The reality is that the excitement typically subsides, and brides become overwhelmed. Pinterest, The Knot, bridal magazines, Say Yes to the Dress, bridal shows…it’s a lot of information coming at you at once. But guess what…you don’t have to be overwhelmed. You don’t have to be stressed. And you don’t have to do what everyone tells you to do. This is day one of YOUR marriage, and it’s about you two and your priorities.
I recently sat down with my incredibly talented friend and wedding planner, Megan Rusch of Mr. & Mrs. Wedding Events, to discuss our top ten pieces of advice for newly engaged brides, and ladies, this is some of the best advice you’ll read!
- Date while you’re engaged.
This is such an incredible time in your life, and it is SO easy to let the wedding planning take over your year. You’re not just planning a wedding, you’re planning a marriage, so be sure to invest in your relationship sans wedding planning. - Have a realistic budget conversation right away.
You should know who is contributing and how much you can realistically spend. There is no way for a computer driven budget to reflect YOUR priorities. Don’t be afraid to be flexible in your budget to get the vendors you really love and who will take excellent care of you.
- It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
It’s okay if you don’t book everything in the first week and a half of your engagement. Do your research, and be confident in your decisions. It’s much easier to have the wedding you want when you take a minute and know your priorities. - Be realistic about what this year looks like (for you, your mom, and your maid of honor).
If you have a crazy job and a lot of travel commitments, chances are wedding planning may cause a lot of stress. It’s not enough to just think about your year. Don’t ask your mom or your maid of honor to take on more than they can realistically handle. If you need help, don’t be afraid to hire a wedding planner. They’ll take the stress off of you and help you make your dreams a reality. Your time is valuable, and even though it’s expensive, your sanity is worth it.
- Be personal.
Pinterest is a great source of inspiration, but it’s not going to make you happy. Outside of outside influences, what do you truly love? What represents you? Don’t feel like you have to copy everything you see. - Include others and build relationships.
Think about how you’re going to involve other people in your wedding planning. Don’t get tunnel vision and try to do everything yourself. Include your friends and your families, and make them feel important, too.
- But don’t do things you don’t want to do.
It’s great to include others in your wedding planning, but don’t do something unless you want to do it. If you want a small, intimate wedding, don’t invite 350 people because everyone wants you to keep adding to the guest list. If you want a gorgeous, modern dress, don’t settle on a dress that feels safe that you don’t love. - Don’t do anything for the sake of just doing it.
There are plenty of silly traditions that you have full permission to skip.
- Think about whether you’re going to be sad if it’s just one day.
Are you a bride who just needs one day, or are you a bride who wants the weekend experience: a rehearsal and welcome party, the wedding day, and a day after brunch. Decide early and don’t forget to budget appropriately. - It doesn’t have to be stressful and overwhelming.
Wedding planning CAN be fun and enjoyable, as long as it’s meaningful and intentional.
Isn’t this such fabulous advice? I’m so excited for this new stage for you, and I want you to have the wedding day that you’ve dreamed of that represents the two of you. Remember that this day is day one of your marriage, and never forget that your relationship will always be the number one priority while you’re planning.
Thanks, Megan, for sharing such wonderful advice! I had so much fun sitting down with you to create this post! 🙂
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