And I mean really enjoy it. Just the two of you. Take in the moment that you’re in right now. Make dinner and think about the life you’ll have once it’s official. Go on a hike together and look at the way the sun sparkles off your ring. Kiss like your forever already started. Cherish the time where only you two shared this secret, you have so much ahead of you, but don’t forget to sit in the stillness of each other before things get crazy.
I don’t need to tell you how to party because i’m sure you’ve already got that covered, but I want to remind you to HAVE THE PARTY. Family, friends, people you work with that make you smile. You will want the memories. Plus, who doesn’t want the first taste of how your wedding night will be? All eyes on you baby, because it’s all about you! Remember that.
The most important thing to nail down, is WHEN you want to get married. The date, or season, or even any idea of a timeframe (if a certain venue is very important to you) guides the entire wedding planning process! Once you have a clue about timing, everything can fall into place after that. You can’t coordinate anything if you don’t know when it’s going to take place!
Short and sweet, you could be carrying upwards of $10,000 on your left hand, insure that bad boy. Aside from the emotional devastation if you lost/had it stolen, we don’t need to add financial to that!
I know, who actually wants to see how much money they’ll be losing in approximately a year, but it will be the best decision you make as part of the planning process, I swear. It will hurt a little bit to see on paper (or excel), but I hate to break it to you…It’s probably going to end up being more than that anyway. Might as well visualize it now, and prepare yourself, or think of ways now you might one able to save a little as you go!
I’m sure you’ve heard it left and right, up and down from wedding vendors you may follow on Instagram or Facebook, but the venue is what you. should. book. first. There are so many aspects to think about when it comes to a venue, that if you’re scrambling as it gets closer to your wedding you’re more likely for something UNUSUAL to happen during your day.
When it comes to the venue here are a few things to keep in mind:
Is it Indoor AND Outdoor? Do you prefer one or the other?
How many people will it hold?
How is Parking and Transportation to get to your Venue?
Is Bartending or Catering included?
Do they have a rain plan?
Will you be having the reception on site?
How is the lighting?
Close your eyes and think about vowing forever to your partner; you’re hand in hand grinning from ear to ear and you turn beside you to see your people, the ones who have been there for the big moments. Who is it? Who will be up there? Who is proud and crying as they stand next to you during your biggest moment yet?
Now, simply, gather those people. They will not only love to take part in your wedding but they will be your stress relief in the time that occurs from saying yes to saying I do. Just make sure they don’t give too much input, it’s still your vision.
(And little known fact, they will also be your personal wedding assistants if you need that too)
MY FAVORITE BRIDAL PARTY (for her) GIFT SITES: Anthea Bridal, World Market, Free People, and Anthropologie
First in demand will most likely be photographers, especially coming out of this global panini. Yet, here are a couple others to keep in mind when it comes to your day: Dj/Band, Florals + Event Design, Videographer, Wedding Coordinator, Catering, and Cake Design.
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Coming to you soon!
Call it that too, and even place bets, there’s an easy way to get your partner involved! But in honesty, you will probably have to narrow down your first draft twice before it’s finalized and maybe even once more after that.
Start by taking stock with both families; who needs to be there, who do you want to be there, who can cause problems? It’s better to get any problems out of the way beforehand, especially if you’re receiving help in any way financially from family — respect and all.
A few tips I share with my clients for narrowing down your guest list:
>> Follow the One Year Rule: If you haven’t talked to that friend for one year or more, getting an invite to your wedding isn’t essential
>> Make it kid free: Kids can add a cuteness factor to your wedding, but an easy way to cut your guest list is to make it 18 and older (excluding flower girls/ring bearers). Hey, parents want a night out too!
>> Give both families the same number of guests: Make it fair and be up front, then no tears will be shed after the fact.
>> Updated “No ring, no bring” Rule: We follow Modern Plus One Protocol here at Mackenzie Grace Photography — this means that if they’re not in a serious relationship of any kind (married, dating 2+ years, engaged, living together) then they don’t need an invite to your wedding.
“But we’re not picture people”
“We always look really awkward in front of the camera”
“We never know what to do in photos”
STOP.
Finding a photographer you are comfortable with, that knows you, and brings fun and energy to time spent together — that makes all the difference for true documentation, emotion, and beauty in images.
If I could recommend ANYTHING surrounding photography to my wedding clients, it’s to take engagement photos, and take them with the photographer who is shooting your wedding. Not only will it allow for your photographer to tell a more accurate story of your love after spending time with you, BUT it will help YOU get comfortable for the photos on your wedding day! Not everyone is used to an entire day being photographed, but it can be overwhelming! Getting engagement photos done will help ease you into what’s to come on the best day of your life.
and I happen to know a girl…
I’m not going to pitch myself TOO hard, but I pride my wedding photography work in showing genuine love the way it is felt.
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