You Just Got Engaged! Congratulations! How exciting!
What should you do first? You’ve been waiting for this moment for so long! First, enjoy every moment of it. Take it all in. This is such an exciting time in your life, and everything goes by so fast, take a minute to just be happy.
Now, after you text all your friends, and broadcast it on Facebook, I want you realize that some people aren’t going to be happy for you. Just ignore them. It has nothing to do with you, and it is their own issue. Don’t get mad, or upset, just be happy.
So, what should you do?
1) Go get a manicure…stat! Everyone is going to ask you to see your ring, you want to make sure you have perfectly manicured nails!
2) Think about the wedding, but don’t talk about plans yet with your fiance for at least a week. He just got done proposing, give him a few days to let it settle in.
3) Plan an engagement party! This will be your first of many celebrations, and whether its a small party or a bigger affair, you definitely want to do something to celebrate.
4) Register. This part is fun, go to your favorite stores, and register for what you want. Your family and friends might want to buy you a gift to congratulate you!
Some of my favorite places and things to register for:
5) Set a budget. If you have no idea. Start researching what everything costs, band vs. DJ, Flowers, etc. Weddings are not cheap, so be prepared for that, and take a deep breath. Figure out who is paying for what. Traditionally, the bride’s parents pay for most of the wedding, but its 2012…those are ancient traditions.
6) Figure out when you want to get married. You can’t set a date, until you know where you’re getting married and their availability, but, do you want a Fall wedding? Winter Wedding? Spring Wedding? Summer Wedding? Hint. Sometimes if you book within 6 months, you can get better rates, than when you wait a year.
7) Start Dress Shopping. Its overwhelming and fun at the same time.
8) Ask the Groom what he cares most about. He might not care about flower colors (yay, you can make that decision alone), but he might really want a band vs. a DJ. Talk to him and see what his non negotiables are.
9) Draft a guest list. You don’t need everyone on there, but in general will your wedding be 100 people or 300?
10) Have Fun. Being engaged and planning a wedding is fun. If it’s not, take a step back and breathe. If you get stressed out planning, think about hiring a wedding planner or coordinator to help you. You want the day to come and go without a hitch. Think about everything you want, and try to get it. Sure, maybe doves flying after you say I do will be cut from the list, but you’ll be surprised how much you can do.
Congratulations! If you need help planning, email me.
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Limor is an on-air lifestyle and entertaining expert. She loves to share her favorite finds and recipes.