Newly engaged? What's next?

Makeup | 14.01.2022

Congratulations to all you Beautiful Brides to be!

You're newly engaged and eager to dive into planning the details of the big day. Before you get overwhelmed by the choices, costs and innumerable possibilities, read these tips that just may help.

Planning
  • Set the date! Make sure you leave plenty of time for planning details and coordinating vendors. A wedding checklist may help you keep tasks and timing in order.
  • Outline a budget. Set the budget so you know what you’re working with from the get-go.
  • Consider time of day. There may be a time of day that fits you and your significant other’s personalities, party style, budget, or guest list best, consider an earlier ceremony time in winter and possibly a little later in Summer.
  • Wedding Party. It’s never too early to ask and that way you have help if needed when planned – you can delegate tasks
  • Research Vendors. Pick up some local wedding magazines and hit the net to scope out what’s out there for the areas you are thinking about getting married
  • Ask around. Ask a few friends for their advice and what they learned from planning their own special day. This is a great tip and can stop any shortfalls that might arise
  • Consider wedding size. Will it be a large bash or a smaller more intimate gathering?

Location/Venue/Atmosphere
  • Book in advance. Many venues book up very far in advance. Narrow down a short list and make visits as soon as possible!
  • From here to there. Consider the travel distance between ceremony and reception.
  • Back up plan. Outdoor venue? Consider weather influences and always have a “Plan B.”
  • Beautiful “As is”. Décor not your thing? Find a beautiful venue that already has a look you love.
  • Seasonal décor. If you’re getting married near a holiday or other special time of year, make sure to ask if the venue will be decorated in a special way.
  • Consider room flow. You will want a space where you will be able to mix and mingle with guests easily.
  • Ask for referrals! See if your venue has recommendations for other vendors since they are likely to have worked well in the past.
  • Discuss family needs. Who will you want involved in the ceremony, reception, etc.? Set clear expectations from the beginning.
  • Save the drama. Handle family issues as calm as you can. Have conversations with those that may need to be reminded to put personal issues aside for one day.
  • Undercover agents. It’s not unreasonable to “assign” a trusted friend to keep an eye on a guest that you are worried about getting out of hand.

Budget
  • Discuss budget EARLY. Planning a wedding can get expensive and you will need to set parameters.
  • Prioritize. Decide what is most important to you and your fiancé. Plan your budget accordingly so you don’t blow too much of it on a low-priority item.
  • Leave some reserve funds. There are always little things that will pop up later on, so don’t plan your initial budget estimates down to the very last cent.
  • Gifts. Many couples give gifts to the special people involved in their big day, like parents and bridal party members. Set money aside for this.
  • DIY. Need to save in certain areas? Get creative. Enlist crafty friends and family to help you create the look and feel you are going for.

Selecting Wedding Vendors
  • Do your research. You want dependable people and companies involved so that you can stress less that day.
  • Create a short list. Researching vendors online as well as collecting recommendations from others is a good place to start. Word of mouth is always the best I find
  • Hire a professional. If the task just seems too overwhelming, consider getting a wedding planner to help you shorten the list of options out there.
  • Don’t rush. It may take time to find the right people or companies to handle each task. Know it doesn’t all come together immediately.

The Ceremony
  • Select an Celabrant if getting married at the venue – or a priest if you have always dreamed for a church wedding. Does your ceremony location provide one, or do you need to find your own?
  • Marital Course. Are there any requirements you must meet before walking down the aisle?
  • Get the green folder (your marriage license). That’s kind of important and the ceremony won’t happen without one.
  • Consider the feel. Will your ceremony be formal or not?
  • Timing. Length of the ceremony may be something you want to discuss with whoever will be marrying you.
  • Vows! Discuss with your fiancé if you will be exchanging traditional vows or writing your own.
  • Kids or no kids. If you would prefer guests not bring children to the ceremony, make sure this is clear. If you have small kids yourself you may even want to have childcare available.

Perfecting Your Wedding Day Look
  • Selecting a dress. When selecting your wedding day attire, keep an open mind! Try on many options and make sure you factor in comfort.
  • Be patient. Some brides “just know” the moment they put that dress on that it is made for them. If that’s not you, that’s ok. Take your time!
  • Veil. Whether it’s to the floor or short and sweet, a full headpiece or none at all, anything goes, so stick with the choice that’s right for you.
  • Dancing shoes. Choose comfy shoes and break them in before the big day.
  • Hair. Hire a professional or if you are able do your own hair, do it. Make sure to do a run-through before the day-of so you know what to expect!
  • Makeup. Keep it to how you look,if you like glam go glam or if you don’t wear much makeup at all keep it natural, clean and fresh . You may consider asking your photographer for any tips about what looks best in photos, but do not go outside of your comfort zone.
  • Emergency kit. Stock a day-of emergency kit with a couple essentials – lipgloss/lipstick, , plasters, mints, a small comb and anything else could come in handy in a pinch!
  • Get rest! It may be challenging with all the excitement, but it will help you feel your very best.
  • Stay hydrated. Make sure you are drinking and eating so you stay healthy and nourished leading up to and during your wedding day.

Remember the Meaning of the Day
  • Plan ahead! Make sure things are done prior so you can actually enjoy your wedding day!
  • Be thankful. On your wedding day, pause from time to time and take in all the love that surrounds you!
  • One-on-one time. Plan time with your groom amidst the craziness so you can connect, the day goes by so quickly.

Here’s to you creating the wedding you’ve always dreamed of. Best wishes as you set out on the wedding planning journey!

Love Nicola x