Samuel Warde

Did the love of your life recently pop the big question? Did you say “Yes” to a lifetime of love and adventure? Well, Congratulations to you both! You have arrived at the next stage in your journey together, and it has to be the most exciting moment in your lives. As you embark on this new chapter, there will be many decisions to make and details to plan, but don’t worry, it’s all part of the fun!

From choosing the perfect venue to finding the dress of your dreams, every step will bring you closer to the day you say “I do”. With so much to consider, it’s important to take some time to savor the moment and enjoy being engaged. It’s a time to celebrate your love and the commitment you’ve made to each other. You’ll want to cherish this time while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

In this journal, we’ll share some tips and advice for navigating the engagement period and making the most of this special time. So sit back, relax, and let’s begin this journey together!

First Things First

This period is all about you and your partner, so take a deep breath, bask in the moment, and celebrate this awesome stage in your lives. Whether it’s a romantic dinner for two, or a weekend getaway, or a visit to your favorite coffee shop, there are countless ways to mark this special occasion. Use this time to connect with each other and revel in the joy of your relationship. By celebrating your engagement, you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime and lay the foundation for love and happiness together.

Share The Big News

Sharing the news of your recent engagement can be one of the most exciting parts of this special time. You’ll likely want to share the news with your closest family and friends first, whether in person or via a phone call or text message. From there, you can share the news with a wider audience like social media. However, I would encourage you to get creative with how you share the news. Here are a few ideas that you can use:

• ^{Create a custom puzzle: You could create a custom puzzle with a photo of you and your partner and the message “We’re engaged!” When your family puts the puzzle together, they’ll reveal the exciting news}
• ^{Send a care package: Put together a care package for your family with items that represent your engagement, such as champagne glasses, a candle with your engagement date on it, and a card announcing your news.}
• ^{Host an engagement party: Consider hosting an engagement party to celebrate with your family and close friends. You could have a cake with “We’re engaged!” written on it or create custom t-shirts for everyone with your special date on them.}

It’s important to remember that this is your moment, and you should share the news in a way that feels authentic and true to you and your relationship.

Insure Your Ring

Getting your engagement ring insured is an important step to protect this valuable and sentimental piece of jewelry. While it may not be the most romantic part of getting engaged, insuring your ring can provide peace of mind and protect against loss, damage, or theft. Jewelry insurance can help ensure that you can repair or replace your ring if something goes wrong. Without insurance, you may find yourself in a difficult and costly situation. It’s important to do your research and find an insurance policy that meets your needs and budget. By insuring your engagement ring, you can focus on enjoying this special time in your life without worrying about the safety of your ring. Its worth the investment.

Discuss The Big Picture

Make it a date night where you both get cozy with your favorite drink and have a conversation about the main details of your wedding day. Think about the overall vision that you have and the key elements that will make it truly special and memorable. You can start by discussing these questions:

By discussing the big picture together, you’ll be able to create a shared vision for your wedding, and ensure that every decision you make is in line with your overall goals and priorities.

Make A List Of Things That Are Important

As an engaged couple, there are so many details to consider when planning your wedding day. It can be overwhelming to keep track of everything, especially if you’re trying to make your day unique and special. That’s why we recommend that you make a list of all the things that are important to you. For my wife and I, photography was, obviously, super important to us. It was also very important for us to have cuisine from both of our cultures at our wedding. So we scoured the entirety of Long Island looking for a venue that allowed us to bring in our own food in addition to what would be catered for us. Our list helped us understand each other’s priorities, along with what we wouldn’t be willing to compromise on.

Set A Budget

Weddings can be expensive, and it’s important to establish a budget that’s realistic and sustainable. Begin by creating a list of all the items you’ll need for your wedding, such as venue rental, catering, flowers, and attire. Then, research the average cost of these items in your area and allocate a budget for each one. Be sure to also factor in any additional costs, such as taxes and gratuities. It’s important to prioritize your budget and allocate more money to the items that are most important to you. Remember, you don’t need to spend a fortune to have a beautiful wedding. By setting a budget and sticking to it, you can create a memorable and meaningful celebration without breaking the bank.

Stay True To Your Vision

Your wedding day should be a reflection of you, your partner, and your relationship. It’s uber important to make decisions that are true to your vision and style. While it’s easy to get caught up in the opinions and expectations of others, it’s important to remember that this day is about you and your partner. Saying “yes” to the things you want can make your day more meaningful and memorable. This may be a specific type of music, a unique wedding theme, or a non-traditional wedding dress. I totally understand the challenge in saying “no” to certain things and people who are important; however, I am a big advocate for getting to a place where we can politely, respectfully, and tactfully say, “Here are the reasons why this idea doesn’t resonate with me. Can we come to the middle on this?”. Remember, your wedding day is about celebrating your love and commitment, and the decisions you make should reflect your unique relationship and style.

Set The When And Where

When choosing a date, consider factors such as the weather, holidays, and important events in you or your family’s life. You may also want to consider the availability of your preferred venue and vendors. When choosing a venue, think about the type of wedding you want to have and the atmosphere you’re looking to create. Do you want an outdoor ceremony with a rustic feel, or a formal ballroom wedding with elegant decor? It’s important to visit potential venues in person, ask questions, and make sure that they can accommodate your vision and guest list. By carefully considering the when and where of your wedding day, you can create a beautiful and memorable celebration.

Write Your Guest List

Put pen to paper and write out the names of all the people that you would like to invite to your wedding. Start by making a preliminary list of everyone you would like to invite, including family members, friends, and co-workers. From there, consider your budget and the size of your venue, as these factors will impact the number of guests you can accommodate. You may also want to consider the relationships you have with each person and their level of involvement in your life. It’s important to be mindful of any family or friend dynamics that may impact your decision-making. Remember, you don’t need to invite everyone you know, and it’s okay to have a small and intimate wedding. By carefully considering your guest list, you can create a celebration that is meaningful and reflective of your relationships and values.

Create A Pinterest Board

Creating a Pinterest board for wedding inspiration is a great way to collect and organize your ideas. Start by searching for wedding-related keywords and browsing through the images that come up. Pin any images that you find inspiring or appealing to a dedicated board. You can also create separate boards for different aspects of the wedding, such as decor, attire, and food. As you continue to pin images, look for patterns and themes that emerge. This can help you refine your vision and make decisions about the style and tone of your wedding. It’s important to keep in mind that the images on your Pinterest board are meant to inspire you, and not to be replicated exactly. Use them as a starting point for creating a unique and personalized celebration that reflects your personality. With a well-curated Pinterest board, you will have a great starting point to share with your wedding planner, florists, and stationary artist during initial calls.

Hire A Wedding Planner

A wedding planner can be a wise decision for many couples, as it can help alleviate some of the stress and pressure that comes with planning a wedding. A wedding planner can offer expert guidance, help you stick to your budget, and connect you with reputable vendors. They can also help with logistics, such as creating a timeline, managing the guest list, and coordinating with vendors on the day of the wedding. This allows you to enjoy your engagement and the wedding planning process and wedding day, without feeling overwhelmed.

Hire A Photographer

Choosing a wedding photographer is an important decision, as your photos will be a lasting memento of your special day. You should think about hiring a photographer as soon as you can so that you can incorporate professional images into your save-the-date, wedding website and more.

When searching for a wedding photographer, start by looking at their portfolio to get a sense of their style. Do they take more candid or posed shots? Do they specialize in a particular type of wedding or venue? It’s also important to read reviews from past clients to get a sense of their experience and professionalism. Once you’ve narrowed down your list, schedule a consultation or phone call to ask questions and get to know the photographer. It’s important to feel comfortable with your photographer, as they will be with you throughout the day capturing some of your most intimate moments. Lastly, be sure to discuss your budget and any specific needs or preferences you have.

Tour Wedding Venues

Start scheduling some venue tours to find the location of your dreams. This allows you to get a better sense of the space, amenities, and overall vibe of each location. When scheduling venue tours, be sure to bring along a list of questions to ask the venue coordinator, such as whether they have in-house catering or allow outside vendors, what their capacity is, and whether they have any restrictions or guidelines. Take note of the layout of the space, the lighting, and the decor to consider whether it fits your vision for the wedding. You should also factor in the location and accessibility for your guests, as well as any additional services or perks the venue offers, such as on-site accommodations or parking. After touring each venue, take some time to reflect on your experience and weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a final decision.

Dive Into Vendor Searching

Many popular wedding vendors, such as photographers, caterers, and DJs, can get booked up well in advance, especially during peak wedding season. Starting your search early can give you the time and flexibility to find the perfect vendor that meets your needs and budget. Research potential vendors by reading reviews, viewing portfolios, and asking for recommendations from friends and family. Once you have a shortlist, schedule consultations or meetings with each vendor to discuss your vision and ask any questions you may have. It’s important to feel comfortable and confident with the vendors you choose, as they will play a crucial role in bringing your wedding day to life.

In Conclusion

As you continue on this new adventure, we encourage you to celebrate your love, savor the moments as they come, share your dreams and aspirations, and start planning for your big day. Whether you choose to have a large wedding or a small, intimate ceremony, what matters most is that you are surrounded by the people you love and that you are starting your lives together as a couple. Congratulations on your engagement, and best of luck on your journey ahead!