Congratulations, sweet friend!  Your beau has popped the question and by the looks of that sparkly new ring your sporting, I say you said "YES!"  I'm so, so happy for you.  The days following an engagement are thrilling and surreal and it has you wondering what to do next.  No worries, girlfriend, I'm here to help!

Engaged, now what?

First, take a deep breath!  Do you realize what has just happened?  You have found the love of your life and you are now entering a new season of life, the engagement season as you plan your wedding day.  Just sit in that for a moment.  This is such a sweet time in your life that you'll never experience again, so soak it up.  

Second, celebrate!  Yes, this is a cause for celebration!  If you haven't already, tell your family and friends.  If you've already spilled the beans about the best news ever, get some girlfriends together for dinner to celebrate.  Go out with your beau and recreate your first date or the date where you whispered to yourself, "He's the one."  This is also the time where family will throw you an engagement party or dinner to celebrate this sweet moment in your life.

Third, if you are ready to start planning, start here!  The next few tips are my best tips that are sister worthy so, since we're friends, you've got to know them also.  The first thing you will want to do is decide on a budget.  I know, you might have just cringed a little bit, totally normal.  Budgets are not fun, but necessary and it's best that you start out knowing exactly who is paying for what and how much money is there to work with.  You need to sit down with your *fiance* (so fun to say, right) and discuss whether you will be paying for everything, part of the wedding and if so, what parts.  Sit down with your parents to see how much they are willing to help out and where they feel comfortable giving.  Before you move forward with any planning, know your budget, talk to your family, and confirm that number.

Fourth, talk about your dream wedding.  With your budget in mind, sit down with your fiance and make a list of things you'd like to have/do at your wedding and also list things that are not important.  What are your nonnegotiables? Is a particular venue or band for the reception a must have? Do you want an open bar and 5 course meal?  When you think about your wedding day, list your must haves as a couple.  While doing this, refer back to your budget.  Since your budget plays such a role, keeping it in the forefront of your mind keeps you in check of what is doable.  Make this time fun!  Any wedding details that you are excited add them to the list too!  You'll walk away with your must haves as a couple all in one place.

Fifth, find your venue and secure your date.  Venue searching is such a fun beginning to wedding planning and must be one of the first things you plan.  Many wedding venues book out very far in advance, so if there is one you really have been adirming from afar, call and book an appointment ASAP.  Please don't get your heart set on a date without your venue secured.  You may get lucky and have some picking and choosing to your wedding date at your dream venue, but for a lot of girls they have to take what dates are left, so make this be your next step after creating a budget.

So, there you have it, sweet friend.  I'm so excited for you.  This season ahead is full of giddy anticipation as you count down till the big day, and sweet moments as your plan with your mama and best friends.  Treasure the loved ones by your side and the sacrifices they make so that you can have the wedding day of your dreams. 

If you haven't already, make sure you download your copy of The ULTIMATE Bridesmaid Questionnaire.  This will help you tremendously as you move forward with planning and loving your people during this new season well.

Any questions? Anything I can help you with? Leave a comment and I'd be pleased as punch to help you!

Talk soon!

XO, Addison

pin for later