Maybe you guys met on tinder 10 months ago or maybe you were highschool sweethearts - either way - nothing diminishes the joy of the day your significant other decides to make you their #ForeverDate!
This such an exciting time but SO often couples and friends express to me that they are feeling "overwhelmed". No Bueno! Listen, Rowan Lane Events is here to help. If you're feeling all "Girl, Help!" or even if later you're thinking "Get me over the finish line!" we are here for you! But before we get to the spending money part - here are 7 things you need to do to get your planning up and running in the right direction:
1.) Tell your Family - to their Face(Time)
For the love of all things holy, tell your family before you tell the internet. I know we can not wait to get that ring pic onto social media but I promise you if your Aunt ( or your Mom!!) sees it on Facebook before you give her a call she is gonna get her feelings hurt. I admit, there are many things about the wedding industry that are changing (digital invites and RSVPs for example) but make no mistake, weddings are about bringing people together to celebrate and support a union. Let's start that off on the right foot by some real (or virtual) facetime with the ones who will be supporting you for years to come!
2.) Get your Ring insured and sized
True Story: I had a bride who lost her engagement ring. For real! I called her to check in on how things were going and she said - in a surprisingly calm way "Things are great except that I lost my ring." What the fork! I almost fell out of my seat! But she reassured me that she had followed my earlier advice and had the ring appraised and insured and they were already shopping for replacement rings. Bless her!
3.) Discuss Budget and Guest List
I put these two things together because I can not emphasize enough how closely they are correlated. Budget and guest list are like peanut butter and jelly, Bonnie and Clyde, you and your fiance! From here on out you won't see one without the other. Want to spend less on florals? Fewer guests = fewer tables = less money. Reduce your guest list. Same applies to food, rentals and so many other aspects of your big day. I'm not saying don't include the people you love but I am saying try to cut your guest list, like, a lot if you're concerned about budget.
And the best way to tackle any of this is to talk to those that are going to be involved in paying. Getting an idea of what people are comfortable with even if it's just that Mom is on board with good food or that hubs-to-be is set on having a signature cocktail, will go a long way in making sure things will run smoothly throughout the planning process.
4.) Take a break
So yeah, chill. And not in a "this isn't important" kind of way but in a don't forget that this day is just the beginning of hundreds of special days in your life. Deep breath, clear head, full heart - making decisions without feeling tense and rushed will go a long way to ensuring success. And if you need a sounding board for all those ideas swirling around in your head:
5.) Hire a Planner
Yeah, I said it - hire a wedding planner. I know you're thinking - of course you said that, you ARE a wedding planner! How about this: I don't need you to hire me, we may not even be a good fit (yeah that does happen!) but I do need you to invest in this wedding by bringing a professional on board to help you. If you think doing a major home renovation without a contractor or flying an airplane without a co-pilot are fine ideas then you may not think you need a wedding planner. But when you have a house full of drywall dust and no time to learn to install tile you've passed the point of planning and moved on to damage control. We don't want to take control of your event or eat up your whole wedding budget - we want to help. Think your mom can just do it? Or your wedding venue comes with a planner so you're good? That's a whole other convo. Let's chat and I promise I can clear that up for you!
6.) Select a Venue/Date
Again, I put these things hand in hand because they often go together. There's a good chance you're looking at a pretty popular date or season in your area and so are a lot of other couples! Your planner can help you find the best space for your vision and your budget.
7.) Relax
I know we talked about taking a break earlier but that was so we didn't make those first couple major decisions (planner and venue) on a whim. Once you have a date and a location I highly encourage you to enjoy being engaged! Often times getting a location or date that is in high demand means booking it 12-18 months in advance which leaves plenty of time for a little light rest and fun research - hello tastings!
