What to Do in the First 30 Days After You Get Engaged
And planning a Charleston Wedding
First , congratulations ! This is such a happy time filled with love, joy, and anticipation for the future. But once the initial euphoria settles, you might find yourself wondering, “Now what?” Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but taking it step by step will help ensure you enjoy every moment of this beautiful journey.
Here’s a guide with essential wedding planning advice and tips to get you started in the first 30 days after getting engaged.
1. Share the News
Before you rush into wedding planning, take a moment to savor the engagement. Share the exciting news with your closest family and friends first. Consider how you’d like to announce your engagement to the wider circle—through a social media post, a small gathering, or even a fun engagement party!
2. Set a Date (or a Range)
One of the first questions people will ask is, “When’s the big day?” While you don’t need to have an exact date immediately, having a rough idea can help during the initial planning stages. Consider the season, the venue availability, and any special dates that are meaningful to you as a couple.
3. Discuss Budget
The foundation of your wedding planning should be your budget. Sit down with your partner to discuss how much you’re willing and able to spend. This will guide all other decisions, from the venue to the guest list. Remember to account for unexpected expenses by setting aside a small contingency fund.
4. Start a Guest List
Drafting a preliminary guest list will help you decide on the size of the venue and overall scale of the wedding. It doesn’t have to be final, but having a rough estimate is crucial in the early planning stages. Discuss who you’d like to invite and consider any family obligations.
5. Research Venues
Your venue will set the tone for your wedding day, so start researching locations as early as possible. Do you envision a beachside ceremony, a mountain retreat, or a glamorous ballroom? Once you’ve narrowed down your options, schedule visits to see them in person.
6. Create a Vision Board
To make your dream wedding a reality, you need to visualize it first. Create a vision board with wedding themes, color palettes, and decor ideas that resonate with your personal style. Platforms like Pinterest can be a treasure trove of inspiration.
7. Book a Photographer
Photographers can book up fast, especially ones in high demand, so it’s wise to start your search early. Look for photographers whose style matches your vision and check their availability for your chosen dates. Don’t forget to review portfolios and read reviews.
8. Choose Your Wedding Party
Decide on your bridal party and groomsmen. These are the friends and family members you want by your side throughout the planning process and on the big day. Once chosen, you can start discussing responsibilities and involving them in planning.
9. Consider Hiring a Wedding Planner
If your budget allows, hiring a wedding planner can save you time and stress. Planners bring expertise, vendor connections, and can ensure everything runs smoothly. Even if you choose not to hire one for the full planning process, consider a day-of coordinator.
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10. Explore Wedding Insurance
While not the most glamorous part of planning, wedding insurance can provide peace of mind. Look into coverage options that protect against unforeseen circumstances like venue cancellations or weather disruptions.
Planning a wedding is a memorable experience, not just a checklist of tasks. Enjoy this unique period, lean on your loved ones for support, and remember that the ultimate goal is to celebrate your love with those who matter most.
For more wedding planning tips and advice, stay tuned to our blog. Here’s to a beautiful engagement and a wonderful wedding day!
Thank you so much for stopping by our blog, we hope you found this information helpful. We want to use our blog to increase awareness and support for locally owned wedding venues. Locally owned wedding venues tend to provide a higher level of expertise, service and dedication. They also have far less turnover than corporate owned or investor owned venues. As you plan your wedding we hope you will consider a locally owned wedding venue like ours. You can find locally owned wedding venues on this wedding venue map. Below is a shout out to fellow locally owned wedding venues around the country!