Ask the Experts: He Just Proposed, Now What?!

You just got engaged. Congratulations! Since the holidays have passed and you're beginning to settle into the new year, you're probably asking yourself "Now what?!" Wedding planning is a long process that can seem overwhelming but it doesn't have to be! In our previous post, "Wedding Planning: 11 Starting Steps," we briefly covered the best places to start in your planning process. To benefit our brides even more, we decided to take our questions to Catie Harris, President and Owner of Simply Events, to fine tune the beginning details you should be focusing on.

First, Catie stated the initial step you need to take after Mr. Right pops the question is figuring out the budget.

"What are you willing to spend? Who is paying for what?" Catie explained. "Unfortunately, the budget will come crashing down on your wedding dreams when you realize that your Pinterest board is made up of stylized photo shoots and wedding centerpieces that are $400 each!"

Don't worry just yet, "You can still achieve the wedding of your dreams with a lot of planning and a wedding planner by your side," Catie said.

Once you have the monetary line drawn in the sand, you must then plan the "who," "what," "when," and "where," while making sure you don't cross that line. Catie broke down this four-step plan for us.

• "The Who: This will be one of the biggest factors when planning your wedding. Your guest list will impact your budget. Think about it, more people equals more food, drinks, tables, centerpieces, chairs, linens, etc. All of which increase the amount of money you will spend."
• "The What: Obviously we know it's a wedding. However, what type of wedding will it be? Big or small? Local or destination? Elegant or casual? Sit down dinner or buffet?"
• "The When: What time of the year would you like to say 'I Do?' Once that is decided, you may consider a Friday, Sunday or even a mid-day (luncheon) wedding to help with the budget."
• "The Where: Once you figure out the type of wedding, you will be able to narrow down your options of 'The Where.' However, there are still many things to consider. For instance: Indoor or outdoor? Church or no church? Wedding reception hall or private venue? etc."

Feeling overwhelmed already? The Center suggests bringing in an expert of the trade and hiring a wedding planner to assist you during these stressful, yet exciting planning months!

Simply Events offers three starting packages, which can be customized to fit each couple's needs. Brides can chose between Simply the Royal Treatment, Simply Half Way and Simply Day Of.

Lastly, Catie leaves us with one bit of advice for all brides:

"A wedding is not just an event or a production, it is an experience that will leave lasting impressions and create lifelong memories for the newlyweds as well as their guests."

Thanks for taking the time to share your expertise, Catie!

Want more information on the first things a bride should do before saying "I Do?" Check out this blog by Simply Events or contact Catie at 513-292-7294 or catie@simplyeventsllc.com.

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