You’ve gotten engaged! You’re telling friends and family, getting excited, buying Martha Stewart and probably looking at lots of dresses. This is exactly what I think you should be doing.

Looking at dresses is actually a great first step. It allows you to get a vision of what kind of bride you are. If your style is modern, romantic, or minimalist, this could also help shape the vision for your wedding day. Vera Wang thinks so too! (http://xovera.verawang.com/newsletters/16)

But what’s next?

Aside from the dress, you also need to think about nuts and bolts. The sooner the better! This way, you can have a leisurely, enjoyable planning experience. This is certainly where a planner can help you if you need it. My recommended first steps are:

1. Make up a budget. In your excitement, you might start buying and booking things, and then discover later that you have very little money left for everything else. This is what we need to avoid. Though it’s not necessarily “romantic,” have the conversation about who is paying, how much you, your fiancé, or your families can contribute, and determine what amount you realistically have to work with. It’s good to start your married life with complete clarity as far as money is concerned, so have that conversation up front to avoid stresses later.
2. Remember the extras. The venue, photographer and music are easy to remember. But don’t forget to allot money for all the smaller things: invitations, postage, tips, gifts, hotel rooms, travel, etc…
3. Create a timeline. Make a written timeline that includes everything you’ll need to do. When you need to book photographer? Have your tasting? Find an officiant? Have first fitting? Yes, there’s a lot to do, but you don’t have to do it all in the first month. Spacing things out will keep them fun and interesting.

In my first meeting with couples, I help them layout these steps. If you’d like support in your planning process, I can help you get organized, keep you on track, and make sure you have an enjoyable planning experience leading up to your wedding day.

Until next time…