Can you believe that within a couple days after getting engaged, most couples are already asked the question, “When is the big day?!”.How can you possibly know your wedding date when you haven’t even received your ring back from your jeweler, sized perfectly to your finger yet??! Don’t get overwhelmed. The day you choose your wedding date will come sooner than you think.

Take it slow and enjoy this time! We believe in making the most of every moment and this precious time right after your engagement is one you do not want to forget. Below we are sharing our five must do’s to start off this new chapter on the right foot!

Celebrate with your Fiancé! The actual proposal was probably a nerve-racking one for your soon-to-be-spouse (Regardless if your answer was a no brainer). Make sure that you both take a moment together to grab a bottle of champagne in the quietness of your own space and take it all in. “Can you believe it!! We are engaged!!!” Remember, life is about to get busy!

Announce Your Big News! Give your family a call and invite your besties over for a glass of wine and let that new diamond shine!

Tip! Make sure to let your closest family and friends know about your engagement before you make the announcement on Facebook or any other form of social media. In most cases, being the “first in the know” can mean everything to those loved ones in your life.

Get Your Ring Insured! I will never let this point go without mention. I had an all too upsetting experience with this and I no longer have my original engagement ring… I encourage you to read my story here on Wedding Ring Insurance 101.

Gather Your Inspiration! It is very, very easy to jump into venue searching. But hold on!! Make sure that you have a clear vision of what you are looking for in those venues. What is your inspiration? What is your vision? What style of event do you want? There are hundreds of venues out there, too many to see them all. Remember each venue can range in styles and different price points. Do you want a banquet hall or a loft? Are you more interested in an all-inclusive package or want to incorporate more DIY? Make sure you know where you are going before you get there.

Understand Your Budget We have all had this day; we head out to the mall and come across the perfect dress or shoes….or bag…! And then, we take a look at the price tag and instantly, that idea is over.

We hear upsetting stories from couples all too often on having their wedding dreams crushed very early on in their planning. Weddings are a lot more expensive than you may have anticipated. But of course, it is! You have never needed to plan a wedding before!

We HIGHLY suggest understanding your goal budget and your stretch budget (for those items you just HAVE TO HAVE) before you meet with any vendors or venues. When you have a number to shoot for and choose carefully which venues to visit that fit within your budget, your decision making and your engagement journey will be much more enjoyable.

I could go on forever about this topic. From personal experience and from hearing others’ stories, I have found that if most could go back and change one thing about their wedding planning experience, they would have slowed down and savored each moment more than they had. Whether you decide on working with a planner who will take care of a lot of those stresses or continue to plan on your own, remember to schedule relaxation time into your calendar as well.

Storybook Weddings & Events was founded on that principle. We plan weddings for the timeless couple, looking to write an engagement story as memorable as their wedding day. Remember this, your journey to the altar is longer than your walk down the aisle. So savor each and every moment presented to you. Please reach out to us HERE or below to find out how we can help you live in this moment…and not work it.

So now, to all of you new brides and grooms, go grab that bottle of champagne and cheers to a New Year and your new chapter!

With so much love,

Nicole