What to Do After You've Been Engaged: The 8 Things You Should Do First
Nashville Wedding Photographer - Nashville, Tennessee Proposal
When you're ready to start arranging your wedding, the first thing you should do is talk to your fiance. Before discussing details with anyone else, it's essential to communicate with each other. Keep in mind that there is both a wedding and a marriage. They're not the same thing at all. You will save a lot of frustration in the long run if you take the time to talk now. You and your fiancée must be on the same page, focusing on what is most important to you.
Ask questions to one another such as when should the wedding be held? What are your thoughts? What will the location be? Where do you see yourself in the future? So, where do you start? As long as the necessary to-dos are finished, there is no need to follow any specific order. But, you may be wondering what comes next. If you're feeling overwhelmed, here's a quick checklist to help you figure out what to do next once you've gotten engaged.
Determine Your Budget for Your Wedding
Talk about your budget. Money is necessary to proceed with the wedding, as a couple, you should discuss it properly. Before you can proceed with any of your wedding plans, you must have this conversation — whether it is between you and your spouse or between you, your spouse, and your parents. This is where the situation's actuality lies.
Create a Guest List So You Know How Many People to Expect
Draft your first guest lists which include your parent’s and in-law’s guests. You may ask your immediate family for this but as a couple, you should also inform them about your budget. Remember, each person adds to the number of dishes, favors, chair rentals, and cake you'll need from your caterer. It is advisable to select a number that is less than the capacity of your location. You can add on later if there is room in the budget but don't do it the day before the wedding
Decide if There Is a Certain Date or Timhave of Year You Would like to Get Married
Consider the seasons if your budget allows you flexibility in your wedding date. Many of your decisions are influenced by the seasons. Make sure there's always a backup plan if you plan for an outdoor wedding. The most popular wedding dates and locations book up quickly, so if you're wanting to tie the knot in the next year or two, it's a good idea to start planning immediately. Determine what works best for both of your families and whether any possible conflicts exist.
Secure a Venue Based on Your Budget, Guest List, and Desired Date/Season
The choice of a venue is possibly the most challenging component of wedding preparation, because even if you have your perfect date, your perfect venue may not be available on that date. It's important to get started as soon as possible. Do some online research first, or contact to gather more information on pricing and availability if you already have a location in mind. Ask as many questions as you can and acquire as much information as you can; even if the venue isn't ideal for you, you might learn something about it that makes you feel and see that it is meant for you.
Book Your Photographer/Videographer
Good photographers and videographers book quickly, so you should book this person right away! Your wedding photos and videography are vitally important since they will serve as a lasting record of the smiles, tears, hugs, and toasts that will take place throughout your celebration. Because we can only take on one event per day, it's ideal to contact us as soon as possible. This will give you time to look over portfolios and set up meetings with potential photographers to assist you to pick the finest photographer for your special day.
Another reason to contact your wedding photographer early is to discuss a crucial aspect of your wedding day: the timeline. You'll need a timeline whether you're hosting a small wedding or a big bash wedding. And your wedding photographer wants to assist you with this by giving you timing recommendations so that you may acquire the greatest images possible!
Ask Your Bridal Party to Be a Part of Your Day
The Bride and Groom have traditionally had the same number of wedding party members. If you want to keep this tradition going, you need to get your team together. You should also consider how strong these friendships are. You don't want to ask someone to be your bridesmaid just to have a falling out with them before the wedding or find out they aren't right for you. Remember, the bridal party you choose has a significant impact on your wedding day.
Book Your Other Vendors
Start searching and booking for your DJ, caterer, hair and makeup artist, florist, and any other provider you're thinking about bringing in. As entertainment, it is such an important aspect of your event; it's what makes it so enjoyable. As a result, you should look into DJ or band hire as soon as possible, because a good entertainment provider can book up to two years in advance. Do your research if you don't have a certain person in mind.
Consider a wedding planner that can help you stay organized, stress-free, and even save money on your special day. Another wonderful advantage of hiring a wedding coordinator is their extensive vendor expertise. They'll support your vision from beginning to end, taking a lot of the pressure and worry out of what should be an exciting season for you. Many popular vendors book up far in advance.
Go Wedding Dress Shopping
Finding your dream wedding gown is one of the most exciting aspects of wedding preparation! However, you should make your appointment as soon as possible because selecting the perfect dress may take some time. There are other factors to consider, such as the time it takes for alterations and the time it takes for your dress to arrive after you place your order.
Some couples spend months or even years, interviewing florists, sampling cakes, and browsing photographer portfolios to find a group of vendors whose style, personality, and wedding-day vision are all in sync with theirs. A long engagement can be a significant benefit. You'll be able to unwind and focus on wedding planning at a more leisurely pace, resulting in less stress. Start by looking at wedding websites, blogs, and publications, and don't forget to check out our Pinterest board. Not everything you appreciate or that inspires you has to be in the same room at the same time.
So begin by collecting a file/board of anything that catches your attention and that you enjoy. Start talking to your fiance and your go-to gals about your thoughts. Follow us on Instagram for more wedding inspiration, and read our client testimonials for more information.