Tuesday, August 4, 2015

The Ultimate Newly Engaged Checklist

Image Credit: Jose Villa for the The Mrs Box


The question has been asked, the ring is on your finger, you’re both over the moon and basking in love and overwhelming happiness and I should hope that some champagne was popped at some point too! That’s right, you’re engaged! But what next? To save you from slipping into a wedding planning whirlwind I’ve put together the ultimate checklist for newly engaged couples. From the fun and exciting to the sensible and practical, this is the go to list for when you’ve just said, “YES!”

Happy Planning!

Joy x



1.  Tell the World!

Once you’re over the shock and it’s sunk in that you’re getting married to your beau, there’s no doubt that you’ll want to tell the other loved ones in your lives’ too. Whether it’s a phone call, a surprise ‘we’re engaged’ card, a series of intimate celebrations or a big get together to celebrate, everyone will be overjoyed to hear your news! Be prepared to relive and tell your engagement story more than once. When, where, how? Did you cry? Did you know? Have you set a date…? Marriage is such a wonderful event that everyone will want to hear all the details. Embrace this moment and don’t feel pressured into making any decisions, this is your time. Enjoy it!

                                                
2.  The Rock

You’ll most likely find yourself very aware of your new engagement ring. Playing with it, checking its still there, staring at it as it twinkles in the sunlight and the talking with your hands will be taken to whole new level! First things first, a few practicalities... get it insured! Although it’s irreplaceable, it’s something that makes good practical sense if the worst was ever to happen. Also, make sure the ring fits. Brownie points if he got your size right! Re-sizing doesn’t take a lot of time at all and you’ll usually have your sparkler back within a week or so ready to show off! In the meantime, why not treat yourself to ­­a manicure or a luxurious hand cream? Those hands will be getting a lot of attention so who can say no to a spot of pampering?


3.  Dates for your Diary


In the very early stages of wedding planning there’s no immediate rush to set a date but it’s always good to have an idea of when you’d like your wedding to be. Do you fancy a Spring, Summer or maybe a Winter wedding? Are there any dates that are special to you both? Do you want a long or short engagement? It’s also worth noting that weddings out of season or on a weekday can often be cheaper than those on let’s say, a Saturday in August. 




Image Credit: A Creative Mint



4.  Money Talks

Ah, the budget! It plays a huge part in wedding planning so it’s best to get on to the subject of money nice and early! Initially you should think about how much you want to spend and how much you can realistically save in the time you have and also if any family members will be contributing. At this stage you won’t know exactly how much your bridal bouquet or wedding dress will be and that’s ok. If you know you only want to spend X amount then that’s the budget you’ll work to and you can split up the budget further along the line. Always add in a little extra as a contingency, as the day draws nearer there will be little things you may have forgotten to account for – stamps for wedding invitations is always one!


                5. Be Inspired

Perhaps one of the most exciting and overwhelming parts of planning a wedding is choosing a style or theme. With so much inspiration our there it can be hard to choose, especially if you find yourself open to a range of ideas. Before leaping into a sea of pin boards on Pinterest, I’d recommend looking a little closer to home, after all your wedding day should represent you as a couple. What kind of style are you drawn to already? Have you traveled together? Do enjoy a certain type of food? What are your favourite colours or Eras? Does your ideal wedding venue lend itself to a certain style? Once you’ve chatted through your initial thoughts and ideas, then resources like Pinterest and wedding blogs will be a great place for inspiration. Don’t get hung up on your wedding not having a precise theme, just keep a few words or colours in mind and it’ll all come together.


6.  Priorities in Check

Firstly, let me assure you that there is no need to do everything at once! That’s a sure fire way to end up in a wedding planning meltdown! Instead make a list of all the elements of a wedding… Venue, catering, Photographer, Dress, Flowers, Styling, Transport, Stationery... Then have a honest discussion about the things that mean the most to you and start at the top. Where are you willing to invest a little more of the budget, where might you do a spot of DIY or what might you leave out completely? Be sure to book key suppliers early on to avoid disappoint. Many wedding suppliers can book up a year in advance, so if that photographer is on the top of your wish list, make that your priority.


So there we have it, the ultimate checklist for newly engaged couples! I hope that it has made things a little less daunting for you! If you need any help at any stage during your wedding planning, you know where I am.

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