Congratulations, you’re engaged! We’re at the top of the new year and most of us are in the planning, resetting, and organizing mindset. And for our newly engaged brides-to-be, there are so many details and steps to planning the wedding of your dreams. So, there is no harm in breaking down those steps and finding ways to make the planning process seamless. This includes some pre-planning - the stage before the full wedding planning process, from taking care of your beautiful engagement ring and having the important conversation about the budget. It’s helpful to collaborate with your partner and seek some guidance. Planning a wedding itself can be extremely stressful and by the time you have to say “I do,” you will be free of any worries.
7 TIPS TO PRE-PLAN THE WEDDING OF YOUR DREAMS
TALK TO YOUR PARTNER
Ensuring that you’re on the same page as your partner is crucial to pre-planning your wedding. Ask what they envision the wedding to be like and what is important to them. There will most likely be some disagreements, but it is best to discuss them now before you’re deeper into wedding planning.
DISCUSS YOUR BUDGET
This might be one of the trickiest, but most crucial conversations with your partner. You will have to sit down and answer questions such as: “What is our budget?” “What is the absolute maximum?” “Are there any other ways we can increase our budget?” “Where can we get extra additional financial support help from?” This is a pre-planning step that should be taken seriously and openly discussed before all the serious planning begins.
INVEST IN RING INSURANCE
This is a step that many couples overlook, but ring insurance is important to invest in after getting engaged. Your engagement ring is worth a lot, financially and emotionally, so finding ways to protect it is a good idea. Insurance can cover damage, loss, and even maintenance. Of course, we don’t want anything unfortunate to happen to your engagement ring, so this extra step to take care of it is beneficial.
START YOUR REGISTRY
You might not have all your wedding details figured out, but starting your registry is something that can be set up ahead of time. There are various online registry websites to use to make it easier for you and your guests to use. Some options are Zola, The Knot, and Joy. Organize your registry with ease and your guests can purchase the exact gifts you want. This is a quick and easy tip that can save you time in the long run. Your registry can be updated as you go through the entire wedding planning process.
THINK ABOUT WEDDING SIZE
Your guest list is a significant number and important to discuss during the pre-wedding planning stage. It takes time to figure it out, so asking yourself the right questions is significant during this stage. Some questions to consider are: How small or large your guest list will be? Who do you see attending your wedding? What type of venue? - These are all questions to consider when thinking about the headcount for your wedding. This number should be solidified between your partner and in agreement before working with a wedding planner.
CREATE A MOOD BOARD
Mood boards will help you get organized. If you’re more of a visual person, creating a mood board for your wedding can help you put your ideas on paper and feel more concrete. It can also help you communicate your wants and the must-haves for your wedding. Creating a mood board can help you collaborate and work with your partner and planner smoothly.
DESIGN YOUR WEDDING WEBSITE
Designing a website can be challenging, but above all, time-consuming, especially if you don’t feel very tech-savvy. Starting on this during the pre-planning stage will be a lifesaver. It gives you time to take and gather photos, play with templates and designs, and get organized for your big celebration! Having a wedding website will be an effective way to communicate with your guests along with sharing any updates about your special day!
Written By: Angela de Mesa
Photography: Hayley Rafton
