In case you missed last week's post, we wanted to remind you about the amazing giveaway we're working on with the lovely team from A. Dominick Events -- one lucky couple will receive a complimentary wedding planning package. For all the details on the contest, check out the full post here!
In the meantime, we wanted to get you all acquainted with the A. Dominick gals, so they'll be stopping by each week with a helpful wedding planning tip. Their first piece of advice is perfect for this post-holiday engagement season-- once the question's popped, what are the first things you should do and think about after getting engaged? Here's Danielle, senior event planner with A. Dominick Events and editor of District Weddings, with some insight!
So you're engaged...
The first thing that a bride should do is to take a bit of time time to enjoy her new status...and of course have some champagne!
Then, let the whirlwind of fun begin! The first step is to figure out the wedding size, time of year and budget. To figure these things out, the couple should discuss the guest list, if there's a particular time that makes sense to get married logistically (for example, summer if one of you is a teacher), who is paying for what, and the over all budget for the wedding. It is so incredibly important that everyone is on the same page from the start. Try to have any difficult or awkward conversations early on (these sometimes may involve other members of your family as well) so that they'll be out of the way and you can enjoy the rest of the process as seamlessly as possible!
My next piece of advice it to consider hiring a wedding planner. The earlier that a bride is able to hire a planner, the more seamless the wedding plans will be - we promise! From contract negotiation to unique ideas to professional advice, everyone should have a planner! Depending on the complexity of the wedding, the overall budget and logistical comfort level of the bride, there are many custom packages that are available. Each of these components will help you determine what type of venue is best for your big day!
When it comes to a venue, a couple should think about what feels like "them" - is it a formal hotel ballroom or a backyard garden or something in between? The DC area has tons of fabulous options to fit each taste and price point. Once a bride books the venue and locks in her date, it is time to think about the other "big" items that are important to the couple and that could potentially book up early. For example, our team likes to address the entertainment (band or DJ), photographer and florist early on in the process. Of course, we also would encourage you to begin to find that perfect dress, too!
Thanks so much to Danielle for stopping by today! Be sure to check out the contest details, and email your story to giveaway@adominick.com by March 31st.
[Photo from this sweet proposal via Lovely & Gracious]
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