Bride Guide #16 is all about what to do once you’re engaged! Let the fun begin!

 

You’re engaged! Girl, congrats! This is such an exciting time. And we want to keep it that way! So often, between planning a wedding and all of your other responsibilities, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and exhausted. Here are 8 simple tips to help you keep energized, productive, and excited about your marriage:

 

 

1. Get organized.

Go buy a binder. Whether it’s a wedding planner binder or just a simple one. Seriously it’s worth it. And it’s fun! Buy a binder to keep this guide, any inspiration, color swatches, pictures, brainstorming, anything wedding related in.

 

2. Make a game plan.

Use the checklist and tweak it to create your master game plan. Write out dates things need to be accomplished by and put them in your calendar. The Pinterest planning is so fun. It’s the easy, sexy option. But I promise that taking time to do make a game plan first will be a lifesaver. It will help all of the planning run more smoothly and will allow you to enjoy all the fun planning even more.

 

3. Batch work.

Batch working means doing all the same type of work at once. This is an incredibly helpful tool I use as a business owner and it applies to all areas of life, even wedding planning! Tackle one wedding planning task at a time. Choose what task you’re going to tackle, don’t multitask, and hit it hard. Group things together that make sense like running multiple errands in one day. Keep school at school, work at work, and wedding planning at home. 

 

 

4. Create then consume.

Pinterest, your best friends’ wedding, social media, they all have fabulous ideas and we will use them. But, if you go there first, you may loose sight of your dream and unique style. Before you start planning your dream wedding online, take a minute to use your own creative genius. Write out and sketch some of your own ideas, then go to Pinterest to refine and add to your vision. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Your wedding and every detail should be as unique as you are.

 

5. Inspiration board.

Now it’s Pinterest or Instagram or Google time! Start making an inspiration board by pinning, saving, or printing all of your favorite images. Or even clip things out of magazines and glue them in your binder. There are no limits when you’re making your inspiration board. It doesn’t just have to be wedding related! You can pin everyday outfits to color schemes to hair styles to food! Just pin whatever speaks to your heart. Then, when you look at it, you’ll start to see reoccurring themes that will help you determine your unique wedding style. Use your inspiration board for just that inspiration. And you can pin specific things you want later to different boards. But remember that your bouquet doesn’t need to look exactly like the one in the picture. Pinterest isn’t real life. Get inspired and then let your wedding be uniquely beautiful.

Check out my wedding inspiration pinterest board.

 

6. Outsource.

Wedding planning can be such a blast. If you try to bite off more than you can chew, though, it becomes overwhelming. So choose the things you really want to do and outsource the rest. Ask people for help. Your mom, mother-in-law (Mima), sister, girlfriends. Let others help you find vendors. Hire good quality vendors you can trust and then trust them. High quality vendors equals less stress for you. Only DIY and do what you really want to and let others help you with the rest.

 

Ask yourself, what do I definitely want to do or be in charge of? And when you do outsource…

• Make clear and detailed instructions for anyone you’re asking for help, including vendors. Then be honest. If there are mistakes made or miscommunications, don’t become a bridezilla! Be kind and communicate with words, not threats or rudeness. Be thankful for all the help you’re given. Remember that vendors are people too, so treat them with kindness.
• Book early! Vendors and venues fill up fast, especially the best ones. So don’t put it off. Contact them early (maybe even before you’re engaged) so that you are ready to go as soon as possible.
• Make sure you like your vendors. Seriously. You need to get along with all of your vendors and like them as a person. This is super important. They are going to be a part of the biggest day of your life, so make sure you like them!

 

 

7. Don’t be risky.

Try to avoid anything that could cause you undue stress. This is not the time to try that new hair mask or beauty product or get a spray tan. If you’re having an outdoor celebration, have a backup plan! Don’t overbook your day. Give yourself wiggle room, make contingency plans, and stick to what you know works.

 

8. Keep it fun and in its place.

The most important thing is that you are sane and happy and have a great relationship with your groom when this is all said and done. When it gets stressful, remember that at the end of the day you still get to marry the man of your dreams. So don’t sweat the small stuff. Keep the planning lighthearted and fun. Involve your groom. Make a date night out of it. And go on date nights that have nothing to do with the wedding. Try to keep a few weekends free for just the two of you. Make time for him. Don’t let it rule your life.

 

Document it…

Being engaged is a fun and once-in-a-lifetime experience. It might be fun to document it together! Here are a few ideas:

• Take pictures! When you’re ring shopping or making your registry or trying on dresses, document it with a quick picture. Then print all the pictures in a simple album like one from Chatbooks.
• Write about it. A cute photographer couple wrote on little pieces of pink paper, “I’ll never forget when…” when they were engaged and wrote down all the funny and silly things that happened and kept them in a vase so they could read them later. Memories fade so this is a great way to remember all those little moments. Read more about it!