The holidays are over and you’re engaged”... Congrats! Now it’s time to plan. With more than 16% of couples becoming engaged during the winter holiday months, the new year can bring the stressful task of wedding planning. These simple tips will help get you moving in the right direction.
First, create a plan. As a newly engaged couple, you should write down what you want from your wedding. Envision the perfect day, from start to finish, and make note of everything that will be required to make it happen! Definitely reach for the stars, but set reasonable goals. Target dates and deadlines are also important, so be sure to stick to them because having a plan will make the process a lot easier.
Second, develop a wedding budget. This task is usually the hardest, but is often most important in planning an event of this significance. You, your fiancé and your families should know how much money there is to spend and who is contributing. Also, spend time deciding how much you’ll spend on each of the wedding expenses (wedding attire, catering, favors, venue rentals, etc.) A spreadsheet will be essential for tracking expenses and staying on top of your budget.
Next, identify an expert that knows the ins and outs of the wedding industry to help execute your vision. Hiring someone that’s familiar with your venue and location is a plus. No worries if you don’t have money in the budget for a planner, the Internet is a great resource.
Although it may not seem like a must-do as soon as you’re engaged, picking a wedding party early on is important. Choose wisely because these people will be with you from start to finish. Your wedding party should consist of dependable and positive people that only want the best for you and your soon-to-be spouse.
Finally, in the midst of planning your dream day, don’t forget about what’s most important”... your marriage! Take a few pre-marital counseling classes so that you and your fiancé have an idea of what’s in store for the rest of your lives. The wedding is just the beginning.
No matter what, don’t forget to enjoy yourself. Black love is important. Celebrate it!
Happy planning!
If you’re a DC-metro bride and interested in speaking with a wedding professional, visit www.engaged-nowwhat.com.