You're Engaged! The Next Steps
Are you newly engaged over the holiday season? Well, first let us say, “Congratulations!” It is one of the most exciting time in any couples life. While you might have been together for years or just a few months, the newness of an engagement sparks a myriad of emotions that leave you on Cloud Nine, ready to leap head first into the next steps. And whether you are ready to plan a black-tie affair or a cross-country elopement, we have some wonderful tips and advice to help you get started on your first steps after engagement.
TIP: A spreadsheet can be really helpful in this situation. Keeping it in a shared drive that both you and your fiance can easily pull up and make adjustments to is also a good idea.
Create a Budget
It might seem like a no-brainer, but talking about the finances is one of the first steps you should make when starting the wedding planning process. And when we say “Create a Budget,” we mean really looking at ALL of the numbers. Many times we meet with clients who when asked about a stationery budget they reply, “We don’t really know,” or “We haven’t really thought about it,” or “We aren’t really sure, what’s normal?” All understandable statements, but definitely things you want to think through BEFORE sitting down with anyone (including florists, planners, catering, etc.). Do some research, and we mean LOTS of research, about different suggested budgets, look things up and see what average costs are, etc. For YEARS, many wedding websites have said things like 10% or even 5% of your budget should be earmarked for stationery. Dig a little deeper and see if that is realistic by browsing websites, asking questions and more.
TIP: Download our guest list form to easily keep track of all your guests information!
2. Start Your Guest List
It might seem early to think about the guest list right away, but in all reality, it drives everything for the day. Many couples will estimate a very high number of “potential” guests at first but then once they sit down and begin determining specifics, that number will dwindle faster than you think. Often times we have clients that estimate they will need to send 200-300 invitations, when in reality that gets whittled down to 125. This will help you determine more accurate catering costs, venue space, and more! Here is a great spreadsheet that we give to all of our wedding clients to help easily house your guests information in an easy-to-use and print format.
TIP: Go prepared with a list of questions, keeping in mind your budgets and any specific requirements that you have.
3. Determine Your Location
Again, it might seem early, but good venues book up fast! We suggest picking your favorites and scheduling some appointments sooner than later. We also highly recommend going in with an open mind when it comes to your wedding date. If you LOVE your venue but there is only one date left, don’t take it off the table unless it’s truly a deal breaker! Keep in mind your budget, the number of guests that you plan to invite, your catering options (if you have a specific caterer in mind, make sure they have privileges to work at your venue), and your decorating options. For example, many venues may not allow open flame candles, etc. Keep those options in mind as you visit your locations.
TIP: Check out our ready-to-send Save the Dates in The Collection.
4. Send Your Save the Dates
Finally, it’s never too early to send a Save the Date. We always recommend about 9-12 months in advance, but if you have these initial steps nailed down, go ahead and let your guests know. Keep in mind that some details about your big day may fluctuate or change between now and then. But if you know your wedding date and a general location (even if it’s just a city and state), that is all your need to get started on your Save the Dates. Check out some of these ready-to-send Save the Dates in The Collection.