11 tips for wedding planning before you’re engaged
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There’s no rule that says you have to wait until you’re engaged to start wedding planning. In fact, many couples start scouting locations and booking vendors long before they get down on one knee.
While some people might see this as putting the cart before the horse, there are actually several benefits to wedding planning before you’re officially engaged.
For one thing, it can help you to get a feel for what you want your wedding to be like. Are you picturing an intimate gathering or a lavish affair? A destination wedding or a local celebration?
By starting to plan early, you can begin to narrow down your options and get closer to your vision. And, when the time comes to make it official, you’ll already have a head start on making your dream wedding a reality.
Here are some tips to get started.
Set a wedding budget
Before you can start planning your wedding, it’s important to set a realistic budget and stick to it. Consider all of the expenses that will be involved, such as venue rentals, catering, décor, wedding dresses and suits, wedding favors, and more. Estimate how much money you realistically have to work with, and then start planning accordingly.
Start a wedding Pinterest board
If you’re not currently engaged, that doesn’t mean you can’t start collecting wedding inspiration on Pinterest. In fact, this is a great way to start getting an idea of the kind of wedding you want. Simply create a board for all things wedding-related, and start pinning away. There’s no need to feel like you’re getting ahead of yourself; collecting inspirational photos and ideas is harmless fun, and it might just give you a better sense of what you do (and don’t) want for your own wedding day. Who knows, you might even come across the perfect dress… or cake… or venue… in the meantime! So go ahead and start your wedding board on Pinterest today. It’ll be worth it, we promise.
Research wedding venues
One of the most important aspects of wedding planning is finding the perfect venue. If you’re not engaged, that doesn’t mean you can’t start researching potential venues. Of course, you’ll want to wait to book anything until you’re actually ready to tie the knot, but you can start browsing wedding venues and getting a sense of what’s out there.
Connect with wedding vendors
The wedding industry is full of talented professionals who are eager to help create beautiful weddings for couples just like you. Reach out to wedding vendors, such as photographers, caterers, florists, wedding planners, and more, and start building relationships. This way, you’ll be ready to book their services when the time comes.
Attend wedding shows and open houses
If you’re not currently engaged but are looking for wedding inspiration and ideas, one great way to get started is to attend local wedding shows and open houses. These events are often free and offer a great chance to connect with potential vendors, sample their work, and learn about the latest trends in the world of weddings. Whether you’re interested in photography, floral design, or event planning, there’s sure to be a show or open house tailored to your needs. So if you’re looking for a fun, informative way to start planning your big day, consider attending a local wedding show or open house today!
Additionally, you can explore Etsy for wedding decorations, wedding planners on WeddingWire or The Knot for wedding ideas and Rock Ridge Candles for favors and gifts. There are also wedding magazines that you can pick up at bookstores and libraries to browse through the latest wedding trends. Remember, it’s important to stay organized throughout the wedding planning process so that you don’t get overwhelmed when it’s time to make your big day a reality!
Create wedding checklists and timelines
It can be easy to get overwhelmed by wedding planning, which is why it’s important to create wedding-specific checklists and timelines. This will help you stay organized and make sure that all the little details are taken care of in a timely manner.
Start wedding DIY projects
Many couples like to get creative and take wedding planning into their own hands by doing wedding-related DIY projects, such as crafting wedding favors or creating custom wedding signage. If you’re not engaged yet but still want to start budgeting for your wedding, consider starting some of these projects on your own.
Date nights and wedding brainstorming sessions
If you’re not engaged but are still interested in wedding planning, it’s important to make time for regular wedding brainstorming sessions with your partner. Try to dedicate at least one night a week to wedding planning, whether that means going out for a romantic dinner and discussing wedding details or staying in and working on wedding DIY projects together.
Stay organized and keep track of wedding expenses
One of the most important aspects of wedding planning is staying organized and keeping track of all the wedding-related expenses. This can be difficult to do if you’re not yet engaged, but it’s still important to make a wedding budget and keep track of wedding-related expenses as much as you can.
Stay positive and stay focused
As a soon-to-be bride, there is no doubt that wedding planning can seem daunting and overwhelming at times. With so many different tasks to complete, it’s easy to become overwhelmed or discouraged by all of the work ahead of you. However, above all else, it’s important to remember that wedding planning should be fun! After all, you are about to embark on one of the most exciting journeys of your life: a marriage with your partner. So try your best to keep a positive attitude and stay focused on the bigger picture even if you’re not engaged yet. With careful planning and tons of enthusiasm, you will no doubt have an amazing wedding experience!
Final Thoughts
Wedding planning before engaged is a great way to get organized and start budgeting for your wedding. There are no rules when it comes to getting married, so feel free to start planning your wedding well before you’re engaged! You can attend local wedding shows and open houses, create wedding checklists and timelines, start wedding DIY projects, and more. Just remember to stay positive, stay organized, and most importantly, enjoy wedding planning along the way!
FAQs
While there is no set rule, many couples do choose to get engaged before getting married. However, you can technically get married without being engaged if you wish!
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to the length of your engagement. Some couples choose to wait a year or more, while others may only be engaged for a few months. It all depends on your own personal preferences!
If you’re not yet engaged but still interested in wedding planning, there are plenty of things you can do to get started! You can create wedding checklists and timelines, start wedding DIY projects, budget for your wedding, and more. Wedding planning before engagement is a great way to get organized and start preparing for your big day!
The best way to stay positive and stay focused during wedding planning is to remember that wedding planning should be fun! Keep a positive mindset, use wedding-planning checklists to help you stay organized, and try your best to enjoy the process as much as possible. With careful planning, plenty of enthusiasm, and a positive attitude, you will have an amazing wedding experience!