Fun & Famous

10 THINGS YOU MUST DO NOW
IF YOU JUST GOT ENGAGED

Did you know? I started my career (ooh, sounds grown-up) at a big white desk full of wedding magazines, mood boards, business cards, and bouquets of flowers. I was a wedding planner. Just like in the movies, yes. I found it the absolute best thing that existed. Being part of a ‘big day’ brought a lot of pressure, but also an intensely good feeling. And then, suddenly, Mr. X showed up and I left for abroad. End of chapter wedding, but I share that know-how with love. Have you just been proposed to? Or are you waiting for a proposal? Here are the ten things you need to do if you just got a ring and a proposal.

1. Set a wedding date

Are you getting married in the summer or in the winter? Here you can read about the advantages of a winter wedding. And there are many. Or do you want to get married on the day you met? Keep that in mind when setting a date.

2. Plan time and location

Date chosen? Then you can get started with the location. Are you getting married only legally or also in a church? Are you getting married on location and who do you want to conduct the ceremony? The party, the ceremony; make it official.

3. Family and friends

Of course, you have already involved your family and the first messages are now circulating with that beautiful bling on your finger. Still, it is important, especially if you have decided when the Big Day will take place, to inform your loved ones.

“End of chapter wedding”

4. Budget

A wedding costs money, quite a bit of money. You can go for modest, with a nice trip afterward. Maybe you also think: I'm only doing this once, so I want to do it right. Agree on what you want to spend on the wedding and then see how you divide it. And very importantly: work it out.

5. Ask people

Witnesses, masters of ceremonies, a wedding planner... You don't plan a wedding alone. Do you have a large budget? Then a wedding planner is nice. Just think of the tips, tricks, and contacts a planner has. Keeping it small and on a budget? Maybe your friend, sister-in-law, or niece wants to help with the preparations. Divide those tasks, so you don't have to solve everything alone. Even if you are a perfectionist, yes, and if you think you can do everything best yourself. Believe me, you don't want to and you can't.

6. Visit a fair

A wedding fair sounds a bit silly (think of a holiday fair), but it can actually be fun and, more importantly, useful. Make a day of it with your mother, friend, or sister. End your girls' day at your favorite restaurant and pop open a bottle. A toast is in order.

7. With whom?

Are you inviting fifty, a hundred, two hundred people? You will be amazed at how many people you want to invite. Be selective. The more people, the higher the costs. And don't be afraid to disappoint, because that's going to happen anyway.

8. Make reservations

The town hall, the church: the location. It is so important to reserve on time. Do you want to say yes between May and September? Then the wedding venues fill up quickly. It would be a shame if you can't get married at your favorite place because it's just been rented out.

9. Make a guest list

Do you know how many? Get started on the guest list. Immediately make a division between day guests and evening guests. Your dear grandma is of course at the ceremony and the dinner, but she probably won't be at the party. Your roommate from your student days? You definitely need them to be at that table.

10. Pin away

Pinterest is the most fun. Leave that to you. Hours of puzzling. The dress, a sparkling ring, flowers... And then with a glass of wine in your other hand (or a bottle). Once you start, your love will have to drag you away from your laptop around midnight, mark my words.