Okay, so we're engaged, now what?
Well... don't rush! Getting engaged is an exciting time and we suggest taking in as much time as you want and immersing yourself in the joy of getting engaged! Don't dive head first into the details of wedding planning yet!
If you are not a planner by nature, it is easy to let the wedding planning process take over your life- but it shouldn't be this way! Here, we have outlined 7 things you can do to celebrate if you've just got engaged.
1. CELEBRATE WITH YOUR LOVED ONES
The first step in celebrating your engagement is to share the news with your friends and family. This is a special moment for you and your partner, and it's natural to want to share your joy with the people who matter most to you. Here are a few ways to do this:
i. Announce it on social media: Share a photo and a message announcing your engagement on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
ii. Call and text your close friends and family: Reach out to your closest friends and family members to personally share the news and hear their congratulations.
iii. Have an engagement party: Consider hosting an engagement party as a way to celebrate your news with loved ones. This can be a more formal gathering, such as a dinner party, or a more relaxed gathering, such as a BBQ or picnic.
iv. Celebrate with a special meal: Take your partner out for a special meal or plan a romantic evening at home to celebrate your engagement.
Remember, the way you celebrate your engagement is entirely up to you and your partner. The most important thing is to find a way to celebrate that feels most meaningful and special to both of you.
2. DETERMINE YOUR BUDGET
If you've just got engaged, remember that there is a wedding, AND there is a marriage. These are two very different things by nature. If you take the time to chat with your partner at the earlier stages of the wedding planning process about your expectations and find a common ground between the both of you, I'm sure you will save a lot of frustration down the road.
We have outlined several ideas on setting your wedding budget to get the ball rolling:
i. Review your finances: Take a look at your current financial situation and determine how much you can realistically afford to spend on your wedding.
ii. Check with your parents if there will be any contributing party(ies).
iii. Make a list of your priorities: Decide what elements of your wedding are most important to you, i.e. venue, food, photography, dress, etc, as this will help you allocate your budget in a way that aligns with your priorities.
iv. Research average costs: Look online or speak to wedding professionals to get an idea of the average cost of different elements of a wedding. This will help you determine how much you need to budget for each item.
It's important to keep in mind that there is no right or wrong way to allocate your funds. The most important thing is to create a budget that works for you and your partner and remember to stick to it as much as possible.
3. SET A WEDDING DATE
Setting a wedding date is an important step in your wedding planning process. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you determine your wedding date once you're engaged:
i. Consider your schedules: Take into account the schedules of you and your partner, as well as any important friends and family members who will be traveling to your wedding. It's a good idea to choose a date that works for everyone who is important to you.
ii. Consider if there will be any religious marriage ceremony or date to observe. If you or your partner have cultural or religious traditions that you would like to incorporate into your wedding, make sure the date you choose works with those traditions.
iii. Consider the weather: If you're planning an outdoor wedding, keep the weather in mind and choose a date that has the best chance of having pleasant conditions.
Need some pointers in setting your wedding date? Read Auspicious Dates to Tie The Knot Calendar.
4. GET YOUR LEGAL MARRIAGE LICENSE
If you are getting married in Malaysia, you must complete the registration of marriage (ROM) with JPN a.k.a. Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara in order to get married legally.
If you're non-Muslim, there are 2 places for consideration to get your ROM done: the National Registration Department (JPN) or Church / Temple / Association by Assistant Registrar of Marriages.
5. RESEARCH ON WEDDING VENUES
Visit different venues and start comparing options based on your date, budget and guest list.
Popular venues get booked up pretty fast so we suggest choosing 3 desirable wedding dates that work best for you and your partner. Once you've got the dates, you can now start enquiring your preferred venue provider.
Once you have paid a deposit to lock in your date and signed the contract with your venue provider, you can start announcing your wedding date to everyone! Hooray!
6. DECIDE ON YOUR WEDDING THEME
Determining your wedding theme is the most fun and important step in the wedding planning process. It will help you refine your theme and ensure that all of the elements of your wedding are cohesive. There are lots of ways you can find inspiration from, such as Instagram, Pinterest, wedding websites, or magazines. Remember to save them into an album so you can always refer to it easily.
Don't forget to talk to and brainstorm with your partner about your gathered findings or ideas for your wedding theme, as this is a great opportunity to get creative and come up with a theme that reflects both of your personalities.
Remember, your wedding theme is a reflection of you and your partner's style and taste, so don't be intimidated to be unique and creative. The most important thing is to choose a theme that feels special and meaningful to you both.
7. HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER
If everything fails, consider hiring a wedding planner to help you with the details and ensure that everything runs smoothly on your big day. But if budget is a constraint, you can try checking out available digital wedding planner around to help you with your wedding planning. Do check out TBH 10-in-1 Wedding Planner Pro if you plan to plan your dream wedding on your own, like a pro!
Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy this exciting time with your partner and focus on the love and commitment you both share!
For more wedding tips like, check out The Bridal Helpline.