The First Three Things You Should Do When You Get Engaged
Getting engaged is one of the most exciting moments in life, marking the beginning of a new chapter filled with love, commitment, and, of course, wedding planning! Once the engagement bliss sets in, it's easy to feel overwhelmed with all the things that need to be done. But don’t worry – here are the first three things you should focus on after getting engaged to help ease into this exciting journey.
1. Celebrate and Soak It In
Before diving into any planning, take time to simply enjoy the moment. This is a special time for you and your partner, and it's important to soak in the joy and excitement.
Call or visit close friends and family to share the news.
Have a small celebration, whether it’s just the two of you or a gathering with your loved ones.
Consider snapping some candid photos or scheduling a professional engagement photo shoot to capture the joy of the moment.
This time is about celebrating your love and commitment, so don’t rush ahead too quickly into the planning stages. Enjoy the thrill and let it sink in!
2. Set the Tone for the Wedding
After the initial excitement, have an open conversation with your partner about the kind of wedding you both envision. This is the time to start outlining your wedding vision before getting into the nitty-gritty details.
Discuss the type of wedding: Do you both want a large traditional wedding or something more intimate? Indoor or outdoor? Destination or local?
Talk about your priorities: What aspects of the wedding are most important to you? This could be the venue, the guest list, food, or entertainment.
Create a preliminary guest list: Having an idea of how many people you want to invite can impact your venue choices and budget.
Setting the tone together will ensure you are on the same page as you start planning. This step will help guide many of your future decisions.
3. Set a Budget
One of the most important things you can do early on is set a budget. Weddings can be expensive, so it's crucial to figure out what you’re both comfortable spending before diving into planning.
Talk about finances: Discuss how much each of you can contribute and whether family members will be helping out. Be realistic about what you can afford.
Research average costs: Look into the average costs of weddings in your area or for your desired type of wedding to get a better understanding of what to expect.
Consider the cost per guest: A helpful way to break down your budget is by estimating the cost per guest. In the U.S., the average cost per wedding guest can range from $250 to $350, depending on factors like catering, venue, and entertainment. This can help you refine your guest list and prioritize spending.
Prioritize your spending: After setting a ballpark budget, consider which elements are most important to you and allocate more of your budget to those areas.
Having a clear budget from the start will prevent future stress and ensure you focus on what truly matters to you as a couple.
Conclusion
Getting engaged is a magical time, and while it can be tempting to dive headfirst into planning, these first three steps will set the foundation for a smoother, more enjoyable journey. Celebrate the moment, align on your vision, and set a budget – everything else will fall into place!