Image by Maya Papaya Pictures. Keep scrolling for our tips for newly engaged couples

Congratulations on your engagement! This next season of life is going to be one of the best, and we’re so excited to help you through every step of your wedding planning. We completely understand that, once the high of the actual engagement starts to wear off, the reality of planning a wedding sets in, and it can be overwhelming! So, we’ve rounded up our top seven tips for newly engaged couples to help you navigate those first steps–and the planning process in general.

Tips for Newly Engaged Couples

Image by Mikaya Renee Photo

1. Get the big conversations out of the way

Budget, wedding size, and location–those are the big three conversations any newly engaged couple should have soon after getting engaged, and before you start planning anything else. We know that the budget and the wedding size might not be the most fun topic of conversation, but they are the foundation of your wedding planning.

To make things a little easier on you, we’ve developed a free wedding budget tool where you can keep track of your expenses, vendor information, payment details, and more. We’ve also put together 25 simple ways to save money while wedding planning. We also have a great guest list spreadsheet that keeps all of your guest’s contact information in one easy-to-access place.

Image by Autumn Lynne Photo

2. Don’t assume you know what the other person wants

You often hear the myth that one partner can’t be bothered by any part of wedding planning, but this isn’t the case for many. This is a big day for both of you, and you both should have a say in the outcome. A good way to start is to make separate lists of your priorities and vision for the day. Then sit down, exchange your lists, and explain your perspectives.

It’s very likely you both won’t be able to get exactly what you want–especially if you both care deeply about one part of the day but have different visions. This conversation will help you come to a compromise. Or, you’ll find out that you both care about different aspects of the day and you both can get what you want! Either way, you both should walk away from the conversation feeling heard and understood.

Image by Darrell Cassell

3. Everything is expensive

This is an unfortunate truth that there’s no avoiding. The earlier you embrace this fact, the easier it will be to accept it. That doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to save money, and you should stick to the budget you set at the beginning. But most wedding-related goods and services are expensive because they can be.

While we may be biased, there are a few things that are absolutely worth the cost though–your photographer, your videographer, and your wedding planner. Those three vendors will be some of the best investments you’ll make for your wedding! So, if you need a place to start when setting budget priorities, begin there.

4. You don’t have to take (or ask for) everyone’s opinions

There’s something about a wedding that gets everyone you talk to fired up with opinions and advice. Sometimes, it’ll be completely valid and helpful! Other times, it’ll be unsolicited and awkward. The good news? You have full control over what opinions or advice you choose to entertain.

If you have expert event planners in your circle, they’ll probably have some great tips you might want to implement. If you have a relative who thinks your wedding is somehow their chance for a do-over for their own wedding, simply smile and say thank you, then let it roll right off your back. This is YOUR day. You don’t have to take anyone’s opinions into account, and you don’t need to ask for anyone’s opinions at all (unless you want to, of course).

Recommended Reading: Common Wedding Fights and How to Resolve Them

5. Engagement photos are a must

There are very few things we’ll tell you are “musts” when it comes to wedding planning (because we firmly believe you should do what you want). But, taking engagement photos is one of those things we think every couple should do. For one, you’re getting married! You should take every opportunity to celebrate, and an engagement session is a fun, informal way to celebrate just the two of you!

Engagement photos also give you the opportunity to bond with your wedding photographer before the big day. You’ll get to work out all the quirks, get comfortable in front of the camera, and get to know the only other person you will spend your entire wedding day with. Trust us, it’s an all-around good idea and, in 50 years, your married selves will be so happy to have your engagement season documented.

Need outfit ideas? We’ve got you covered for every season–spring, summer, winter, and fall.

Image by Leitzinger Co.

6. Involve your wedding planner as early as possible

If you decide to hire a wedding planner, we highly recommend making them one of the first vendors you hire and involving them in every decision from the get-go. That way they know your vision, your budget, and your style, and they can help keep all your ideas organized. Not only are wedding planners great for design, logistics, and execution, but they are fountains of knowledge when it comes to reliable vendors, legal matters, and so much more.

If you start planning thinking you don’t want a planner and then decide later on that you do want one, that’s totally okay, as well. Just make sure to loop them in on every decision you’ve made and be flexible when she/he starts to give expert advice.

Recommended Reading: Meeting with a planner soon and not set on your wedding vision yet? Start with a mood board! We’ve made a template that you can drop in your favorite photos from Pinterest and Instagram.

Image by Julieta Rabadan

7. Don’t spend every minute planning

Your engagement season only happens once, and it’s absolutely magical, so don’t let it be consumed with stress. First and foremost, you’re preparing for marriage. You’re not just planning a party. Your engagement should be about being in love, soaking up the excitement, and getting ready to start a brand-new journey together.

We highly recommend setting aside at least one day every week for a date night that doesn’t include any wedding talk. Try new restaurants, go do a fun activity outside, read relationship advice books together, or simply put on your PJs and hunker down for a movie night. The only rule should be that you focus on your relationship, not the wedding. You’ll have plenty of time to plan, and you’ll reduce the risk of getting burned out before the wedding day.

We’re just scratching the surface with wedding resources. We have countless blogs about all things wedding-related. To make them easier to digest, check out this wedding planning guide, where we break down everything you need to know and share resources to make this process as easy as possible for all newly engaged couples!

Image by Laura Perkenpas Photography