YOU’RE ENGAGED!!….What do I do now?…
Whether you got engaged over the festive season of been so for awhile, the take away is the same - CUT THE PRESSURE!
There is enough stress, overwhelm and deadlines in all aspects of life and I want your engagement to feel like a big, soft, floaty bubble from start to finish! But how? Well, may the next few tips help you navigate the first few steps (no matter how long they take!)
RELAX
I've seen so many posts already this year saying:
"ACT NOW!" "GET BOOKING!" "STRIKE WHILE THE IRON IS HOT!"....
NO! Chill out, enjoy it! Savour this moment!
Take your time to enjoy the whirlwind that comes with being engaged before having to fret about deadlines and finding the perfect vendors.
There 👏🏼 is 👏🏼 plenty 👏🏼 of 👏🏼 time! 👏🏼
Go for dates, show everyone that ring, get a cute manicure! In the famous words of Ferris Buller, Life moves pretty fast if you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you might miss it! So sloooowww down, soak it up and enjoy it!
2. THROW OUT THE RULE BOOK!
Prepare for some unsolicited advice (…a bit like this, yes)
But know that just because that celebrity wore this, or cousin Sophie did that, it doesn't mean you have to too!
Weddings, most importantly should be a celebration of personal connection and your unique personalities. So why should it look like someone else's??
Do what feels right for you! Whether that means your families ‘go-to’ church or your fave local pub, a big white dress or sequinned trousers with the feathers on the bottom - it's the perfect decision, as long as it's right for you!
3. THROW OUT THE SCALES WHILST YOU’RE AT IT!
On the subject of what mainstream wedding media dictates.
I would love to shout from the rooftops that your body is already wedding-ready!
If you feel healthy and happy in yourself do not let outside sources tell you otherwise! If, like myself you’re feeling more cheese than human after the festive season and you would feel happier and healthier choosing a bit more exercise in your day to day life - that my friend is totally cool as long as it’s on your terms and it’s not being hammered into you that you should look a certain way for your wedding day.
Because guess what, your partner already wants to marry you - exactly how you are right now! That’s pretty great right?! And how you look right now honey, is f*cking fabulous!
4. GATHER YOUR IDEAS!
It’s all well and good me saying ‘relax’ and ‘don’t do too much’ but i’m realistic - you’re excited!! (Me too!) I know you want to get that ball rolling, even if it’s just a little bit so let’s scratch that itch shall we? Pinterest is a great way to start gathering ideas for your wedding, whether is be local suppliers, D.I.Y projects or decor inspiration, but I would advise keeping it at arms length.
It's obviously FILLED with big budget, indulgent ideas that will get you either totally inspired or totally overwhelmed. Because the pins really are endless. And sometimes a simple click can lead you down the rabbit whole to second guessing yourself. So search delicately, somewhat flippantly and when stop when it stops being fun.
5. OPEN DAYS & WEDDING FAYRES!
When you're READY ready, venue open days & wedding fayres are a great way to start your planning. It's exciting to do something physically, great for inspiration and you can talk to people in the know as well as other engaged couples if you’re brave enough.
A good starting point is to find events that suits you, for example if you are looking for LGBTQ+ allied you could check out Rebel Love wedding fayes or check out dates for open days with a similar aesthetic to what you think you might like (eg - if you’re into alternative look at The Shack Revolution open days or if you’re thinking more outdoors or rustic you could check out Barn @ Brynich).
Quick fire things to remember! 🔥
✨ This time of year is great for open days/fayres! ✨
✨ You can find me at The Barn at Drovers in Feb or Barn at Brynich in March! (I like a barn). ✨
✨ Online content is your best friend & worst enemy in equal measure for wedding planning. Absorb with care and be kind to yourself. ✨
✨ Remember that suppliers are mainly small businesses and sole traders, even if they're not for you - be kind to us too. ✨
✨ Enjoy the planning process too - celebrate the build up, don't let it rest all on one big day. ✨
✨ It's ok to plan at your own pace. ✨
✨ It's ok to plan the wedding you want! ✨
