First and foremost, take some time to celebrate! A dinner out with friends, an overnight trip to a nearby B&B, a bottle of champagne shared over takeout and an episode of Game of Thrones - whatever is a good fit for you two.
Then, it's time to get to work! But where to start?! Before you blast out of the gate scheduling your engagement shoot or inviting your entire sorority pledge class to be in your bridal party...start with three of the most important tasks you can accomplish from the get go.
TASK 1: Narrow down the time of year you'd like to get married, and select a few dates that might work for you and your fiancé. Venues, photographers and planners' calendars tend to fill up quickly, so it's best to arrive with options.
TASK 2: Select a budet. Check your personal finances, speak to your families, and take some time to sit down just the two of you to find a realistic number of what you can afford to spend. Once you have the final amount - be prepared to stick to it!
TASK 3: Based on what your budget will allow, select a guest count. You'll need this number as you're speaking to venues, catering teams, ceremony sites and more.
If you're still feeling overwhelmed, ask for help. Friends are generally always up for sharing their wedding planning tips and tricks, although, beware of those individuals who hated planning with every ounce of their being. A negative outlook is not what you need as you embark on this journey.
Instead, find your neighborhood wedding planner, and send them an SOS! Most are willing to sit down for a free consultation, giving a bit of their time to steer you in the right direction. If you happen to be in the Arizona or San Diego area - I may be that person! Give me a holler, and let's get you on your way to planning your dream wedding.
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