Congratulations – you’re engaged!
It’s finally happened, the moment you’ve been waiting for… and you’re completely and utterly, head-over heels, over-the-moon, ecstatic about it.
But, amidst the excitement, is there a part of you that’s wondering what you need to do next?
Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered!
Keep reading to discover our top 10 steps to navigating your wedding planning journey:
Celebrate and Share the News
Congratulations, lovebirds! Share your wonderful announcement across your Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Don’t hold back on calling relatives and friends to screech your big news down the line!
Revel in the joy of your engagement, spreading the story far and wide. Why not host an intimate gathering to toast your love story surrounded by close friends and family?
Regardless of how you choose to celebrate, ensure you begin the new year on a positive note by celebrating your engagement.
Learn How to Define Your Vision
Faced with the reality of your recent engagement, it’s high time to sit down together and plan your dream wedding.
This is your opportunity to share ideas in terms of themes, colours, and the overall vibe that you desire for your nuptials.
Your shared vision will mean you’re both on the same page, acting as your guiding beacon during the planning process.
Set a Budget — and Stick to It!
It’s really important to establish a realistic budget early on.
There’s little more disheartening than going overboard when planning your wedding, only to have to scale it down later.
So, to avoid any unnecessary disappointment, determine your priorities in line with your budget, and plan accordingly.
This will help you to make informed decisions and prevent overspending.
Explore Dates and Venues
‘Where’ and ‘when’ might be the first ideas that pop into your head.
The date and venue is a pivotal aspect of your big day. Many contributing factors come into play: the season, your preferred location, and the type of celebration you envision.
Location and timing is something you want to pinpoint, as it will leave lasting impressions and many of your memories will be stored here.
Why not visit potential venues, ask the right questions, and secure your date as soon as possible?
At Rutland Hall Hotel, discover our facilities, and book a show round with us!
Build Your Dream Team
Assemble a reliable, hardworking dream team who are keen to adopt your outlook.
Your team will consist of everyone from photographers, florists, and caterers to entertainment and decor experts. Each department will then work with you to harness your vision and make it a reality.
This is your special day, so be sure to do your research and carefully choose a team that works for you.
For guidance and support in creating your perfect team, why not check out our package wedding deals to ease the stress of planning your big day?
Try on Wedding Dress Options
Now, for the main event: the dress!
Research different styles and fabrics ahead of your appointment so you know what to expect.
Once you’re in the bridal shop, experiment with colours, textures, and accessories — and always try on at least one dress you don’t expect to like; you may be pleasantly surprised!
Take your bridal entourage, toast with a glass of bubbles, and enjoy being the centre of attention.
Most of all, remember to have fun — this should be an enjoyable experience, and a memory that you’ll treasure forever.
Design Your Guest List and Invitations
Choosing who to invite to your wedding is a significant part of your wedding planning journey. Remember, guests will be in all the photographs — and memories!
Why not spend an evening with your husband or wife-to-be, and draft your guest list together?
You might find it helpful to draw up a table plan too, and work out the logistics of who will sit where. This can help you visualise the final layout, and whittle down the numbers accordingly.
Once a guest list has been finalised, design and send out pretty save-the-date cards, followed by decorative invitations that reflect your wedding theme.
Don’t forget to include your RSVP at the bottom and track how many guests plan on attending your special day.
Plan Your Ceremony and Reception
Your wedding day needs rough timings of the reception, ceremony, lunch, and party!
Create a succinct timeline for your wedding day — not forgetting to factor in important events such as family photos and the all-important cake cutting ceremony.
Did you know that the vast majority of happy couples miss out on trying their own wedding food or cake? With all the commotion going on, it’s easy to forget!
By planning out your day, you’ll be guaranteed to fit everything in and enjoy the day you spent focusing on for so long.
Curate a Wedding Registry
If you’d rather not receive 12 toasters from various well-meaning relatives, consider creating a wedding registry!
This helps your loved ones choose something meaningful within their price range, while ensuring you only receive items you actually need.
If you’re stuck for ideas, why not spend some time flicking through a department store website with your partner, choosing items that align with building your new life together?
Enjoy the Wedding Planning Journey
Planning a wedding is a unique and exciting journey, but it may feel a little overwhelming at times.
Throughout the process, try to relax and enjoy your wedding planning journey.
Lean on each other for support, call in favours from your bridesmaids to help lighten the load, and cherish the moments of anticipation and excitement.
This is a once in a lifetime experience; spend it surrounded by loved ones, in harmony with your partner, and enjoy a blissful start to married life.
If you’d like to tie the knot at Rutland Hall Hotel, or require more guidance on your wedding planning journey, please contact a member of our team.
Alternatively, why not check out our previous blog post for inspiration on a magical winter wedding?
