy this time in your life!
3.) Wedding Registries are so last year...
I know what you're thinking. "WHAT! WE'VE GOT TO MAKE A REGISTRY! WE NEED SO MANY THINGS!" Hold up... hold up. Before you go crazy in Target, let's use some sense.
It's typical to be excited and go crazy on registering for anything you think you will need. However, it's very rare you will get what you want. Let me give a little bit of detail. If your items are over $50... forget about it. Not trying to sound cheap, but you're far less likely to get that 60" plasma tv (yeah... looking at you groom) or that Kitchen Aid stand mixer that you've always wanted.
So now you're confused... what do you ask for? Here's a few tips!
Create a Honeymoon Registry. There are so many things that you can do on your honeymoon! Couple's massages, excursions, classes... but there are also many expenses. Plane tickets, taxi rides, off-premises dinners are naming just a few. So create a honeymoon registry and let your guests pay for it! It definitely means a lot more than a crystal vase that will sit under the sink for years and years. Lisa and I used The Honeymoon for ours! Check it out!!!
Ask for donations to your favorite charity. Listen... I know it doesn't have anything to do directly with you, but we all have passions. Lisa's is dogs, and mine is cancer research. So why not put funds directly to a cause that you believe in? It defines who you both are as a couple, and also does a ton of good for those less fortunate!
Cash is King. Okay... I hear you. It sounds tacky. But think about it! If you had cash collected, you would be able to get what you want, rather than the random crap you would put on a registry roaming through Bed, Bath, & Beyond. You can do anything with cash! Dedicate it to future bills, put a downpayment on a house, create a "rainy day" fund... the list goes on and on! So don't be afraid to ask for Cash Donations for the Lovely Couple. Word it right... it's adorable.
2.) Start thinking about your vendors now!
I cannot tell you how important it is to begin looking and researching for vendors now. Normally, a wedding is anywhere from 8 months to 1 year out. And guess what? You're competing with 2.3 million other couples in the United States that are looking for similar experiences that you are!
Just speaking from experience as well as being a vendor myself, it is essential to start making contact with these guys and gals. Photographers and caterers book up fast! Venue's next... then it's the florist. So once you have a general idea for a date, get on it!
Now, I'm very partial to photographers... but I can't tell you how important it is to get a great one! When looking for your photographer, look for someone you trust and will be able to get along with. Yeah, yeah... sounds cliché right?
Wrong. Your photographer will be getting to know you and your style as a couple. He/she will be photographing your engagement, wedding, and maybe even newborn & family photos later in life! So you have to feel comfortable with this individual. Yes... your photographer of choice has to have great work. But make sure you look at who will be there for you and your family as you go forward. We're solution providers!
Remember this: Vendors are professionals at what they do. You wouldn't ask a random person on the street to change your oil would you? Or go to your best friend to diagnose your illness (unless they're a doctor, of course)? So definitely start thinking that way. Going cheap on a photographer, caterer, or DJ shouldn't be the first thought. Really put research and feelers out there, and choose those you feel comfortable with!
Click here to schedule your engagement consultation and session now!
1.) Get-Away from the MADNESS!
This special time in your life should be enjoyed and memorable. So stop for just a second... clear your mind... and schedule a romantic get-away for the both of you!!! Whether it's a weekend drive through the mountains, a week-long beach retreat, or a cheap camping trip... it is a must!
Seriously! Don't wait until your honeymoon to relax and rejuvenate. This is a time where you both are getting to really know each other the most... specifically what triggers stress and frustration. So instead of waiting until the 7th year of your marriage to address those issues... get away now and find a place that you both can retreat to!
Looking for cheap airfare? Try Momondo! This site will search EVERYWHERE for the cheapest tickets, and they do not work with airlines or use stupid ads... which makes the airfare cheaper.
Also use AirBnB for your getaway retreat! Great prices, great locations, and you get to support the Great American Dream of self-entrepreneurship!
So there you have it! A comprehensive list of items you both should start thinking about after you are engaged. Listen, I know this is going to be a stressful time... but it is going to be amazing, and the most fun trip you're ever going to experience!
Now comes the fun part! Let's get that engagement photo session scheduled, and some Save the Dates designed! Click here to contact us today to schedule your private consultation!
ShutterVibes is a wedding, portrait, and lifestyle full-service photography studio based in Atlanta, Georgia. We specialize in creating moments that truly define the personality of you, your family, and your life. Travel is a passion! Ask us about photographing your destination event!