Newly Engaged?

The Holiday Season is a very popular time for engagements. If you are one of the lucky couples, CONGRATULATIONS! Wedding planning CAN really be a lot fun, especially if you have the tools to help you through it. Here is a list from The Woods on the top 10 things you should do FIRST. (In no particular Order)


1. Shout It from the Rooftops- Well, maybe not, due to safety reasons, but letting everyone know is the very first thing you’ll want to do! While you may feel like shouting it from the rooftops, there are other fun ways to let your friends and family know. Try a personal phone call, funny e-card, video on Facebook or better yet, in person!

2. Plan an Engagement Party- An engagement party is a great way to gather friends and family together to celebrate this exciting time. It’s also a great time to gather the troops and oftentimes friends and family will offer to help take care of specific duties or will volunteer to be on call for whatever you need! These parties can be as extravagant or as laid back as you like, the main goal should be just to gather together to celebrate this new chapter in your life.

3. Pick a Date- Whether you plan the wedding around your favorite time of year, after you finish another life accomplishment such as school or getting a new job, or when you feel you’ll be financially able to do so- picking the date will help get everything else in order.

4. Set Your Budget- Having an idea of your budget limit will help you set the rest of your budget. Oftentimes things will vary in the price you set in your budget, so be willing to be flexible and move things around as needed to stick within your budget.

5. Find a Reception Site- The reception site can set the tone for your entire wedding, so it’s important to find a place that you love and fits your style.

6. Get Professional Engagement Photos-Engagement photos are a great idea since you can use them for save the date’s, your wedding website, invitations and wedding guest book.

7. Find a Wedding Dress- This may not be as easy as it sounds, but it’s okay to be extra picky when it comes to your wedding dress! Your dress can act as a statement piece and is one thing guests are the most curious about when attending a wedding. This will be a great way to reflect your personality and tone.

8. Make a Wedding Website- Creating a wedding website is a creative way to keep your guests informed. All of your information about your wedding will be in one place, and since we’re an online society, it’s easy for everyone to access. Give directions, hotel accommodations, registry information, post your engagement photos and even give sneak peeks to your wedding style! Many wedding websites will help you create your guest list, allow guests to fill in their addresses and even RSVP. You’ll want to take advantage of this great tool!

9. Consider a Consultant-You may feel that having a wedding consultant is an “extra” that you don’ t want to spend money on, but they can help smooth out the planning process and offer suggestions you might not have considered. Even if it’s just on the day of your wedding, having a wedding consultant could be just the thing to ensure a stress free wedding day.

10. Start Your Guest List- While you don’t have to decide on your exact guest list right away, it’s a good idea to at least get a rough draft. Gather you and your groom’s potential lists, as well as your parents lists if they have close friends they want to invite. They may even help you remember those family members you haven’t seen in a while! Forgetting a guest can be an embarrassing situation, so you’d rather have lists overlap then forget a loved one.

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