New Engagement? Ready for 5 Important Tips

5 Very Relevant Tips for Newly Engaged Couples

Getting engaged is undoubtedly a blissful time and memory for couples, but many couples can get overwhelmed by the wedding checklists and all of the decisions that they have to make in the months to come. We wanted to highlight a few tips from our experience working with other couples and from having the pleasure of walking the aisle. Not to mention, we have learned in working with other brides to be; in a short note, they to felt challenged by the planning process. You're not alone. 

For our planning team, helping brides organize their memorable occasion by providing not only gorgeous real wedding photos, but professional vendor recommendations that we have had the pleasure of working along side, and resourceful online wedding portals. Her are a few pointers to help make the engagement period as enjoyable and stress-free as possible:

Photo Credit: JT Photography

Tip #1. Embrace the moment!

So many couples rush into planning mode right away without taking the time to jut enjoy the engagement. Regardless of whether you are planning a 12-week or a 12-month engagement, you have time, and you only get to experience this once. So breathe.

Tip #2. Set the boundaries.

When you do start the planning process, it is important that you have a sit-down with all parties involved and go over the big picture that you have in mind; from everyone's responsibility to budget. Note: Communication and Organization are essential. Not only does this help everyone get on the same page, but it also avoids future conflicts.

Tip #3. It’s all about the two of you. And that's okay! 

Too many couples that I speak with say they lose sight of this and get wrapped up in trying to make everyone else happy but themselves. Remember this is your wedding. As harsh as it may sound, you have to come to terms with the fact that you are not going to please everyone. But that's okay because you have set the boundaries.

Tip #4. Prioritize.

Budget or no budget; make your checklist and prioritize it with whats most important to you.

Tip #5. Photographs are memories to last a lifetime.

Choose a photographer that is able to capture your day. Hire a professional not a friend. You'll find it very helpful to take engagement photos before the big day so that the photographer gets a sense of you as a couple. 

CHOOSING WEDDING VENDORS: TIPS AND ETIQUETTE TO FINDING YOUR EXPERTS

Tips and Etiquette in Finding Your Wedding Experts

Well, just who wouldn't love a wedding that is perfect with every last detail. It is such a memorable day and it is great to be able to reflect back upon your wedding day and just smile. Sometimes it is just that one detail that generates a special emotion that jogs the bond that brought you and the groom together. But! we all know that having your desired details and a day that runs with perfection means delegating the experts to your wedding day. Experts aren't the aunts, uncles, family friends or the bridal party to tend to these details. The word expert is referring to industry professionals with a focus and experience in event planning, day of wedding coordination, photography, videography, floral design, catering, and entertainment.

The realization that finding the right vendor can be time consuming, daunting, tricky and even frustrating; but once they are in place it minimizes the stress of planning. Here are a few tips and etiquette caveats that you should try out.

What Are You Dreaming Up?

Make a clear list of what you expect from your vendors. For example, write of list of 10 photo ops you must have in you collage of wedding pictures from your photography. Chances are they already know, though.

Compare and Contrast.

It may be worthy to note, that your should research no more than three - four vendors in each expertise and decide on one. Interviewing more than four vendors can get a bit confusing and you may confuse the difference in what each offers.

Make Your Calls.

So you've surfed the web and spent most of your time looking at packages online at the click of your mouse and found a few professionals that have peaked your interest. It is time to pick up the phone and call. This is where you trim your long list. Turn that list of four into a st of three, choose one and have your back up just in case your date is not available.

Grab a Latte.

Okay, so your felt good about things after your time on the phone; now it's time to sit down with them and go over some details for your day. Get to know your professional over a coffee or tea. This will give you an opportunity to share your clear vision of what you want for your wedding day. An expert in this industry has a great balance of knowing what to do and how to be flexible. They may not be able to give you a 'yes' for all the items on your checklist, but as a professional they may be able to work within your budget or offer alternatives that could be just a satisfying. And last but not least...

Do Not Leave Anyone Hanging!

By this time you should have a good grasp as to who you are going to hire for your wedding day. With or without, a deposit - you have probably selected the professionals that are going to take the load off your shoulders, grasped your vision and shares your passion. 

This is important! 

During your research you talked to other vendors and centered their time around you and your day. If you have decided not to hire them for whatever reason: Now! ..is a good time to let them know: "Thank You, but..". Follow up on these inquiries, these industry professional devoted time to answering your questions. Send a quick email, text or pick up the phone and provide an update in that you have selected a competitor. Consider the time they invested in your inquiry. The duration of their time may have been more than the time it will take you in letting them know they will not be hired the job. They will appreciate that you did!

Hair Trivia for Every Bride UP? or DOWN?

Well here it is! You have found the perfect gown, shoes and complimentary jewelry. Now, what to do with your hair?

For some brides wedding day hair is an afterthought, for others it's the only thought. When you are thinking about that perfect style keep a few things in mind, with a few tips from our planners at It's a Bridal Thing Too!

Tip #1 

Your Style of the Dress - You want to make sure your hair doesn't cover any of the accents on your dress or take away from the style of the dress itself.

Tip #2 

The Shape of Your Face - Pick a style that frames your face and brings out your best facial features.

Tip #3 

Not the Time to be Daring - This is not the time to try out that new hair color you have always wanted or to put in the Rapunzel length extensions. If you are itching to try something new, have a hairstyle run through a few weeks before.

Tip #4 

Make Sure Your Hairstyle is Something You Are Comfortable With - Don't let your bridesmaids talk you into a loose chignon when you love having your hair down!

Most Importantly!

Tip #5 

Remember, This is Your Day - Be happy with every aspect of your wardrobe which includes the hair.

Wedding Etiquette and websites that can help!

How long can I wait to send out Thank-You notes for wedding gifts?

Who pays for the entertainment at the wedding?

We are sure you brides are thinking about some of these same questions!

Just relax(If you need help with that look at our last blog!)

It's a Bridal Thing is here to help!

Here are some recommendations of some of our favorite Wedding Etiquette websites and books.

• Emily Post Weddings- This is the Queen of all etiquette. If she doesn't know no one will. Everything from "I don't like my ring, should I tell him?" to "I am a bridesmaid but I can't afford it. What do I do?" is covered by this maven!
• The Knot: Ask Carley- The Knot has charged their Editor-In-Chief Carley Roney to answer your wedding questions. She has full Q&A list for topics like planning, reception issues and the best way to incorporate your families traditions and customs.
• Brides.com Wedding Etiquette and Guests- The classic go to for anyone getting married! They have their own compendium of etiquette. Their guide even covers cake and food.
• Wedding Etiquette Hell: The Brides Bible to Avoiding Everlasting Damnation- The blurb says: "Hamilton, a wedding consultant and creator of EtiquetteHell.com, lays out basic etiquette rules in chapters arranged by topic (e.g., attendants, invitations, and showers) and then illustrates them with hilarious, real-life stories that drive the points home."
• The Everything Wedding Etiquette Book- Covers every part of the wedding process from engagement to should you hyphenate your name. This book truly has Everything!

Just a few snippets from the tons of available resources!

But, let's go a bit further. If you don't have time to read or research, let us help you!

Send us your Wedding Etiquette questions for us to answer on the blog.
E-mail us at leah@itsabridalthing.com  and we'll try our best to help you and others out in the web wedding world!