Cheers to all the newly engaged couples! Before I started my travel business I planned weddings, so I love seeing all of the proposal photos after the holidays and love working with couples to plan their honeymoons, destination weddings, etc. It’s such an exciting time in life, but I realize it can also be stressful and emotional and expensive...Try your hardest to enjoy every minute of the process. Here is some advice for newly engaged couples.
1. Celebrate
Take some time to celebrate this new season of life! Plan a date at your favorite restaurant or get away for a couple nights. Refrain from discussing wedding plans and have fun!
2. Hire Professionals!
I cannot stress this enough. It will make the process so much smoother and allow you to relax on the day of your wedding. Wedding planners, photographers, travel agents, florists, videographers, stationary companies- these people are experts and help eliminate stress. Your sister’s best friend might have beautiful photos on her Instagram but that doesn’t mean you should hire her to take photos at your wedding. The photos are all you have after your big day and you will cherish them! If you are looking for a wedding planner/photographer/etc.- feel free to send me a message by dm or email. I would be more than happy to share recommendations!
3. Remember to Take Care of Your Guests
It is easy to get caught up and develop a “Me! Me! Me!” mindset. Remind yourself that your guests are spending money on gifts, travel, hotels, etc. You’ll want to show your gratitude by making them feel welcome and appreciated.
4. Don’t Be Too Trendy
I know it’s tempting, but you want to look back and like your wedding photos right?! Stay true to yourself! Think about all the cringe-worthy photos you’ve seen of weddings from the past (remember those matching mauve bridesmaids dresses from your aunt’s wedding in the 80s...).
5. Keep It All in Perspective
You are getting to marry the love of your life! You are making memories! There is no better feeling than getting married and having all of the people you love in one place! While you are engaged- wake up every morning and write down 3 things you are grateful for. This will help you stay focused on what is important.
6. Stay Focused on Each Other During Your Wedding Weekend
You’ll be pulled in every direction and everyone wants a bit of your time. Never be rude, but you want to make sure that you have memories with your spouse. Dance! Let loose! Be in love! You’ll regret missing these moments to have a 30 minute chat with your Great Aunt about her Alaskan cruise.
7. Remember to Be Kind
Be kind to your fiance. Be kind to your family. Be kind to your bridal party. Be kind to yourself. Be kind to your wedding vendors!
8. Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff
Shit happens. Don’t let it ruin this experience. Trust me, nobody will notice that the ribbon tying your program together is ecru instead of taupe.
9. Stay Away from DIY and Pinterest Projects
Trust me when I say this is not the time to start 193739 DIY projects. Even if you are great at crafting this is added stress and you and your family/friends don’t need to be running around decorating during your wedding weekend- you need to be present. If you are doing DIY projects- do them several months in advance and pass them off to your wedding planner/someone at your venue to set-up on the day of. If you aren’t great at crafts but are wanting to save money consider this equation: cost of DIY project gone wrong + cost of hiring a professional to do the project > cost of hiring a professional to do the project.
10. Get Things Tailored
Whether it is your rehearsal dinner outfit, your wedding dress, your tux, etc.- it ALWAYS looks better when it is tailored to your body. Grooms- buy your suit/tux instead of renting one so you can have it tailored. You don’t want to look like you have borrowed your dad’s old clothes. You will be in lots of pictures and you want to make sure you look your best!
Happy planning!
Alex