Congratulations, you’re engaged! This is by far one of the most exciting parts of the entire wedding process, especially with the fact that the fun of planning is still ahead of you. While you’re likely busy telling everyone the story of how it happened and showing off your new jewelry, are you also wondering what “officially engaged” things you should be checking off your to-do list? To help make the transition from dating to engaged a little bit easier, feel free to use the list below to help you get started. With it you’ll learn the top 15 things you should do to help you prepare for beautiful, spectacular married life!
1. Celebrate, Celebrate, Celebrate
Pop a bottle of champagne (or sparkling cider) and celebrate this fun and exciting time! Before you embark on the sometimes stressful process of planning a wedding and for marriage, let yourself enjoy the moment. You’ll be glad you took a breather once you get into the detailed depths of planning, such as picking out napkin colors or even selection the ideal venue.
2. Consider Ring Insurance
Your engagement ring is perhaps one of the most special pieces of jewelry you will ever own. For that reason, it’s highly recommended to look into ring insurance just in case it were to get lost (or a stone were to fall out). While there are companies that specialize in these policies, you may also be able to add the ring onto your homeowner’s insurance, if you own a home. All you’ll need is an appraisal in most cases, which should be available from where the ring was purchased.
3. Tell Both Sides of The Family
Family members dont like to notified through social media. Save yourself the headache. Dont do it.
4. Write Down Ideas
While some couples choose to make inspiration boards, you may want to create a checklist or “Pinterest” board full of what you want for your wedding. Let your imagination run wild with the colors you like, flowers you dream of, and even locations you’re considering. This is the fun part of planning, so don’t hold back. You’ll be able to slim down the options later on, which is when you’ll be glad you took the time to write down everything that you like.
Need ideas? Use Instagram, Pinterest, and online wedding websites for inspiration. You’ll find a lot of great ideas that you can write down to either use or toss later on.
5. Determine Your Budget
While you might dream of a grand wedding on an exotic island, this might not be within your budget. Sit down with your partner and have an honest discussion about how much you want to spend total. If either parents plan on helping with the cost of the wedding, then it’s important to talk to them as soon as possible. While it may be uncomfortable, the last thing you want to do is spend far more than you anticipated and get stuck with mounting debt after the day is over. A great tool to help you figure out the average spent on different aspects of weddings is Cost Of Wedding. This website breaks down the averge spent per city.
Tip: Create your guest list soon after you figure out your budget. The number of guests has a huge impact on how much you’ll spend and have left over for everything from flowers to decorations. Additionally, the number of guests may also factor into the venue you choose, as some have limited seating while others only book for large parties.
6. Open a Joint Checking Account
Nothing will make you feel like you’re about to get married more than opening up a joint checking or savings account together. With this you can save for the wedding or start combining your finances; it’s your choice!
7. Determine the Time of Year
While you won’t be able to pick a wedding day until you find a venue (because availability really depends on the place you choose), you can select the time of year when you’ll want to get married. Do you want to wear a fur coat walking down the aisle in a snowy setting, or are you thinking something on the beach with the sun shining down? Take a look at the ideas that you wrote down earlier to see which really pique your interests the most.
8. Book Your Wedding Planner?
Some people TRY to do it all on their own, but that typically creates a headache that you shouldnt have to deal with during the happiest times of your life! A wedding planner will help with every aspect of planning and help make sure the actual day goes smoothly as well.
If you are looking for a wedding planner in the Columbus Ohio area we HIGHLY recommend Distinct Event Planning! Lucretia is by far the best wedding planner in the city and she will make sure you have a beautiful, relaxed, and worry free event.
9. Schedule a Date
Once you get started with wedding planning, you might find yourself spending more time on wedding websites than talking to your partner. To help make sure you stay connected and on the same page, schedule a date night every once in a while.
10. Start Researching Venues
Once you know more about where you want to get married, you’ll be able to research venues in that area. Start online, as you’ll be able to find reviews, websites, and all the information you need about different places. Write down a list and the pros and cons of each. After that, go back through the list and narrow it down to 4 or 5 options. Once you do that, you can set up appointments with each to go see them in person (or talk over the phone with a representative).
11. Say Yes To The Dress!
Dress shopping is a rite of passage for most women, so don’t skip it! Schedule appointments with a couple of different bridal shops so you can see a large selection. Give yourself time before you buy in order to make sure you genuinely get what you love.
12. Set Your Date
After you’ve met with venue coordinators and have considered the pros and cons of each, it will be time to book. The venue you choose will give you a list of available dates and times that you’ll be able to select from. Once you find your date, you’ll be able to get started with all the other exciting details.
13. Notify Your Wedding Party
Make sure you have set your budget prior to asking your friends/ family members to be in the wedding.
14. Book Your Photographer and Engagement Session
Your photographers are going to be one of the most important parts of your wedding day and by far the most important vendor. After all, they will capture the memories that you look back on for years to come. To get started, do research online to get an idea of their style through their portfolios. After that, set up a time to talk over the phone or in person to discuss the details. Once you do that, don’t forget to book an engagement session. This will give you a chance to see their work in real life and capture memories from a truly special time. This will also give you a chance to get to know them so you’ll be even more comfortable when they photograph your wedding!
If you are in search of a Columbus Ohio wedding photographer, Vision & Style Photography has you covered 😉 Contact us today!
15. Book Your Other Vendors
The caterer, band, florist, cinematographer, and entertainment must all be booked far in advance. If your venue doesn’t supply these, then make sure you get started early so you can focus on other things knowing these are taken care of.
Bonus tip: Check out the Ultimate Wedding Checklist
