5 Wedding Planning Tips for the Blushing Bride

Congratulations! You and your partner have just gotten engaged, and you can hear the wedding bells ringing. Families are in town to celebrate the joyous occasion, friends are preparing to fly in and share in the excitement, and everyone is asking the dreaded question: “Have you set a date yet?” A date? How does one choose the perfect date, along with all the other facets of organizing a wedding? If you’re a newly engaged couple overwhelmed by the love–and let’s face it, opinions of everyone around you, we’ve got 5 tips to help you thrive during this season of planning.

1. Slow Down and Make a Plan Together

Once the phone calls have slowed and the excitement has truly set in, take a step back and focus on soaking up the moment. This is a jubilant occasion! Set aside time with just your partner to discuss all the details. How large or small should this wedding be? Would you prefer an indoor or outdoor ceremony? What time of year should you say “I Do?” Think of the colors you would like to see adorning the flowers and decorations on your big day. Let this be a lighthearted conversation, only thinking of elements that will make your wedding day a personal and memorable one. After all, the day is all about you two!

2. Make Your Guest List Early (and Stick to It)

Oh yes, the dreaded guest list. Now is the time when everyone you have ever known is vying to see who will receive an invitation to such a wonderful celebration. Though we know curating an optimal invite list can be quite daunting, it can actually be very helpful in the other avenues of your planning process. For example, when selecting a venue, it is important to know how many guests you are expecting to ensure the space is an adequate size for your party. If you’re looking for a larger space to accommodate more people, consider Southern Oaks House and Garden. In need of something small, intimate, and personal? Camellia House Bed and Breakfast provides a quiet outdoor setting for a peaceful day full of “I Dos.”

Guest counts are also beneficial to know when booking a caterer, when reserving chairs for your ceremony and reception, as well as other things. You do not have to send out your invitations immediately, but having this list in advance makes the deciding process go much smoother. Once again, take time to sit down and make this list with your partner. Approaching the guest count as a team is much more manageable.

3. Budget, Budget, Budget

Let’s address the elephant in the room–weddings can get expensive! Luckily, a well-organized budget sheet can make a world of difference. Whether you’re planning the formal extravaganza of the year, or entertaining a few close friends and family, let your budget be an amount both you and your partner are comfortable with. Compare prices between vendors, look into DIY options, and perhaps find a wedding planner to help you stay on track.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to designing your big day. Besides, there is no magic amount that must be spent to make sure your wedding is perfect. Get creative, do your research, and find vendors and services that work for your budget.

4. Craft Your Registry

Here comes the fun part–making your registry! Whether you are opting for a certain china set you’ve had your eye on, or are in desperate need of a fresh bedding set, curating your registry can be both an exciting and formidable task. It is helpful for guests who aren’t sure what to gift you for this new chapter of life. Remember, a registry is customizable to your preferences. Select items that are meaningful for both you and your partner.

Start by asking yourself: “what do we need?” Take inventory of what you have, see what needs to be replaced, and begin by adding functional items to your registry. This way, you can ensure you and your partner will be starting your married life together well prepared!

Next, go ahead and add that lovely decorative lamp that’s sitting in your cart, we know you want to. This is yet another fun activity you and your partner can do together. Turn any house into a home by choosing pieces that reflect both of your personalities and style for your space. If you’re not sure where to start, Accents, Tish Gammill and Walnut Square and Gifts are full of great options to get your list going!

For the couple who prefers new experiences to new end tables, we recommend adding a honeymoon fund to your registry! This is an excellent way for guests to contribute to your first adventure as a married couple. It also takes the pressure off anyone stressing to find you the perfect present. Besides, who doesn’t love a relaxing island getaway or a snowy mountain retreat? What a superb gift!

5. Self Care is Key

We understand–it’s a lot to create your dream wedding. After all, how is one expected to remain a blushing bride during all this planning chaos? Remain calm and revel in what is meant to be a cheerful occasion. To help you relax, we recommend carving out time for a little self-care and alone time with your partner. Perhaps book a couple’s massage at The Orchid Day Spa, or indulge in a romantic dinner for two at Buschman Street Cafe.

This season of life is all about the two of you. We know how easy it is to get wrapped up in all the little details. Spend your engagement planning fun dates for each other, sharing meaningful conversation, and getting excited for the lifetime of happiness to come.

Feeling better about your special day? We thought so. Take these next few months of planning and savor the sweetness of life during your engagement. When you’re ready to choose an exceptional venue, say yes to the dress, and raise a glass to this new season of life, let your happily ever after begin in Hattiesburg, MS.