You’re Engaged! Now What?

Gone are the days of hopeful proposal excitement every time your boyfriend knelt to tie his shoe or treated you to a night on the town. It finally happened! You’re now a bride-to-be, and even if you’ve been dreaming about your wedding day since you were a little girl, there’s still a million questions to be answered. Most importantly: where to begin? Newport Wedding Magazine knows six places to start

By Newport Wedding Magazine Staff

1. When?
   The Timeline: It’s most important to establish a timeline up front because all of the other pieces rely on this. Are you eloping next week? Are you stretching this engagement out over a few years? Or are you ready to set the date a year from your engagement? Time will fly by faster than anticipated, and it’s good to have at least a general idea of timing to determine the next steps.
   

   Photo by Samantha Robshaw

2. Where?
   The Location: Keep it local or take flight? It’s entirely up to you as a couple, but it’s important to keep in mind that this decision will affect #4 on the list; the guest list. If you want to host a destination wedding (think- getting on a plane), the guest list is typically immediate family and close friends and relatives. Whereas if you’re hoping for your own backyard I Do’s, you might invite coworkers and acquaintances! Set your location, and you can decide on your venues, vendors, and the number of people you can invite.
   

   Rosecliff Mansion

3. How Much?
   The Budget: So your chosen vendors know how much you’re able to spend, it’s important to set a price point. It’s easy to get carried away with details, and that bottom line can sneak up past your range before you even know what your range is. There’s nothing worse than finding the dress or venue of your dreams and then finding out it’s impossible to afford. Save yourself the heartbreak and make your budget clear; it will save you time and money down the road. First, figure out who’s paying for the wedding. Are you taking it into your own hands or getting help from family? A general rule of thumb is to put aside 20% of your income each month leading up to the wedding and make that your budget. The longer the engagement, the more time you have to save.
   
   

   Massart Photography, Cherryhill Florist

4. Who?
   The Guest List: Once you know your timeline, budget, and location, you can create your guest list. It goes hand in hand with your ultimate price point, and once you know who you want there you can come up with a general idea of what you can spend per head. It’s also a good idea to know who will be receiving invites to ahead of time to avoid awkward conversations with those who aren’t invited. When compiling the list, be sure to consult a parent or other family member to be certain you’re not forgetting any relatives that might slip your mind. Also, consider employing a “cut-off” to trim down your list. For example, anyone you haven’t seen in over 20 years doesn’t make the final count.
   

   Photo by Steve DePino

5. What?
   The Registry: This is one of the best parts, shopping! It’s important to do this early on, before you even have an engagement party, so that guests can get you what you really need. There are multiple events throughout your wedding, and your guests will be wondering what to bring. Giving them time to prepare and potentially save for the inevitable fees of your wedding sets you both up for success. Identify price points all along the spectrum to allow room for guests of all financial means and then take general inventory of your home. Figure out what essentials and upgrades you really need and take it from there.
   
   

   Melissa Robotti Photography

6. The Newport Bridal Show
   Of course, the best way to start gathering ideas is at Annual Newport Wedding Show. Hosted at two of the most elegant wedding venues, Rosecliff and OceanCliff, hundreds of engaged couples can shop for everything they need to plan their perfect wedding all in one day! Browse the Wedding Professionals to preview the unique products and services showcased. 
   

We know how hard it is to take the first few steps after your engagement, but it doesn’t have to be. Let this time of happiness be exactly that, and check your stress at the door. The rest will all fall into place!