So, you are looking down at that sparkler on your left hand right now. Are you one of the 40% of engaged couples that said Yes during the months of November to February? Did you know that all you lovely ladies that got engaged during those months have a 17% chance of being engaged on the same day?? Yeah, you read that right, 17% of all engagements within those months happen on the same days… which days you might ask? As you can imagine the holidays, most being Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and Valentine’s Day. I always love scrolling through my Facebook and Instagram feeds around this time and seeing all the gorgeous sparkling new rings on those left ring hand fingers. Seriously, some of these newer ring styles are beyond swoon-worthy!

After the shock of what just happens starts to fade and wind down the next thought that you likely think is, “OMG, what do I do next? Where do I start, what should I be doing and where do I even find said information on this?” Well, I am here to help. Below I have compiled a list of the top 5 – Okay 7 things that you should do after you have said YES!

Top 5 things to do after you said YES!

Celebrate

The most obvious thing (which is why I am not including it in my 5). Take time to celebrate the fact that you are GETTING MARRIED! GIRL, for real… enjoy staring at that sparkler on your finger, revel in the fact that you are about to be going from a Miss to MRS soon. BUT most importantly that you are about to marry your BFF and LOVE! Once you decide and only when you and your fiancé decide it’s time to begin the planning move on to the next and first step.

What type of Bride

This will help with step two… Before any planning starts, you need to first know what type of wedding you want. I suggest deciding what type of bride you want to be. What do I mean by that? Is there a type of bride? Yes, in a sense there are a few types. There is a traditional bride, destination or elopement, or a mix of both. A traditional bride would be what you would think most of when you think of a wedding. Many friends and family in attendance, a ceremony, reception with dinner and the formal dances, cake, flowers, bridal party, etc. A destination bride would be a bride that is doing a wedding in a location different from where she lives or where her family lives. For instance, going to Florida to get married on the beach when you live in Ohio (ps. I did that) or going to Italy and getting married at a vineyard (someone please do this and bring me). Destination weddings can be full-scale weddings or they can be more elopement style with a small intimate guest list. Then there is Elopements, these are typically done somewhere you and your fiancé feel passionate about and are either done with only you, your photographers and officiant or only a handful of VIP guest (parents, siblings, grandparents). Once you know more about the total feel and vibe you want you’ll have a better grasp on the next step.

Money, Money, Money

The next and most awkward step (because when isn’t talking money awkward) is to sit down with your fiancé, and respective parents and discuss a budget. Discuss what your wedding vision is with both and be realistic in what is needed.  Per the Brides.com, the national average cost for a traditional wedding is well over $40,000.

National Averages: https://www.brides.com/story/american-wedding-study-how-much-average-wedding-2018-cost

If you are going the traditional route, which 80% of couples do, now is the best time to discuss what vendors take priority over others, especially if you have a smaller budget. Do you value having photos to remember the day and the feeling of the wedding for years to come?  Is the DJ or Band the most important part so your friends and family can party the night away?  Do you want the best food money can buy? Do you need top-shelf liquor? These are questions you’ll want to ask and discuss with your fiancé while setting the budget. Also, keep in mind 45% of couples underestimate the true cost of services and products per WeddingWire.

You can read more about it here! https://go.weddingwire.com/newlywed-report

Book your venue

Now that you have your total wedding budget figured out the next decision is probably the most important one. Booking your wedding venue. The wedding venue can set the tone for your entire wedding day. Also, once you secure your venue you will have an official wedding date locked in.

Book the rest of your vendor team

Once you secure your wedding date you can begin the process of booking the rest of your VIP wedding vendor team. The best advice we can give about finding a vendor is first to speak with your venue. Most venues have a list of vendors they love working with, as will your other vendors. It’s always a good idea to book vendors that recommend each other and work together regularly. This way you know you are getting only the best! It is also helpful to ask friends that have had a great experience with their wedding day vendors for recommendations. Make sure you prioritize your vendors and book those you want as soon as you can so you don’t miss out on working with a dream vendor. Up until this point, your wedding day may be the most important day of your life, don’t skimp on the vendors that can make or break your wedding day.

Wedding Party

If you plan on having a bridal party now is the time to start to make your list of who you want in your wedding. BE PICKY! Often we go to weddings to only find out that our bride wasn’t picky enough on who she had in her party out of fear of making someone upset. Your wedding day is a BIG day and these ladies/men are going to be in your photos forever. They are also going to be there with you during one of the most important times in your life. We recommend only including the most important people to you.  Being a bridesmaid or groomsmen can be expensive for those in the wedding, it can also make for a long day so trust us when we say they may be sad or mad for a hot minute but they will understand. This day is about you and your fiancé, include those people that will ensure you have the best day possible.

HAVE FUN

Lastly, HAVE FUN! This season of life will go by in the blink of an eye. Trust us when we say you will miss your season of engagement once you are married and the planning and prepping is done and over. During the planning, it will seem overwhelming and exhausting at times. But you know what, you will miss it once it’s done. All those months of planning will happen in one day and then poof that’s it! You’re married and that’s it. Remember, your day will be as perfect as you make it be. Enjoy your time being engaged. Go on regular dates together (no wedding talk, seriously none), have fun together and make this season of your life an enjoyable one.

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