You may be feeling a little overwhelmed right now, and wondering what comes next… Have no fear, I’ll guide you through the first few steps you should/could take as an engaged couple.
First off, congratulations! This is one heck of an exciting time, and you’re no doubt feeling a huge range of emotions right now. From elation and euphoria, to shock and jubilation. And if it’s OK, if when asking yourself, ‘I’m engaged, now what?’, you feel a hint of trepidation too. Of course, overwhelmingly, I’m sure you’re felling overjoyed about the engagement. But if there’s a small part of you that’s just a bit nervous about what to do next, and what’s expected of you, that’s totally understandable. You’re not alone.
When you transition from your past normality, into this new world where you’re suddenly planning a wedding, it can come as a bit of a shock. Not only that, but the person you were dating a few days ago, is now soon to be your legal partner. That’s a big (amazing) deal, and something that can take a beat or two to get used to.
Today, I’m going to guide you through those first few stages of wedding planning, and not-so-wedding-planning. To help you answer the question, ‘I’m engaged, now what?’, with a little more confidence, and a spring in your step.
Now I’m Engaged, What Do I Do?
Let the Moment Soak in
When tackling the question of what to do once you’re engaged, the advice typically given is to get on with this or that planning task. But for me, I believe the first stage of wedding planning should be about enjoying the moment. All being well, you’re never going to feel like you’re feeling right now ever again. Therefore, this is a time that should be cherished.
Be secretly engaged for a while. Enjoy having a little secret that only you and your other half knows. And embrace not having to do any wedding planning for a week or two!
Discuss Your Wedding Goals
Don’t be one of those couples who get 6 months deep into the wedding planning process, only to realize they want two completely different things from their celebration. It can be so frustrating, and totally unlike the collaborative experience big day planning should be.
Talk now, ask each other the big questions, and openly discuss during the early part of your engagement what you both envision your wedding day to be like. When, where, what, how big and do you even want a typical wedding? All questions that you should honestly ask each other before you go any further.
Share the News with Your World
Now you’ve revelled in the moment, and you’ve decided on the most important aspects of your celebration. It’s time to share the news. Start with those who are most dear to you. For many that is family, but if for you, your closest loved ones are friends, then start with them. Just try to think about who wouldn’t want to find out via Facebook, and tell those guys first!
Once you’ve told the ones who matter most, create a fun ‘I’m engaged’ selfie for Instagram, and hit post!
Get that Rock Insured & Re-sized
This may not be the most fun thing to do during the early stages of your engagement, but trust me, it’s necessary. Just imagine if that new piece of shiny jewellery slips off your finger while you’re out and about doing your chores, and you never find it again. It would be heartbreaking. Be responsible now, and your future self will thank you later.
Set a Budget
Another not crazily exciting task, but again, a vital one. Together, you must openly discuss how much you want and can spend on this wedding. And determine whether you’ll be financing it alone, or with help from family.
Cementing a budget while newly engaged will help you no end in determining how many people you can invite, when the big day should be, and how big you can go on certain aspects of the celebration.
Book an Engagement Shoot
Good wedding photographers are worth every cent, and during peak time (May – September), they could be booked up a year or two in advance. Therefore, it’s important to find the perfect photographer as soon as possible. Additionally, having an engagement shoot is a wonderful way to practice being yourself in front of the camera, way before you have to do it on your wedding day.
Before you started wedding planning, you may have thought that loved up engagement photos were not for you. But trust me, as an experienced wedding photographer in Kitchener/Waterloo, I’ve seen first hand how even the most dubious of couples love their ‘I’m engaged’ photos! They are an incredible keepsake, and a great way for you to really get to know your photographer. Which is vital, as you’ll need to place all of your trust in that person or team.
I hope this quick guide has helped calm any ‘just engaged’ nerves you may have had. It would be an honour to continue guiding you, and actually become a part of your wedding adventure. As a wedding photographer, I have shot over 300 weddings, not just in Kitchener/Waterloo, but all over the world. And every photograph I’ve taken was with the upmost care for my couples, and enormous pride at being able to capture such a timeless memory for them.
You are welcome to browse my various portfolios, and if you like what you see, please take a look at my packages page, where you’ll find a breakdown of my investment services. For any questions, or queries about pricing, or anything at all, feel free to get in touch via my contact page.
