You just got engaged and I am sure your mind is reeling with ideas, excitement and joy for planning your marriage day, right? Girl, I totally feel you and was there! It is such a wonderful and magical time in your life and relationship. Full of anticipation, elation and butterflies. I imagine that you are ready to get to the altar and on to the next chapter of your life together. Sound familiar?

Before you get ahead of yourself and miss this precious season, consider slowing down and really savoring this time. Just like your wedding, it will only come around once and goes by in a flash. I know, I know – why on earth would you do that? I’ll tell you why below!

1. Savor it! Like I said, this is a once in a lifetime experience, too. Gather and share the news with those closest to you. Record every detail you can remember in a journal and write down what you are most looking forward to while it is fresh. Your wedding day will absolutely be amazing, but the hope and pure joy you feel right now, bottle it up. Soak it all in and enjoy it!
2. Relax while you can. Once you begin planning, you are likely to get stressed and somewhat tunnel vision. Even though I encourage you to intentionally focus on each other and experiences outside of planning, the thoughts will always be in the back of your mind.
3. Take the time to sort logistics. If you haven’t already, talk about where you will live, finances, church, and other foundation laying topics. Doing this before you are in the throes of planning will be beneficial in the long run and make planning smoother.
4. Save a bit more. Maybe you have specific dreams for you wedding, honeymoon, first home or all of the above. Having a longer engagement and focusing on ‘getting your ducks in a row’ before you launch into full planning mode will help achieve those goals.
5. You deserve it. This goes along with number one, but truly. Take the time to dream, pamper yourself, and celebrate with family and friends. Don’t worry about balancing more than you need to. Be good to yourselves.

Unless you have a specific reason that you need or want a short engagement, I wholeheartedly encourage you to slow down at the beginning and fully enjoy this season. I would love to hear your feedback on this subject. Did you have a long engagement and wait to begin planning? What were your reasons? Same if you had a short engagement.

xoxo, Jenn

 

Photo Credit: SC Stock Shop & Leah Golter Photography