5 Things I Wish I’d Known After Getting Engaged
Getting engaged is one of the most exciting moments of your life.
It’s a whirlwind of love, celebration, and excitement—but as soon as the “congratulations!” start rolling in, so does the pressure to start planning the big day. Whether you’re newly engaged or already knee-deep in wedding planning, here are a few things I wish someone had told me during those early days.
1. The Clock Doesn’t Start on Shredding for the Wedding
Let’s get one thing straight: you are beautiful just as you are. The moment you got engaged, the world didn’t suddenly issue a countdown timer for you to transform your body. It’s easy to feel like you need to fit some imaginary “perfect bride” mold, but here’s the truth—the person you’re marrying loves you exactly as you are. If you want to focus on your health, do it because it makes you feel good, not because you feel pressured. Your wedding is a celebration of your love, not a fitness competition.
2. DON’T ASK FOR ADVICE TOO OFTEN & KEEP PLANS ON THE DOWN LOW
It’s natural to want input from friends and family, but there’s a fine line between seeking guidance and drowning in opinions. Everyone has different ideas about what makes a great wedding, and if you’re not careful, you’ll end up with too many cooks in the kitchen. Listen to your gut, consult with your partner, and make decisions that feel right for the two of you. Choose your moments to talk about the wedding carefully, not only to stop it confusing your thoughts, but also leaving less opportunity for unsolicited opinions. Be patient and kind with those who do share their thoughts, but remember, this is *your* wedding, not anyone else’s.
This is your wedding, not anyone else’s. It’s okay if it looks a little different than other people’s.
3. Trust your vendors
While it’s tempting to ask everyone and their mother for advice, the reality is not all advice is created equal. Yes, Aunty June might have had a fabulous wedding 30 years ago, but wedding trends, logistics, and priorities have evolved a lot since then. Instead, lean on your vendors for advice. Your wedding photographer, planner, florist, and caterer are seasoned professionals who have seen it all. They know what works, what doesn’t, and can guide you toward making decisions that align with your vision. Trust the experts—we’re here to help you make your dream day a reality.
4. You Don’t Have to Plan the Whole Wedding Immediately
One of the biggest myths in the wedding industry is that you need to have everything planned right away. Yes, some vendors and venues book up quickly, especially during peak seasons, but that doesn’t mean you should rush into decisions you’re unsure about. Take your time to research, talk things through with your partner, and only book suppliers when you’re confident they’re the right fit for you. If you’re not in the mood to plan sometimes, that’s okay too. Wedding planning can feel overwhelming, and it’s important to pace yourself to avoid burnout. Remember, this is supposed to be an enjoyable process—don’t let the pressure steal the joy.
If you’re not in the mood to plan sometimes, that’s okay! Pour yourself a pint and forget about it sometimes.
5. Enjoy the Process
It’s easy to get so wrapped up in the details of planning that you forget to savor the moment. Being engaged is such a special time in your life, and it’s important to take a step back every now and then to just enjoy it. Celebrate the small milestones, whether it’s booking your dream venue or simply spending a quiet evening dreaming about your future together. Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to create something beautiful with the person you love. If it’s starting not to feel so fun, take a break and come back to it.
