Happy New Year, everyone!

Along with good tidings for the new year, I have received good news about friends getting engaged! It is that time to make changes and commitments for the year ahead, and I wish you all well! To those couples newly engaged, congratulations!! And I am passing along the words of support that I give all my couples:

1. Enjoy yourselves! It is a special time in your lives to celebrate your love, so please breathe and enjoy it! Planning a wedding will undoubtedly involve obstacles and stress, so remember to enjoy!

2. Share the news!: So many couples have told me that telling their parents about their engagement was one of their happiest memories. And these days, whether virtually or the old-fashioned way, you can tell your parents face-to-face. After they know, announce it to all your loved ones and be ready to mark the occasion! Have a surprise get-together, do a video post, or throw an engagement party. For those couples planning to get wed in 2015, I suggest an engagement party later this year, so you can tell everyone about your plans for your wedding next (insert a season!).

3. Be true to yourselves! Before everyone else starts throwing ideas your way, sit down with your partner and discuss what you want. I suggest to my couples that they make a list of 5 Things They Must Have at their wedding and stay true to that list throughout the process. During this discussion, also consider how involved each of you want/can be in the planning.

4. Start planning your wedding! Based on what you want, find a coordinator you can work with and trust. I recommend hiring a planner before you decide on vendors, because the planner can be helpful with negotiating prices, reviewing contracts, and giving you all your options. It’s best to find a venue first (this will determine what you can do, if colors/themes/design elements will work, etc.). From my experience, I then move on to working with couples on their budget and the guest list.

5. Make time for yourselves. Yes, I am reiterating Tip #1, but  I cannot stress enough how important it is for couples to make time for themselves. Have dates that are free of wedding talk and details. And then have a lunch when you do discuss your wedding plans. Check in so that you are enjoying all the days up to your big day!

With love,

Amy

Photo Credit: Jamie Thrower of Studio 13 Designs