I’m engaged to be married, but what’s next?

Woo Hoo, how exciting, you are engaged!!!

Congratulations!

Whether your proposal was all the bells and whistles, or an intimate moment, it's official: you're tying the knot!

However, it’s usual amidst all the excitement, to find yourself wondering, "What now?"

Here’s a short, handy guide to navigating the exciting wedding journey from ‘Yes!’ to ‘I do.’

Celebrate Together

First things first, take some time to celebrate, have fun and mark this momentous occasion!  Celebrate with your partner and enjoy this special time before diving into wedding planning. 

Share the News

Once you’re ready to go public, think about how you want to share the big news.  Do you want to shout it from the rooftops on social media, or will it be a surprise announcement at a family gathering?  Who do you want to tell personally – this kind of news spreads fast.

Set a Date

Do you plan to have a long or a short engagement?   Choosing a wedding date can be quite terrifying, but it helps to ensure you have the time you need to plan the type of wedding you want.    Consider the season, availability of key family members and friends, and potential venue options.

Establish a Budget

It’s so important to discuss and agree your budget early on as things can start to get out of hand if you're not careful, leading to unwanted stress further down the line.   Determine how much you want to spend and who is contributing, AND importantly what the contribution is for (more on this coming soon).   This will guide your decisions moving forward.

Create a Guest List

Draft a preliminary guest list to get an idea of the wedding size, which influences everything from venue choice to catering.

Find Your Venue

The venue is a critical aspect of your wedding.   What type of vibe do you want, accessible locations, full package or DIY.  Researching venues early, visit a few, and book the one that feels right and aligns with your vision, and budget..

Hire a Wedding Planner (If Needed)

If planning feels overwhelming, consider hiring a wedding planner.   They can help streamline the process and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Choose a Theme

Think about the theme or style of your wedding.  Whether it's rustic, modern, beachy, or classic, having a vision can help with other decisions like décor, attire, and flowers.

Shopping for wedding dresses, suits, kilts..

Start shopping for your wedding dress, suits whatever you will be wearing.. Remember, it often takes several months to order a wedding dress, and have fittings or tailor a suit, so begin this process early.

Book Essential Suppliers

Research and book key suppliers: a caterer, photographer, florist, and musicians or DJs.   You don’t want the ones you have been stalking, I mean following on insta to be booked by another couple, so get in there early.

Send Save-the-Dates and Invitations

Once your venue is secured and your guest list finalised, send save-the-dates. Follow up with formal invitations closer to the date.

Plan your Ceremony

What type of ceremony with you have on the day.  Do you plan to use a Registrar or have something more personalised to suit who you are as a couple, such as a Celebrant-Led Ceremony?    Either way work on the details of the ceremony, it sets the tone and atmosphere for the day ahead. .

Take Care of Legalities

Ensure all the legal aspects are in order, such as giving notice, discussing any name changes.  Should you choose to book a Celebrant for your service be sure to have booked your legals separately.

Hire a Nearlywed Coach/Wedding Life Coach (If needed)

It might get stressful, and some or your relationships may get tested along the way but try to enjoy the journey.  Lean on your support system, take breaks, and remember why you're doing this.   Should you feel you need further support or want to take a pro-active approach to being at your best on your special day you can work with a life coach that specialises in coaching throughout the wedding journey.

 Plan Your Honeymoon

Don't forget about your honeymoon!  It’s something to look forward to after the day Decide on a destination, book your travel and accommodations, and make any necessary arrangements

Enjoy the Process

Remember, this is a celebration of you both as a couple joining together to take on the adventures of life!    You're about to embark on a journey of a lifetime, and it's important to enjoy every moment. Wishing you all the happiness as you plan your wedding and beyond! 🍾💍

For more information on nearlywed coaching click here.