Firstly, congratulations! This is an extremely exciting time for you and your partner. For many getting engaged is that fairy-tale moment where time stands still. After posting your engagement moment, a photo of the ring and replying to hundreds of messages now what do you do? Where do you begin with planning? What is next? First of all, don’t feel overwhelmed and anxious you have plenty of time to plan the rest of your lives. Here at The Cornerstone Kitchen, we are here to help. As experts in wedding catering, we have been around the block with many suppliers. With years of experience under our belt we have put together a list of things you should be doing and the next steps you should be considering:
Don’t forget Nan!
While it is up to you how you share your big news and with who, it is a good idea to tell your close friends and family. Many people often post instantly on social media as they are quite rightly excited. However, close friends and family shouldn’t find out that way, especially elder grandparents who probably don’t even have social media. Once you have told your VIPs, then you can tell the world. No matter what social media platform, your engagement announcement is definitely going to be high up on your post-engagement. Just don’t forget to tell your Nan first!
Get Insurance
One of the first things that should happen is to ensure your new, sparkling engagement ring is insured. Even for the most careful person, there is always that risk, especially at first when you are trying to keep it clean. Perhaps you are on holiday in Iceland and your ring gets caught in your glove and you don’t realise. Or abroad in Africa and the sun lotion allows your ring to slip off. Or lastly, you have taken it off to avoid dirt getting on it and then it gets stolen or lost. Getting your engagement ring insured should be non-negotiable. It is full of memories of your engagement moment and one of the most precious things you will ever own.
Celebrate Your Engagement
Time to celebrate! Not everyone does this and often people want to save their money for the big day however, this is all personal preference. It is the start of your wedding “buzz”, a time for everyone around you to get excited and happy for you and your partner. Even if it is a small gathering with your nearest dearest to raise a glass. There is never a better occasion to celebrate than now.
Talk Budget
No one likes talking about money and finances but for a wedding, it is vital to know where the money is coming from. So, before you head off planning extravagant venues and surprise magicians, figure out what you have to spend. Then plan priorities, weddings can easily escalate especially when attending a wedding fair and suddenly a photobooth is essential.
Once you have that budget in mind, start a spreadsheet, or buy a wedding planning book. These can be very useful once you start getting in touch with suppliers and doing research. A spreadsheet is great for calculating spend and keeping track of where you are at. Multiple sheets can be used for maybe guest addresses for invites, supplier contact details and even useful when it comes to guest numbers. Having that one place with everything will help you and your fiancé keep a clear mind.
Communicate
One of the most important aspects is that you and your new fiancé communicate. We’re all guilty of getting carried away with things, but it is important to remember a wedding is a celebration of both partners coming together. Try to book viewings, send enquiries, and do tastings together, this will not only bring you together as a couple but also ensure you both feel included.
Ensure you consider both of your priorities and non-negotiables, for instance having your pet dog as a ring bearer. Another idea could be to have a theme that you both love which could keep you both interested and involved in all aspects, such as a Harry Potter wedding. Some of these priorities could change what venues and suppliers you use so having these ironed out is crucial before approaching anyone.
Don’t Over Promise
It is easy when friends and family are excited to say yes to all of their requests. For instance, your Dad wants his hockey friends to come, and your nan thinks you should have the wedding in a church. Then your Mum thinks your cousin twice removed and their kids should come. Not overpromising and committing to these exciting suggestions is key. The day is about you two not pleasing Aunty Jane you met two years ago. One bit of advice we would give is to have a standard line ready for when the inevitable question happens: “Have you set a date or made any plans or thoughts on….” You can simply reply with something vague and short such as “We haven’t booked anything yet, but we just know we want something small and casual”. This gives you and your fiancé time to consider what you would like as a couple.
Think About Your Timeline
It might feel like it after the tenth person has asked “Have you picked a date yet?” but you don’t have to pick a wedding date straight away. You can choose your wedding date whenever you like. Whether that decision is based on favourite season, time to save or wanting someone in particular there. However, suppliers currently have varied availability. Here at The Cornerstone Kitchen, we have some limited availability in 2023 but more flexibility in 2024. Though, some suppliers have no availability till the end of 2024. If you are the type of person who has a clear vision this might mean you book for a 2025 wedding. Or perhaps if you don’t mind and have more flexibility, then your wedding could be in the next 9 months. That decision is yours but needs to be made as this is one of the first questions a supplier will ask.
Get Inspired
One of the first places to get inspired that many of our brides and grooms swear by is wedding fairs. You now have your budget, spreadsheet or planner and guest list ready. It is time to say “hi” to all the new suppliers and venues at the various wedding fairs. These can give you ideas on what you want and don’t want as well as visual displays for inspiration. It is also very easy to get carried away seeing singing waiters, balloon modelling and rolled ice cream trucks. But remember the budget, priorities, and non-negotiables! If you have a budget once the priorities have been catered for then take a look at our favourite food theatre and entertainment ideas. Lastly, you could look at Pinterest boards, social media, and films. Although you want to be unique these are great sources of inspiration.
Whatever you decide The Cornerstone Kitchen are here for you with fountains of knowledge and connections. Feel free to contact us today and we will be happy to help and advice. But please always remember this is about you and your fiancé in the happiest time of your lives! Once again congratulations from all of The Cornerstone Kitchen team!
