WE ARE ENGAGED! WHAT THE HELL TO DO NEXT?

Check Out that Shiny Ring!!!

Check Out that Shiny Ring!!!

Here are some handy hints on what to do next. Some you WILL NOT need but just to get you thinking and give you a guide.

Make a Guest List (my tip is choose people who you would invite over for dinner or who will be in your life in 5 years time)

Hire a Wedding Planner (Depending on budgets but it will take a lot of stress away)

Decide Formality and Overall Theme 

Select the venue (good vibe creates good weddings)

Select the Caterer 

Choose a Colour Theme and Start Thinking of Overall Design 

Hire Vendors Who Book Up Quickly, Including Your Celebrant, Photographer, Band, DJ, and Videographer, Florist, Hair, make up

Start Shopping for Your Wedding Dress 

Create Your Wedding Website (for overseas guests especially, this will save you A LOT of time)

Take Engagement Photos (not necessary but a good idea if your ‘that awkward couple’

Start looking at Invitations 

Buy Your Wedding Dress 

Send Save the Dates 

Register for Gifts 

Select the Bridesmaids' Dresses and Schedule Fittings

Meet with Potential Florists 

Book the Rehearsal-Dinner Venue 

Hire the Ceremony Musicians 

Order Rental Items, Such as Specialty Chairs, Linens, Draping, Lounge Furniture, White Dance Floor, Etc. 

Book Transportation for Guests, If Needed 

Book the Newlyweds' Transportation (Limo, Specialty Car, etc.) 

Book the Honeymoon 

Buy or Rent the Groom’s Tuxedo/suit

Choose Your Cake 

Buy Wedding Bands 

Select the Groomsmen's Attire and Schedule Fittings Within the Month 

Hair and Makeup Trial 

Order the Invitations

Create or Plan Your Menu 

Brainstorm Guest Favors and Gift Bags 

Write Your Vows 

Create your ceremony

Send the Wedding Invitations (With RSVPs Due One Month Before the Wedding) 

First Dress Fitting 

Give the Song Selections to Your Band or DJ 

Assemble Gift Bags 

Start wearing your shoes around the house – break those bad boys in, you’ll thank me later

Pay Your Vendors in Full 

Create a Seating Chart 

Order or Make Your Escort Cards and Place Cards 

Have a Final Venue Walk-Through 

Final Week 

  • Refreshing your hair color

  • Getting your eyebrows done

  • Manicure/pedicure

  • Getting a massage (why not make it a couple's massage?)

  • Final dress fitting

  • Pack your bags for the honeymoon

  • Clean your ring (head to your jeweler to get your engagement ring professionally cleaned so it’s extra sparkly on your wedding day)

  • Chase any RSVP stragglers and deliver the final head count

  • Clear your work to-do list so you can only focus on wedding festivities and take it all in

  • Practice your vows out loud

  • Write your partner a note

Night Before and Day of the Wedding 

The Night Before: 

  • Eat a healthy meal

  • Pack a clutch or small bag of personal items

  • Drink water

  • Get a good night's sleep

  • Put any boxes, suitcases, bags, and survival kits to bring to the ceremony or reception in the car

The Morning Of: 

  • Stay off your feet as much as possible

  • Eat breakfast

  • Drink even more water

  • Take your dress and veil out of the bag early on and have someone steam them if needed

  • Lay out all the items (rings, invitations, etc.) that you want your photographer to capture

  • Say thank you to everyone around you

  • ENJOY YOUR DAY!

WeddingJeremy Robertshaw