7 Things to do Immediately After Getting Engaged
Beau just popped the question, and you said “Yes”! So what happens next? First and foremost, you should share the news, and celebrate, with friends and family. Spend adequate time enjoying this huge stage in your life – and book that all-important engagement session. Afterwards, there are several steps that newly engaged couples should take to get the ball rolling in the direction of the big day. Some tasks can wait, while others should not. Keep reading to learn what every couple should do following a recent engagement.
- Pick a Date
Although most couples plan at least a year out, setting a date is of crucial importance for all of the steps that follow. If you are leaving ample time between your engagement and marriage, say over 2 years, then you have a little more leeway. However, remember that the earlier out you pick a date, the wider selection you have when it comes to venues and vendors. Some dates are more popular than others, and vary by location and season. We recommend you set aside time to research as a couple, and determine a year, season, and specific date.
- Set a Budget
Planning a cost effective wedding is the goal of most brides and grooms, and you will be glad to know it is possible. Achieving this goal starts with setting a budget. Before you even start considering how much you have to spend, you need to address who is contributing. You don’t want to count your eggs, only to learn that dad or grandma have more chickens to add to the coop. Albeit uncomfortable, get this step out of the way first. Then, decide on a maximum cumulative budget, and write it down. Share the final amount with someone that you trust, and will be with you throughout most of the planning process, to help keep you accountable.
- Hire Vendors
Once you have a budget, you can begin breaking it down into smaller amounts and setting caps for specific expenses. This is when you may consider hiring a wedding planner, or purchasing a budgeting book. Vendors go fast, especially the good ones, so it is important that you set aside time to research, visit and compare, as early as possible. If you think you already know what you want, meet or inquire about a minimum of two other vendors. This way, you will have insight into offers and services you may not have known you were missing out on, can compare pricing, and will have a back up. Doing so is the best way to avoid buyers remorse, and avoid disappointment when your first pick is already booked.
- Pick your Wedding Party
One of the most exciting parts of getting engaged, is asking the people you care about the most to stand by your side. You should do this step early on, so that you can begin getting everything selected for their wedding day ensemble and arrange the ceremony. The earlier the better, so that you have plenty of time to get creative with your proposals. If they accept, it will even allow them to be a part of the planning process ‒ if they so choose. Considering they have a party of their own to plan, they will appreciate the promptness.
- Draft a Guest List
A dreaded step in the wedding planning process, drafting a guest list can be a bit of a buzz kill. Couples have to be patient when completing the list, as it takes a lot of time, and requires a little fine-tuning. Before you begin compiling the list, speak to both sets of parents and grandparents. They may wish to invite people that you may or may not personally know. Allowing them to do so shows that you care about and invite their input, and want them to have their support system. After you have created an initial list of names, compile phone numbers or addresses for future reference. This will make sending save the dates, and wedding invitations simpler. You can even leave a space to write what gift you received from each guest, for a personal touch in the thank you letters.
- Start Dress and Suit Shopping
Get your group together, cause it’s time to go shopping! Finding the perfect dress and suit, that appeals to both your wedding theme and personal taste, can be difficult. These things take time, and the more the better. Some dress shops make their products to order, or have waiting periods. Meaning, if you wait until you are two months out and they do not have your dress on the floor, you will have to look elsewhere. Even if you order in advance, expect the unexpected. Tailoring may be necessary, or you may change your mind. Prevent stressing yourself out, and book an appointment as soon as everyone in your wedding party has confirmed. Then, you will be able to knock out your own dress or suit, and everyone else’s, in one trip.
- Buy and Insure your Rings
Similar to purchasing a wedding dress or suit, wedding rings require ample time to locate and order. If you wait too long, they may not make it in time. However, purchasing rings includes an extra step. Depending on their value, you may decide that you would like to insure them. This sets up an extra safety net, outside of the warranty likely included with purchase, in case of loss, damage, or theft. Do a little research, and consider whether this is a necessary step that you, or your spouse, would like to take.
At Pine Lake Ranch, we are excited to help you proceed from your engagement to marriage. From the minute you arrive at the venue, to the precious moment when you say ‘I do’ under our magical oak tree, your wedding day exceeds the ordinary. View our wedding packages today, to learn about our premier venue located in Houston, Texas, and the services we offer. We are ready to get started, are you? Contact us before our books are filled!