When a person says yes to a marriage proposal, they are ready to begin planning the wedding immediately. They glow from head to toe and cannot wait to share their special day with family and friends. This moment is the beginning of a new chapter in their life, one that will last forever.
However, this period can often be overwhelming. The bridal jewelry must be selected, a venue secured, a menu planned, and the list goes on and on. Where should the happy couple start the planning process? What steps should they take?
Relax and Enjoy One Another
Take a moment to relax and enjoy one another before sharing the news with family and friends or on social media. There is no need to begin planning immediately after the proposal.
Take some time to celebrate your love, as things will get hectic in the coming weeks and months. Now is also a good time to start a wedding journal. This journal should do more than hold ideas about the wedding day. It should also detail the emotions that accompany this significant life step and include memories of the process.
Look at the Big Picture
Don’t get bogged down in the details as soon as the planning process begins. Sit down together and establish a budget for the wedding and reception. Set aside funds for the honeymoon, so it doesn’t get overlooked.
Determine whether the ceremony will be big or small and when it might be held. There’s no need to set a date. Pick a season and throw out a few possible dates as a starting point.
Get a rough estimate of how many people might be invited, as this number will impact many other decisions as the process moves forward. Create a vision board you can both add to as you come across ideas for the wedding.
Begin Booking Wedding Elements
Determine whether a wedding planner will be used and begin booking vendors. Start with the venue, as these book up quickly. A photographer and videographer are needed, and the wedding won’t take place without an officiant.
Research and visit several florists and caterers to find the right teams for the event. Now is also the time to choose the wedding party so that they can help with the planning and preparations.
Wedding Apparel
Start the search for wedding apparel early. When a dress is needed for the event, it should be chosen nine to 12 months before the wedding so it can be fitted and altered.
The dress should make a bride feel romantic, confident, and powerful. It should fit her perfectly, both literally and figuratively.
Plan the Details
Once the venue and date are secured, determine who will be on the guest list and send out “save the dates”. Determine whether it will be a civil or religious ceremony.
Choose a color theme, pick the flowers, and book rentals. Choose a cake and menu, and begin writing personalized vows, if desired.
Incorporate small, meaningful elements into the ceremony. Create a schedule to complete these tasks and stick with it to avoid becoming overwhelmed.
Make Time for Each Other
Throughout this process, make time for one another. Set aside one night a week to reconnect without discussing the wedding. Focus on why you love one another, as that is the most important thing.
Your relationship is what matters, so make that the focal point from the proposal to when you say, “I do.”