Guest Blog: So You're Engaged, Now What? Special Tips for Brides-to-be. -Munaluchi Bride

You’re Engaged… Now What?! Special Tips for Brides-to-be!

With more than 16% of couples becoming engaged during the winter holiday months, the new year can bring the stressful task of wedding planning. These simple tips will help get you moving in the right direction.

Photo: Event Design Group

First, create a plan. As a newly engaged couple, you should write down what you want from your wedding. Envision the perfect day, from start to finish, and make note of everything that will be required to make it happen! Definitely reach for the stars, but set reasonable goals. Target dates and deadlines are also important, so be sure to stick to them because having a plan will make the process a lot easier.

Second, develop a wedding budget. This task is usually the hardest, but is often most important in planning an event of this significance. You, your fiancé, and your families should know how much money there is to spend and who is contributing. Also, spend time deciding how much you’ll spend on each of the wedding expenses (wedding attire, catering, favors, venue rentals, etc.) Track expenses using a spreadsheet to keep you on top of your budget.

Next, identify an expert that knows the ins and outs of the wedding industry to help execute your vision. Coordinating with various vendors is no small feat, and a wedding expert can manage multiple people, and projects, at once. Try to hire someone that’s familiar with your venue and host city.

Although it may not seem like an ASAP must-do, but we suggest you pick a wedding party sooner than later. Choose wisely because these people will be with you from start to finish. Your wedding party should consist of dependable and positive people that only want the best for you and your soon-to-be spouse.

Finally, in the midst of planning your dream day, don’t forget about what’s most important… your marriage! Take some pre-marital counseling classes so that you and your fiancé have an idea of what’s in store for the rest of your lives. The wedding is just the beginning.

No matter what, don’t forget to enjoy yourself. This will be one of the most important and memorable days of your lives!

Happy Planning!

Photo: Event Design Group

For more wedding planning essentials, register for “Engaged… Now What”, an interactive seminar offering valuable information to help soon-to-be brides navigate through the planning process.

More about today’s guest bloggers, Event Design Group:

Event Design Group, LLC (EDG) is a DC metropolitan based event planning company that provides both design and planning services with a focus on aesthetics and logistics. EDG offers its clients intimate counsel and a multitude of options, which allow for flexibility and unending creative potential. Founded in 2002, EDG promotes cohesion and unity amongst various design elements creating collaborative and integrated masterpieces. EDG founders, Jernee Bramble, Natalie Melton and Shimona Mayo, have more than 20 years of event planning experience. For more information on EDG, visit www.eventsbyedg.com.