The holiday cheer, shimmering lights and the haze of family, happiness and celebration over the last few months has made for a romantic backdrop to any proposal.
But, the holiday season is over, the bells have been rung and the fireworks have brought in the new year. And for some… the new year brings the new joy and challenges of being engaged.
So, what comes next?
Whether you are already engaged or you are bringing on the new year with a new accessory, we have a few helpful tips to kick your new planning into high gear.
1. Celebrate. And take a breath… Take in the moment to celebrate your new engagement, while also taking a few moments out of the whirlwind for you and your soon-to-be spouse. Consider a nice dinner or relaxing night to celebrate. And make sure you’re still making your relationship a priority in the midst of planning. Local minister LaToya Papillion-Herr, more commonly known as Minister Toya, shared a few tips to keep your relationship front and center.
2. Look for bridal shows in your area. In the greater New Orleans area, New Orleans Bride is hosting its first bridal show of 2024 on Jan. 9, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Four Seasons New Orleans. Bridal shows are a great way to meet a variety of vendors for every aspect of your wedding. Gathering information and sorting through all of the photos you took and vendors you met will help you in figuring out what direction you’d like to take your wedding. For more information on the bridal show, click here. Stay tuned for more information on the best ways to navigate a bridal show!
3. Organization is key. We always suggest creating a binder or notebook system to ensure all of the business cards, brochures or other items gathered from vendors is safely tucked away in a designated area. This is also good to house any inspiration ideas or photos and things to convey your wants or ideas to your wedding professionals. The New Orleans Bride wedding checklist is also a helpful tool.
4. Lock down your bridal party. This is key considering they are supposed to help the bride and groom in whatever capacity they are needed. Your maids or maid of honor may have suggestions or referrals to certain vendors in the area. They will also take the pressure off of you and help you de-stress throughout the process.
5. Finances. Money is never a topic that comes easy, but it’s an important one when starting the planning process. Who will pay for what? Who is responsible for what? Are you and your fiancé financially ready? We’ve got a few tips and tricks from CPA Kemberley Washington, as well as a series on the responsibilities – including financial – of all aspects of your wedding from the bride’s parents and groom’s parents to the best man and maid of honor.Â
Lagniappe:
Have fun! Planning a party should be exciting. From picking the food to the entertainment and what you’ll wear, there should be joy in planning. We’ve got some trends we’re loving lately, as well as a few planning mistakes people make and you should watch out for.
It’s important to remember why you are planning this lavish event – for you and your future Mr. or Mrs. Make sure to have fun with it and remember that it will all work out in the end.
