So you just got engaged...

Holy Moley. It happened. The question has been popped. NOW WHAT. First off. Breath! Take it in! This is a big step in life, appreciate the moment! All of the moments. Big and little. So many times do we hear that the planning process just flies by and then by the time the wedding day comes, our couples can't wait until it's over.....wait what!

Yes you heard that right. People can't wait for their big day to be done with. But why?! It is an incredibly special day in your life, why would you wish it away! Here's why: stress! Dumb. The first few months you get engaged might seem a little overwhelming, but then the last 2-3 weeks before the wedding become INSANE. Family/friends traveling into town, finalizing timelines so everyone knows where to be and when, the WEATHER (thanks South Dakota....). The good news is, it doesn't have to be this way!

From the very moment you get engaged, take time for yourselves. As a couple. Any time you are feeling overwhelmed, take a few minutes, 30 minutes, 24 hours, 5 days...whatever, just take time to spend time together with your partner. It will help you remember why you are going through all of this "stress." These moments will help you lean on your partner and solidify your relationship even more so than before. The things you're stressing about will seem less important. And you will remember that you get to marry your best friend at the end of it all :)

Okay so back to the beginning. You got engaged, took a breath, took it in, now what, for reals. First off, talk budget. You might have a venue and photographer picked out but none of that is going to be possible if you don't set a budget. Be realistic! Also include in the conversation anyone (parents/grandparents/special aunts/uncles) that might be helping with the wedding budget. Everyone needs to be on the same page, especially knowing who is going to pay for what. Be strict!

The next few steps kind of roll together. These steps are booking all of your big vendors:

• Venue
• Photographer
• DJ
• Caterer
• Videographer
• Wedding Planner
• Wedding Designer

You want to make sure your vendors will all be available on the same day (that is another thing, some venues are SO BUSY so start there!). ***Side note*** DON'T STRESS if you don't get your top pick of vendor...remember, you're getting married, no one will care that the BBQ sandwiches came from Joe Schmoe and not John Doe. Really delve in to what vendors are going to be important to you and which ones you are willing to compromise on.

Once your bigger vendors are in place, everything else just trickles down from there. Go dress shopping (the super fun party!!!), solidify your wedding party and what they're going to wear, start your invitation list, look into decorations and really get a vision for what you want for your big day. Overall, just take your time, remember to breath, and enjoy the process!

To help get you started here is a list of our preferred vendors:

Wedding Planning at Audra's (Kayla or Frankie!)
Table 4 Decor (Party Rental and Design)
Your Joyful Wedding (Officiant)
Roots Wedding Florals (Flowers)
Comfort Suites (Venue)
West River Media Productions (A little bit of everything! Photography, DJ, Videography...)
Powerhouse Dance DJ's and Sound Productions (DJ)
Marek's DJ Services (DJ)
Legacy Photo and Design (Photography)
Natural Escape Photography (Photography)