You're engaged! Now what?
As I began my planning process I was overwhelmed with the advice I received from family and friends, but on looking back there are a few things I am so happy I did, and would recommend to every new bride.
5 "Why Didn't I Think Of That?" Wedding Planning Tips
Krista Fox
Create a Separate Email Address
I cannot tell you how much easier this made my life. I created the address right at the start of planning and used it to sign up for planning website, coupon codes, to contact vendors, sending wedding event info to guests, and to manage all planning communications. That way I didn't have to sort through my regular emails for anything wedding related, and everything I needed was in one place.
Use Multiple Books and Websites for Advice
There is so much planning information out there - you'll find everything from the height of etiquette, high society planning guide, to the DIY backyard blog. In the early days of planning I read it all, picking and saving only the things that felt like us. We went more formal on the invites, more DIY on the guestbook. Everyone has a different amount of time to plan, a different style - so there's no need to rely on only one source of truth!
Choose One Method of Information Storage
I'll totally admit - in the early days I went all in on all things bride. This includes all those planning binders, notebooks, Pinterest boards, apps and websites you've heard of. And within a few months I was overwhelmed, looking all over the place for that one detail I needed. Things got a lot easier when I consolidated, so whether you're old school or super tech savvy, choose the method that works for you and stick to it.
Create a Separate Email Address
I cannot tell you how much easier this made my life. I created the address right at the start of planning and used it to sign up for planning website, coupon codes, to contact vendors, sending wedding event info to guests, and to manage all planning communications. That way I didn't have to sort through my regular emails for anything wedding related, and everything I needed was in one place.
Use Multiple Books and Websites for Advice
There is so much planning information out there - you'll find everything from the height of etiquette, high society planning guide, to the DIY backyard blog. In the early days of planning I read it all, picking and saving only the things that felt like us. We went more formal on the invites, more DIY on the guestbook. Everyone has a different amount of time to plan, a different style - so there's no need to rely on only one source of truth!
Choose One Method of Information Storage
I'll totally admit - in the early days I went all in on all things bride. This includes all those planning binders, notebooks, Pinterest boards, apps and websites you've heard of. And within a few months I was overwhelmed, looking all over the place for that one detail I needed. Things got a lot easier when I consolidated, so whether you're old school or super tech savvy, choose the method that works for you and stick to it.
Krista Fox
Save Keepsakes and Odds and Ends from Planning
Now that I'm on the other side of our wedding, I can tell you that all those months of planning seem like an absolute blur. That's why I'm so glad I saved a few odds and ends - I have box of cocktail napkins, fabric swatches and engagement cards that bring the memories of that time right back!
Save Keepsakes and Odds and Ends from Planning
Now that I'm on the other side of our wedding, I can tell you that all those months of planning seem like an absolute blur. That's why I'm so glad I saved a few odds and ends - I have box of cocktail napkins, fabric swatches and engagement cards that bring the memories of that time right back!
Ruth Eileen Photography
Take a Night Off.
It's so easy to let wedding planning become a third person in your relationship. Especially as that date got closer and closer it felt like every conversation my fiance and I had found it's way to flower arrangements, bills that were due, guest list issues, you get the picture. I think the healthiest thing we did was take a night now and then to talk about anything but wedding, and do something fun. After all, your wedding is all about preparing for your life together as a couple, so you shouldn't abandon that in the engagement!
Take a Night Off.
It's so easy to let wedding planning become a third person in your relationship. Especially as that date got closer and closer it felt like every conversation my fiance and I had found it's way to flower arrangements, bills that were due, guest list issues, you get the picture. I think the healthiest thing we did was take a night now and then to talk about anything but wedding, and do something fun. After all, your wedding is all about preparing for your life together as a couple, so you shouldn't abandon that in the engagement!
Still55 Photography
Style Me Pretty Contributor - Chloe O'Sullivan is a freelance writer and sales director based in Washington DC (soon relocating to Northern New Hampshire). When she isn't writing, she can be found trying new restaurants, planning her next trip, or hiking with her husband.
Style Me Pretty Contributor - Chloe O'Sullivan is a freelance writer and sales director based in Washington DC (soon relocating to Northern New Hampshire). When she isn't writing, she can be found trying new restaurants, planning her next trip, or hiking with her husband.