Well, first things first—congratulations! Engagement is such an exciting time. New beginnings! And new bling! If you find yourself feeling a little overwhelmed, though, you aren’t alone. It’s totally normal to be feeling all the feels—love, excitement, pride, and wonder—but stress and anxiety may soon kick in too. And that’s OK. This is all new!
These six pieces of advice will help you get started with your wedding planning. Don’t stress. It will be a journey you and your new fiancee will share.
1. Take your time and enjoy each moment
Are you up for air? Your face may be sore from smiling so much after the proposal. The engagement bubble, floaty feeling is real—and so is the reality check that comes after. It may seem like everyone is settling down for the new year now that the holidays are over. Work, your family, and social obligations might feel more full than ever. Your friends and family will want to celebrate you and you’re probably wanting to jump right into wedding planning, and it’s easy to feel torn in different directions. The best thing that you can do is to breathe. Take a deep breath, then take another. Don’t lose sight of the reason for this new season in your life—you’re getting married! Keep your eyes on the prize and everything will fall into place, as long as we remember to breathe.
The lowdown on TLC engagement rings
2. Remember, we’re still in a “new normal”
Though it’s hard to believe, we’re two years into the pandemic now, and it looks like we will still be navigating this “new normal” for some time now. Although it may seem like a huge disappointment to think of the restrictions and precautions that are in place for your wedding, try to accept the changes and new protocols that may be required for your special day or for the events leading up to it. Talk to brides who have been through weddings or wedding planning during COVID and know that it’s OK to feel a bit blue that your big day may not look exactly like you always dreamed. It will still be a beautiful event, and you’ll feel relieved knowing you took extra safety steps for everyone you love.
3. To resolve any family issues, form a united front
This one is big and different for everyone. Perhaps you have an incredible relationship with your now in-laws, perhaps you don’t. One thing is certain: Things can and often do change once you enter wedding-planning mode. You’re not “the girlfriend” anymore; you’ll soon be a wife and a member of the family. With wedding planning in the near future, it is important to have conversations about finances, guest lists and living arrangements. This can lead to tension, disagreements and even arguments.
Communication is key here! Talk to your fiancée and work together to make sure you are all on the same page when it comes to navigating through any difficult or contentious waters. Everything will be fine if you both set clear expectations, boundaries, and stay on the same page.
4. Stick to your budget from the beginning
The most mundane part of your new engagement journey is money. Celebrations, events, registries, the wedding itself—they all cost money, and often, a lot of it. It is crucial to stick to a budget. So, it is worth having a (sometimes awkward) conversation about your budget with your fiancee and any other guests who may be helping you plan your wedding.
Before you start venue hunting or looking at vendors, have a financial plan. This will help you avoid unrealistic expectations and stressors such as unexpected bills.
Start the planning process on the right foot
5. Sleep on it if you can
Do you feel tensions rising a little? Are your thoughts racing as you think about all the things you need to do? Or did your future mother-in-law say something that just isn’t sitting right with you? Sleep on it before you react.
The first few weeks after getting engaged are magical but exhausting and sometimes overwhelming. It’s normal for your emotions to be high, but before you engage in a conflict or tackle a sticky situation, try to sleep on it. Sometimes, a solid night’s rest is all you need to wake up clear-headed and ready to make thoughtful decisions instead of impulsive or emotional ones.
6. Remember that marriage and engagement are a journey!
With a neverending to-do list and life “getting in the way,” it can be so easy to lose sight of what matters most: your relationship! All been-there-done-that brides will attest that once the wedding day has come and gone, all you’re left with are the memories (and photos!). Be open to all the challenges that come with planning a wedding and embrace them all. Also, remember the little moments. It will be here soon enough, so take the time to enjoy this special moment. After all, it’s about the journey just as much as the destination!
Source: The Every Girl