You’re engaged! Now, what to do next?

Being engaged with the love of your life gives a different kind of bliss—one that makes you feel secure and safe now that you two are about to enter a new chapter. Go, savor this milestone!

While you’re at it, breaking the wonderful news to your friends and loved ones, the overwhelming feeling of having to start the wedding planning may be looming around. Yep, been there, done that! So now, what to do next? Here’s a list of the initial things you have to consider when planning your wedding.

Pick a date

Determining the big day first, whether it’s going to be in six months or in a year, will help you set things, guiding you through your next steps. If you’re having a hard time deciding, then maybe knowing what season you want to tie the knot will help you. Is it in the summer? A December wedding? Do you want to be a June bride?

Set a wedding budget and make a list

We all have our own vision as to how our wedding will look and feel, and bringing this vision to life is going to be easy if you set up a budget. How much are you two willing to shell out for your big day? Are you willing to consider other themes or a cheaper catering service and whatnot? Questions like these help you determine your budget.

Book your suppliers

Booking your suppliers highly depends on your wedding date and budget as the wedding industry these days is getting more and more competitive. Keep in mind that you are not the only couple who are lining up for certain suppliers, especially if they’re the most in-demand ones in the market.

Start booking your photographer, videographer, venue, and event stylist among others. Enlisting the help of a coordinator is a good decision too. You may even opt for an on-the-day coordinator if you have the luxury of time and are confident enough with your DIY-ing skills.

Form your bridal party (and make use of them!)

It’s time to hash out and choose your bridal party. Who among your friends or loved ones do you want to assign a role to? Who will be your maid of honor and best man? Are you going to have bridesmaids and groomsmen or do you want to be unconventional? Don’t hesitate to have them involved in the planning as well, so they can assist you on your wedding day.

Prep your wedding checklist and timeline

Now that you’ve determined the major parts of your wedding, it’s time to go into detail. Do you want to have your invites done for you or do you like to DIY them? A twine or a wax seal? A decorated arc or a traditional photo booth? Foliage or flowers? Determining specifics like these helps you know your priorities, getting you closer to the wedding you’ve always envisioned.

Whether you choose this or that, indoor or outdoor, intimate or grand, always make sure you both meet each other halfway because after all, that’s what marriage is all about – understanding and compromising.