You're Engaged! Congrats!! But wait… now what?!?!

You got the ring…. CONGRATS!! 
But now what?!?

Once you have the ring there is a lot to think about and sometimes things become overwhelming and fast!

My goal is ALWAYS to make the wedding planning process as easy as possible.  I thought a simplified list of what to do first when you get engaged is the best way I can help!








1. Establish a budget!!
Without a realistic budget you will waste your time. Trust me. Once you have a budget that you and your fiancé are both comfortable with then and only then you can start the planning process. Everyone you chat with will ask what your budget is right away. With a  # in mind you can start planning. Without it it is nearly impossible.
2. Establish a guest list!!
Once you have established your budget put together your guest list. When you are answering the question of Where the guest list is very important. It will help you narrow down your search. You will not want to fall in love with a venue which can not fit your guest list. 
3. Pick a date!!
Or at least a time of year you want to be married. If you have a special date in mind that is great! But if you are flexible you may  be able to book your perfect venue in the "off-season" when things are cheaper- saving you $$.
When you begin the planning process everyone you speak to will ask you the same questions:
Budget?
How many guests?
When?
And now you know your answers!
So the next item on your to-do list is to:
4. Prioritize!! 
Prioritize everything. 
What is important to you? What is important to your fiancé? 
How about your parents? Your family? 
There are some things on planning checklists that may prove to not be that important to you while others are on the must-have list. As different as each and every couple is so is your priority list. Is it the food and music that top your list? Or is it getting married on the beach? Put it down on paper and this will help with allocating your budget and make your life easier, trust me!
5. Get yourself organized!!
Create a folder on your computer and make subfolders inside of it. Each category needs a separate folder and still each folder may have many documents and folders inside them! Make ones for: Venue, Ceremony sites, Dress styles, Food ideas, Guest list etc etc.  All of these will help you stay organized and keep the rip-your-hair-out-stress away! Having things labeled and simplified will make your life much, much easier.

And on that note here is the last item on your To-Do List after your get that ring:
6. CELEBRATE!!! 
Take a minute out to enjoy this moment.
Live in the moment and truly just take it all in.
 This will only happen once in your lifetime, enjoy it!!
Put your glasses up- Cheers!!

Happy Planning!
Talk soon,
~Tiffany

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