Guest Post BY Wedding Blogger Elena Zimmerman of Love and Lavender
As I stood in front of the Christmas tree, surrounded by the twinkling lights and the festive decorations, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and joy. It was Christmas evening, and my loved ones all gathered to celebrate the holiday season.
While I was stuffing myself with the oliebollen that my Dutch great aunt Floortje makes every year for Christmas, I felt a tingling on my shoulder. I turned around and found my boyfriend down on one knee, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small velvet box.
"Honey," he said, looking up at me with a warm smile on his face. "I love you more than life itself. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
I couldn't believe what was happening. Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked down at him, feeling overwhelmed with emotion.
"Yes," I managed to whisper, my voice shaking with happiness, and oliebollen crumbles falling down my chin. "Yes, I will marry you."
He slipped a beautiful diamond ring onto my finger and stood up, pulling me into a warm embrace. Our family and friends erupted into cheers and applause, and I couldn't stop grinning from ear to ear.
It was the most magical Christmas evening I had ever experienced. As we celebrated our engagement with loved ones, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the love and joy that filled my heart. It was a moment I would always treasure, and one that I knew would be etched in my memory forever.
Okay guys, now you can stop cringing - we can all agree that as sweet as this proposal was, it was also kind of cheesy.
One thing is certain - now I have a wedding to plan. And I dont even know where to start.
If youre in a similar situation and need advice on planning your wedding, then youre in the right place. Keep reading to find out the best tips and tricks for newly engaged.
Set a budget (and stick to it)
Budget is one of the most important things to consider when planning a wedding. This will help guide many of your decisions about the wedding, including the size of the event, the location, and the type of vendors you can afford to hire. Determine how much you and your partner are comfortable spending and use that as a guide for all of your planning decisions. I have a friend that went a little overboard with her spendings and ended up selling her engagement ring in order to pay for her wedding. Stick to your budget to make sure you dont end up in that situation.
Set a date
This will help you start to solidify your plans and give you a timeline to work with. Keep in mind that certain venues and vendors may be more in demand on certain dates, so you may need to be flexible. This means that your wedding might not be during the weekend. A lot of couples choose their big day to be on a weekday due to the high demand for certain venues and lower prices. This brings us to our next point.
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Dress Research
Scrap that jumbled Pinterest that youve been slowly adding to the last few years and start fresh with a clean board. Only pin things that you could actually see yourself wearing. Resist the urge to pin something just because you like an element in the photo. Start to pay attention to the gowns youre gravitating the most to are they all ball gowns? Are they all clean and simple? So often women arrive at their bridal shopping appointment and say I have no idea. I am really open to the style, when really their Pinterest or their saved photos are all very directional. Next is your bridal shop research. Ideally, shopping at only 1-2 stores is the most stress-free way to go.
Determine your guest list
The guest list is an important aspect of wedding planning, as it will impact everything from the venue to the budget. Determine how many people you want to invite and create a spreadsheet to track your RSVPs. This will help you stay organized and on top of things as the wedding approaches. Be sure to consider factors like family dynamics, guest preferences, and budget when making your list.
Choose a venue
Choosing the right venue for your wedding is an important decision that can help set the tone for your big day. Make sure the venue can accommodate the number of people you plan to invite. Tour the venue and schedule a visit to get a feel for the space and make sure it meets your needs. Also, look for reviews from previous clients to get an idea of the venue's reputation.
Choose a theme
Do you envision a formal event, or something more laid-back and casual? Choose a venue that matches your desired atmosphere. Gather inspiration and ideas for your big day. Look through magazines, Pinterest, and wedding blogs to get a sense of the style and theme you want for your big day. Consider factors like the time of year and the overall vibe you want to create. This will help narrow down your options and make the planning process feel more focused and manageable.
Start looking for a photographer and videographer
It's a good idea to book these vendors early, as they tend to get booked up quickly. Look for photographers and videographers who have experience shooting weddings, as they will have a better understanding of how to capture the special moments of your day. Review their portfolios to get an idea of their style and the quality of their work. It's a good idea to meet them in person to get a feel for their personalities and make sure you feel comfortable working with them.
Choose a DJ or band
Think about the type of music that you and your guests enjoy, and choose a DJ or band that can play a variety of genres to appeal to everyone. Check out the DJ or band's website or social media accounts to get a feel for their style and the types of events they typically play. This will help you determine if its a good fit for your bug day.
Delegate tasks
This is super important - you cant plan everything on your own as planning a wedding can be a lot of work. So it's okay to ask for help. Consider delegating tasks to your wedding party or close family members to take some of the pressure off of you and allow you to enjoy the planning process. This could include things like addressing invitations, coordinating transportation, or assisting with vendor communications.
Hire a wedding planner
If the idea of planning a wedding feels overwhelming, consider hiring a professional wedding planner to help you manage all of the details and make the process more seamless. Wedding planners have experience and expertise in all aspects of wedding planning and can take a lot of the stress off of you.
In conclusion, planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but with a little bit of organization and some helpful tips and tricks, you can make the process a lot smoother. If you don't follow a plan and miss important details, it could lead to a variety of issues on your big day. For example, you could end up overspending and causing financial stress, the venue could be booked for the wrong date, vendors could not show up, or the guest list could be incomplete. By following a plan and staying organized, you can avoid these potential problems and have a smooth and stress-free wedding planning experience.
xoxo, Elena