Just Got Engaged, Now What?
Take the first steps towards your wedding day with confidence.
First Off, Congratulations!
We can sense your excitement, and believe us, we’re excited for you too! Getting engaged is a truly magical moment, but we understand it can also be overwhelming as your mind races with a thousand thoughts - from dates to planning, venues…the list goes on. Rest assured, we're here to help. We've compiled some valuable tips that will make the journey from being engaged to actively planning your wedding a breeze. Don't let the details overwhelm you; take your first steps towards the big day with confidence!
You should totally give us a ring and tell us all about your engagement!
Start with the Date
The initial and crucial step in any wedding planning process is setting the wedding date. While it may appear simple at first, once you embark on the task, you'll realize it requires careful consideration. Selecting a date that truly resonates with you is essential to ensure a day filled with genuine excitement. Therefore, take the time to be intentional about your choice. For instance, if you're not fond of cold weather or wish to avoid overcrowding the holiday season with another event, it would be wise to avoid a November or December wedding date. The date and season you ultimately decide upon will set the tone for a perfect big day, surrounded by the love of those you hold dear.
Pro-tip: Rather than settling on a single date right away, consider jotting down two to three date ranges that would work well for your wedding. This approach allows you to have backup options already approved, in case you need to make adjustments due to venue availability or other factors. Being flexible with your potential wedding dates will give you more room to work with and increase the likelihood of securing a date that fits perfectly into your plans.
Establish the Aesthetic
Once you've locked in potential dates for your wedding, it's time to envision the aesthetic that will make your special day truly memorable. To start, keep it simple. Begin by selecting a few colors that resonate with you and align with the vibe you want to create. These colors will serve as the foundation for the overall aesthetic.
With the colors in mind, you can then explore various aesthetic elements, such as the type of decorations, potential wedding themes (although not necessary, they can add a fun touch), and other creative ideas that will elevate your wedding experience. Ensure that the colors and theme you choose harmonize with the overall look and feel of your wedding, while also reflecting your personality and style as much as possible. By staying true to yourselves, you'll create a unique and captivating atmosphere that will leave a lasting impression on you and your guests.
The Guest List
To kickstart your wedding planning, one of the simplest steps is to create a preliminary guest list. However, this doesn't mean listing every single person you've ever met. Instead, focus on jotting down the names of close family members and relatives who you know will be attending your special day.
To assist you with this process, we've provided a downloadable pre-planning guest list below. Use it to note down the family members from both sides of the wedding. Additionally, take this opportunity to identify who you both want as bridesmaids and groomsmen. While this isn't the final guest list, it serves as the foundation for your complete roster, and it's likely that it won't undergo significant changes before the wedding. By starting with this initial guest list, you'll establish a solid framework for your wedding planning, making the process smoother and more organized as you move forward.
Solidify Invites
Before you get too comfortable and start counting down the days until your wedding, it's essential to give your save-the-dates and invitations the attention they deserve. To ensure they align perfectly with the vibe and theme of your wedding, we highly advise consulting with a designer or vendor who specializes in creating customized invitations. If budget constraints are a concern, don't worry! There are free tools and online platforms available that can assist you in crafting your wedding invitations. Regardless of the route you choose, it's a crucial task to tackle early on in your planning process, alongside arranging other wedding details and finalizing your guest lists. By taking care of your invitations early, you'll set the right tone for your big day and ensure that your guests receive all the necessary information in a timely manner. This will undoubtedly add an extra touch of excitement and anticipation as your wedding day draws near.
The Best Way to Start Planning?
That’s an easy one. The best way to begin your wedding planning is by connecting with Unique by Design in Central Pennsylvania. Once you make us your wedding partner, we'll take care of all the planning details for you. Your role will be to provide guidance and make decisions from the options we present. Our team will ensure your wedding is exactly what you’ve envisioned—and you’ll have full access to our expertise, insight, and vendor connections.
So, don’t do it alone. Tap into our team for the support your love deserves!