YOU ARE ENGAGED!!
Let’s just take a minute and soak that in as I say all of the congrats to you and your guy! This is such an exciting time, one you have probably been anticipating since before you even knew the name of your groom. You’ve dreamed about the perfect dress, sent screenshots of your favorite rings to your best girls, stayed up late searching the latest trends and stalking your dream vendors. I know you can’t wait to celebrate with your best girls, while sipping champagne as you are getting ready to say “I do.”
I don’t know much about your story, but what I do know is that in the midst of all the excitement – you probably feel the pressure to begin to plan. And while it is true, weddings do take time to plan, don’t forget to take time to enjoy this moment too. I promise it can wait.
Let me give you permission to breathe.
Be giddy, post the pictures, stare at the ring. Go to brunch with the girls, grab dinner with your mom, journal about all the excitement and live in this moment too. You are in the midst of a really exciting season that can get really busy, really fast if you are not careful. So before the crazy begins – pause and remember that this too is a beautiful moment to sit in. A season vastly different than any other you have or will experience.
Breathe it all in. Then, let the planning begin!
So many brides have asked, where do I even start.
There are so many things needed to “lock in a date” and it can feel like an endless journey of contracts, deposits, meetings with vendors, budget talks, and questionnaires. While all of that can be fun and exciting — it can also become overwhelming and stressful as you try to coordinate every tiny detail of your wedding day, while still staying within your budget (big or small).
My Biggest Advice : Book a planner first.
This is sometimes a step brides will skip or put a family member in charge of, but it’s a role that you will be so thankful to have a professional in on your wedding day. I have been a part of many weddings, with and without a planner. Let me tell you first hand, it makes a difference in your ability to truly enjoy your wedding day (and the process leading up to it). They are worth it. Wedding planners bring an immense amount of experience, not only in planning your wedding, but in executing it in a way that will take off all the stress from you and those you care about. This is not just a luxury, but a necessity in so many ways. You will be so grateful that you made the decision to invest in a planner that best fits you!
So, what does a planner do?
A planner does so much more than tell your girls when to walk down the aisle or communicate when the music needs to begin to play. They do more than set the table and put out the decor. They are truly the ones that capture your vision and ensure all other vendors are on the same page and ready to go. They help your day go flawlessly (even when everything isn’t flawless) and help put out fires you never even have to know existed. They keep the wedding day flowing, from hair and makeup to the final exit. They are the real heroes of the day, that often go unnoticed unless there isn’t one present.
There are many different levels of planners, some that coordinate the day of and some that walk through the entire wedding planning process. Either way, they are a win and a great source of connection to other phenomenal vendors that you may not even know exist, while also having the experience to give you advise on vendors that may be best to avoid. They know the right questions to ask, the details of wedding planning that are often forgotten, and can help you navigate contracts and deadlines to help keep the stress away as you enjoy the engagement season.
Planners are often the pros at building connections and can help you navigate the sea of endless possibilities. They help make your dream a reality because of their expertise in the field! (Side Note: Wedding Planners that are on my “featured vendors” list also get a discount from me, for their brides to use, saving their couples money on wedding photography! So make sure to ask them about connections they may have, that may help you save in the end).
Be on the lookout because later this week I will be highlighting two of my favorite planners to work with. I can’t wait for you to meet them and I hope that you consider them to be a part of your best day yet!
xoxo,
Taylor
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