CONGRATU-freaking-LATIONS! You’re engaged. I know you must have a lot on your mind and soooooo so much to think about… I made this handy post to help you figure out the most important things to do when you get engaged!
1. Set a budget and start figuring out what style you want your wedding to be.
This one is probably the most stressful — wedding prices can add up quick! From the major expenses like dress and venue to the little ones like table décor and favors, there are many costs to factor into your budget. The sooner you set a budget with your fiancée, the easier it will be to stick to. Figure out your top three most important expenses and then go from there, prioritizing things and figuring out where you may be able to cut costs. Head over to my blog post on cutting costs at your wedding to get some ideas on how to do that!
2. Pick a photographer.
There are SO many options you have when you’re deciding on a photographer, especially here in Utah. Usually you will want to have the same photographer for your engagements and wedding, so this is one of the first choices you should make. Remember that you want to find someone who you mesh with— after all, you’ll be spending your wedding day with them and communicating a lot beforehand. Take time to find the right photographer and research what the average cost of wedding photography is in your area so you know what to expect. Do some Google research for photographers in your area and try to be as specific as possible. Other places to search are Instagram (search #(YourLocation)WeddingPhotographers) and local wedding websites. Here in Utah we have UtahBrides.co as well as UtahValleyBride.com. Here are some other things you need to think about and ask before officially choosing a photographer:
- What style you want your pictures to be
- Decide if you want someone who mainly focuses on getting “the perfect pose”, or if you want a more documentary-style photographer. Both are great, it’s just up to you to decide your personal preference!
- What type of editing you prefer
- Some examples include a high-fashion look, dark & moody tones, and light & airy tones. Ask to see the photographer’s portfolio before booking to be positive their photos will be the right style for you.
- How professional is the photographer
- DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS! Do they use contracts? Do they have a back-up plan in case they are suddenly unable to make it? How much experience do they have photographing weddings?
- Travel fees & if they’re included
- You might find your dream photographer but they live somewhere else. That’s alright! Most wedding photographers travel and would love to do your wedding even if you live in a different state or even a different country. Make sure if you find a photographer who will be traveling to you that you discuss travel fees and whether they’re included in the cost of the wedding.
- Turnaround time
- When do you want to get your wedding pictures back? Some photographers will have your wedding sent to you in a few weeks while others may take six months. Make sure you talk about this and are comfortable with the photographer’s answer before going forward. Remember: if you’re unhappy with the answer now, you’ll be even more unhappy when you don’t get your pictures when you want them.
- Primary and second shooters
- Will the photographer be the one photographing your day or will it be an associate? If they’ll be doing it, do they have an assistant or second photographer that will be working with them?
3. Insure your ring and get it sized!
This is something many people don’t think of right away. Nothing can replace the sentimental value of your ring, but if something happens to it, at least you can get your (or his) money back. If you have home owner's or renter's insurance, call to add the ring to your policy. You may need an official appraisal before you can officially add the ring, so call the insurance broker to see what paperwork is required.
Your ring is perfect in every way, except for the wiggle room (or maybe it's a little tight and turning your fingertip a not-so-Tiffany-blue). Get it resized ASAP— after all, you'll be showing it to everyone and the last thing you want is to lose it an hour after you get it. The process can take just a few hours or, at most, a few days.
4. Set a date, even if it isn't THE date.
After 'Congratulations' and 'Let me see your ring' the next question people tend to ask is 'When is the wedding?' It will save you lots of headaches if you give them a vague-yet-specific answer like, 'We're thinking early 2020' or 'We like the idea of a summer wedding' People appreciate being in the loop and it will put the event in their mental calendar.
5. Take time to breathe.
This one is very important mentally. Amidst all the planning and figuring out guest lists etc. it's important to take time with just you and your fiancé. Take a spa day, go hiking, whatever relieves your stress, DO IT! Then you'll be refreshed and ready to dive back in.
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