The Best Advice for Newly Engaged Couples
Photographer: Moonstone Photography
Congratulations on your engagement! There is nothing quite as exciting as those first few months of being engaged - between getting to call your partner fiance, starting to plan your wedding, and just enjoying your newfound status as “engaged.”
But, before you start spreading the news and begin planning, it’s important to be on the same page - here is some advice every newly engaged couple should hear before tying the knot!
Know Your Partner’s Bucket List
While you’re entering into a partnership, it’s important to note that you are still your own person. Make sure you and your partner talk through what’s important to both of you, what your dreams and goals are and ultimately what you want out of life.
Decide the Budget
Ah the not-so-fun part of wedding planning - and honestly, the not-so-fun part of any relationship - deciding on a budget. Ensure you and your partner are on the same page about your overall budget as well as individual budgets such as the venue, the caterer, music, etc. If you sent a budget first, it’ll help your wedding planner find you the best vendors and venues in your price range as well as minimize additional stress that comes with wedding planning.
Consider Hiring a Wedding Planner
To make both your lives easier, consider hiring a wedding planner sooner rather than later. Planning a wedding can be a full-time job on top of your actual full-time job so working with a wedding planner can minimize stress and help streamline the planning process. Not only that, it will allow you and your partner to spend more time together and not get bogged down by wedding planning details.
What’s Your Color Palette?
Make sure you’re on the same page regarding the color palette - otherwise you’ll keep going back and forth, delaying any decisions on flowers, decor, etc. If you don’t agree on a color, try to compromise and incorporate small touches such as in the invitations, flowers, or even the attire.
Solidify Your Guest List Sooner Rather than Later
Another point of possible contention is creating the guest list. You may want an intimate wedding while your partner prefers to invite the whole family. However, it’s important to be on the same page as the guest list will determine other wedding-day decisions. For example, figure out if you’d rather have a small ceremony and big reception, a small ceremony and reception, or a big ceremony and a big reception.
Book Earlier than You Think
Procrastination can make or break your wedding planning - book the venue, vendors, room accommodations, etc., further in advance than you think to avoid any additional hassles. The last thing you need is to hear your dream venue is already booked because you waited to lock it down.
Trust Your Vendors
We know it’s hard to let go of control, especially when it comes to planning one of the biggest days of your life. However, trusting your vendors is one of the best things you can do for your big day. You don’t want to get caught up in all the minor details that prevent you from enjoying not only your wedding day, but the entire planning process.
Listen to Your Photographer
Your photographer is an expert for a reason! Make sure they weigh in on your start time and overall timeline to ensure your lighting will be perfect and the overall ambiance of your big day is perfect. Also, hire your photographer early! On par with securing your wedding venue, you’ll want to hire your photographer earlier than you think. Make sure your photographer fits with both of your styles as they’ll determine the entire vibe of your wedding photos!
Savor Every Moment
We saved the best for last - enjoy every single moment of your engagement. Yes there will be stress, things will probably go wrong, but you’ll never get this time back with your significant other. Savor the little moments and remember you’re celebrating the love you have for each other!