"I'm Engaged! Now what?"

He asked, you said, YES! Yay! Congratulations to the newly engaged. Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. Organization is key and procrastination is not an option. (I'm not saying don't take a break from it.) However, don't wait until the last minute. Try to stay focused and give yourself plenty of time to plan for your BIG day. Here's how you can get started:

Five Helpful Tips to Plan for Your Wedding:

1. Announcement

You're engaged! Start making calls and throw a party. Now is the time to share the big news with your parents, family, friends, relatives and all of your love ones. Let the whole world know about your engagement because this is a special moment in your life to a new beginning with your future lifetime partner.

2. Budget
First and foremost, budget. You will need to talk numbers with your partner to help decide how extravagant or simple your wedding can be. The cost of a wedding depends on your style, taste and location. The key to budgeting is sticking to the budget. Start by making a list of things that you need for your big day. Here's a sample list in no particular order:

1. Cost of Venue
2. Cost of Wedding Gown
3. Cost of Food/Catering
4. Cost of Cake
5. Cost of Photography
6. Cost of Wedding Videographer
7. Cost of DJ/Music
8. Cost of Invitations
9. Cost of Flowers
10. And so forth... (well, you get the gist of this list)

Be practical! The last thing you want is to be in debt after your wedding. Try not to go over your budget and spend wisely on what is most important to you and your partner. Stick to your budget list and get organized.

3. Pick the date / Venue
Start planning when and where you want to get married. For some, picking a date may come easy. However, this may differ for every couple. It may all depend on Symbolism, Season, Price, Holiday, VIP Preferences and No-No Days. Or it may come down to what's available.

There are a few things you want to factor in when looking for your venue. How many guests you plan to invite (size matters)? Also, do you want your ceremony and reception in one place? Are you looking for an all inclusive venue? Do you want a destination, local or backyard wedding? Whichever venue you choose, make sure it feels right. This will be the place that you will never forget, the place you say, "I do".

4. Wedding Organizer 

Getting organized is one of the most crucial part of planning a wedding. There are many resources out there, but it can be overwhelming to pick and chose which organizer suits you best. If you are internet savvy(like myself), checkout a couple of my favorite wedding sites The Knot and Wedding Wire. Either of these websites are great tools to help you plan your wedding from start to finish. They can offer you more wedding planning details through their books, magazines, online videos and helpful tips from real brides.

5. Be Happy and Enjoy the Moment.

Remember to have fun and enjoy planning your dream wedding with your partner. Just keep in mind that you are getting married to celebrate the union of your love for each other.

Once again, Congratulations on your engagement. Let the wedding planning begin. For more inspiration, follow us on pinterest.

Xx,

Anne Nguyen