The First Six Steps After You Get Engaged
You're engaged - now what?! What is the most important thing to book right away, what can wait until later?
1 | Tell Everyone Your Big News!
First things first, tell your family - via phone or in person. Finding out your child is engaged via facebook probably isn't the best feeling in the world.
2 | Set Aside Some Time with Your New partner.
Secondly, enjoy your newlywed status! You'll get an outpouring of love and support with is so so fun. This is the time to get your nails done, post obnoxious ring selfies ;-) and soak in the fun new names for each other. Oh hey fianceeeeeee. You two can pour over wedding inspiration, talk about dream dates and share your unique visions for the big day.
Next, things get real.
3 | Set a Wedding Budget
The average cost of a wedding in Colorado is a whopping $31,000 (Maybe want to elope? I cover Elopements too!) Here's an standard breakdown on budget items. Remember however it's what is most important to you and your relationship. Example: My husband and I used a family heirloom for my wedding band and splurged on food costs.
Here are some of the larger wedding costs in Colorado:
Venue - $5,000 to $7,000 | Ways to save money on your Colorado wedding venue: Many Colorado wedding venues offer off season pricing or specials for weekday or Sunday weddings. Also, consider cutting your guest list or having an A invitation group and a B group for after RSVPs start returning and you have a better idea of wiggle room in the guest list.
Catering - $35 to $100 per person | Catering can vary on food choices, eating style and the company. Do your research of the different food serving styles and what your guests are accustomed to.
Photography and Videography Services - $2,000 to $6,000 | Pricing varries a ton on this one because of the large market in Colorado, check out Pinterest and Instagram to get a feel of the style you like (light and airy? true to color? moody?).
Florist - $2,000-$4,000 | Another area Pinterest comes in! Save your favorites and work with the florist on budget, you can ask for alternates that cost less or are in season for your wedding to save money! Don’t get too hung up on a specific flower, the florist will know best!
4 | Start Meeting with and Booking Vendors
Now that you know how much you can spend it's time to start interviewing vendors. Find a time of year/date you love and meet with venues to find the right one. Keep in mind most popular venues book a year in advance.
Next vendor to look for? Photographer and Videographer. These can book a year + in advance especially for busier times of the year. (I'm already booking for 2021!)
Wondering what you should ask your photographer or videographer? Check out some suggestions here.
5 | Create an Inspiration Board to Share with Vendors + Bridal Party
Get your vision together. This will help when you meet with vendors or coordinators so they can truly picture your vision. A lot of vendors have pinterests boards as well to see their work and styles.
6 | Pick Your Bridal Party
This is a crazy important decision, and you will get asked who made the cut almost immediately after that ring is on your finger. Remember to thing long term, will this person be in your life for the foreseeable future? Are there family members who expect to be in this exclusive group? Are there party members who already don't get along and will cause any issues?
Ok, those are the basics - feeling overwhelmed yet? Just remember there are tons of resources for you out there! Stay tuned for more planning and bridal tips from www.mollymargaretphotography.com
