The 5 Stages: AFTER the Proposal
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! You’re officially engaged, and I think it goes without saying, you are now probably floating on cloud 9! Literally. We always hear about the beautiful stories leading up to and of course the big moment of when your love actually proposes, but we’re going to give you the skinny on the 5 stages after the proposal! So get ready, buckle up, and let’s get into it!
Stage 1: The Honeymoon
This was literally our favorite stage! You’re still in shock and can’t stop looking at this beautiful ring on your hand. You’re doing everything you can to use your hand’s (unnaturally) in conversation, you would rather cut your hand off before missing your weekly nail appointment (I mean you can’t have chipped nail polish when the checkout lady at the grocery store compliments you on your ring, right?), you are likely sleeping in the ring, and your ring is now probably on a more consistent cleaning schedule than your car!! All of this is completely normal, so just sit back, and enjoy it!
Stage 2: Fake Planning the Wedding (in your head)
At this point, you are on Pinterest and pinning any and every beautiful wedding pic like crazy! You’re probably buying all the bridal magazines you can get your hands on, and within a few weeks, you’ve probably planned your ideal (likely highly unrealistic million-dollar wedding). While Pinterest and bridal magazines are a good starting point, just keep in mind that these are high profile, professional, and over the top wedding shoots. It’s ok to draw inspiration from these, but try to keep in mind if you are a normal person with normal finances… these might be a bit out of budget, so be prepared to find what will work for you within whatever your budget is.
Stage 3: Pick Your Dream Team
Ladies, its super fun thinking about how cute your pictures will be with certain friends but I beg you please choose your dream team wisely! Having a group full of pretty women seems cute but make sure they truly can step in and be your right hand because things are about to get crazy. With all of the bumps you will hit between now and your wedding day the last thing you want is anyone taking the attention off of you and YOUR special day ( TRUST ME, they will ). Weddings are beautiful and filled with love but often times is a reminder to some that they are not where they want to be. Its so hard for women to remain neutral when they see you try on your dream dress because they view things from their eyes and what they would wear. Its natural but this is why choosing wisely is a must! You have to have ladies on your team that can separate their personal opinions and do whats best for you! We all want to avoid being a BRIDEZILLA, but its totally needed at moments! Why? Because with different personalities, many opinions, and lets just be honest, a bunch of women in one place can be DRAMA…. But remember this is the one time that EVERYTHING and I mean EVERYTHING is about YOU!
Stage 4: Pick a Realistic Budget
Pick a budget and stick to it! When you go to Bridal Expos, meet with vendors, and truly create your vision, do not allow others to dictate why it should be more, or even put you in a place to feel you should make adjustments. You can have caviar taste, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, but you have to be willing to get creative, learn a lot of DIY tricks, and have some balance. Make a list of must haves, wants, needs and go from there! This is your wedding and you deserve to have the wedding you always dreamed of, but remember it comes with a price! If your budget is modest then please know that it will be a lot of hard work and commitment but is totally achievable.
Stage 5: Execute and Stay Calm
Do us a favor and just breathe! If you are in the thick of wedding planning, still on a high from your engagement, or just beginning please remember why you are here! You are getting MARRIED, the love of your life confessed his love to you, in I’m sure the most magical way possible, and with that you have every reason to smile and keep it moving! No matter the timing, no matter the place, this day will be magical in its own way. Good luck, and happy wedding planning!
XOXO, MRS. ALL PINK EVERYTHING