Engaged and over whelmed..

vitty8604

So I am recently engaged (about 1 month) and have set a date but other than that I am completely lost and over whelmed. Nothing is sparking any ideas and I don't know where to start. I have a date, colors and a reception location but that's about it.  Anyone have any suggestions or just advice in general?

Kiwi8921

I just got engaged a little over a week ago and im also feeling overwhelmed. it sounds like you have the big stuff done (the date and the recption location) - good for you. I have been told to just take it a day at a time. You may want to start drafting a list of guests - you can trim/edit it later - but at least it will give you an idea.

SCD1126

I like theknot's checklist for organization purposes. Some things don't apply, but at least you cna get a general idea. Just hang out on the boards for awhile and enjoy being engaged. One way or another your wedding will eventually come together.

When's the big day?

des9724

First of all, congrats to you and your FI!  I have only been engaged for three days, and I'm overwhelmed already!  There's so many little details that it can be maddening!  Luckily, a few of my friends have given me some solid advice.  First, I bought a wedding planning book called, "Easy Wedding Planning Plus" by Alex and Elizabeth Lluch.  The book breaks down each item, such as transporation, attire, and venues, into easy-to-understand and organize sections.  There's plenty of lists, timelines, and charts for you to use too!  My friend also purchased theKnots book of wedding lists, which is available at Barnes and Noble.  I think with these two books, I'll be set!  It sounds like you got the big stuff out of the way, but I would begin thinking about your budget, ceremony location, and a rough draft of the guest list. :)  Best wishes!

DMoore421

In Response to Engaged and over whelmed..:

So I am recently engaged (about 1 month) and have set a date but other than that I am completely lost and over whelmed. Nothing is sparking any ideas and I don't know where to start. I have a date, colors and a reception location but that's about it.  Anyone have any suggestions or just advice in general?
Posted by vitty8604

Do you know where you want the ceremony?  That may actually affect your date choice... Also, before you have your sites, start with the guest list - you dont want to end up with a guest list of 300 people but only have a site that will hold half that -

Just suggestions - if  you have already figured all that out you are in good shape....

coopergirl15

Congratulations on your engagement! I second PP's advice about roughing out a guest list being one of the first and most important steps of wedding planning. I found so many wonderful venues I had to eliminate because our wedding will have 130 to 150 people. I also focused on the budget; that gave me the rest of the frame work for our wedding day. Other than that it seems you have a good handle on things!

AddieL73

You say you have a reception location, but does that mean you have booked it or just think you know where you want it? 

You should start with a budget and a preliminary guest list and then find a venue that meets those needs. Look online for dress, decoration, centerpiece, cake, etc ideas. Once you get your vision in mind, a lot of the other stuff starts to fall into place and then it is just a matter of using a checklist (they are all pretty much the same on here and in any book or magazine) to take care of the rest. 

Congrats and happy planning!

cwaggoner07

What helped me was googling other weddings at my venue and see what I liked and how it worked in the space.

embreen

im in the same boat!!! the organizer checklist thing on this website is extremely helpful, i downloaded the app and work on things like guest list and such whenever i get a chance. i started with guest listincluding choosing bridesmaids and groomsmen and then set up appointments with venues which then helped me with the cake and flowers since i am using their vendors, i set up appointments in feb. for my bridesmaids dresses and my dress. since i only have 6 months, each month is kinda being dedicated to a specific goal, like jan was save the dates and a venue, feb is dresses and flowers, march is cake, favors and escort cards....i like to be very organized

vitty8604

Thank you to everyone for all the wonderful advice. My date is over a year away and we do have the reception location booked but not sure if we are having the service there as well.
It is nice to know that I am not the only one feeling this way! I shall keep you all updated and do what I can to offer advice.

Cateringbysignature

As a wedding professional my advice is make this a fun journey so you don't burn out and become one of those bridzilla crazy ladies. I am the owner and executive chef of Signature Catering in West Michigan and have been for 20 years. Prior to food service I was a disc jockey for weddings for 10 years, so I have worked at the beginning end of wedding planning (food service) and the tail end (d.j) As with any successful event you need a course of action to accomplish things in a stress free manor. You want to begin by getting the person or church officiating your wedding and the reception location chosen. Coordinating the date between these two is most difficult. You may want to have a few reception location picked out to make this step easier. Once you have these two things decided then you will need to get your beverage service lined up because again these are hard to come by. These couple steps are 2/3 of your wedding day planning. You will next need to get formal wear, dresses, photography, and entertainment set. These will be your final steps. These items are easier because these vendors are a dime a dozen. Your dress will take time to find and alter though so you want to get that done in the beginning stages. Ask others for suggestions on photographers and entertainment. Some are good and some are not. The most important thing is get contracts and things in writing so if any vendors back out you have legal recourse. Another tip is break this up into portions. Plan to look at and find your officiant and reception location two months into the engagement. Plan to complete getting the dress picked out in month three. Do this in steps and with friends to make it fun. A big suggestion is to attend a couple bridal shows in your area. You can gather a great deal of information in one location and in a short period of time. Don't feel the need to sign any contracts or talk in length with the vendors while at a wedding show. Get the information and look through it at home with a bottle of wine and friends, contact the vendors you are interested in to meet one on one. I hope this helped. Steven, Chef Signature Catering cateringbysignature.com 616-633-6801