We got a little treat for you guys! The ladies from LOVELY & LAVISH write us a little blog post to start off your planning !! We know how overwhelming it can be after he proposes, so We asked them to let us know 6 awesome tips to help you! Enjoy the post!

Hey everyone!

Congratulations, the man of your dreams just popped the question and you said YES!

Now that there is an engagement ring on your finger (that you can’t stop staring at), it’s time to take a deep breath, and let the planning begin! Even though there are MANY “to do’s” such as sizing and insuring your ring, getting a manicure (because, why not?), THE LADIES OF L&L have got you covered with a checklist of some of the MOST important things to accomplish before you can say “I DO!”

1) HOLD OFF ON THE SOCIAL MEDIA

We know it may be hard to resist, but let’s be honest, how would you feel if your best friend or sister got engaged and you found out through Facebook or Instagram? Take the time to share this exciting news with family, friends and loved ones before your engagement becomes the talk of the town!

2) SET A REALISTIC BUDGET

We see it time and time again; a bride comes to us with extravagant ideas and 250 pins on her hidden wedding board, but when it comes down to discussing the budget, it’s just not feasible. We don’t like breaking hearts, so we strongly suggest researching costs beforehand and always comparing vendors before booking anything. As they say, “You get what you pay for,” so it’s a good idea to ask family and friends for vendor recommendations so that you can be sure that you are working with someone you know you can trust. Unfortunately, money doesn’t grow on trees, so it may be a good idea to open a joint savings account and add to it each month. A preliminary guest list is also a great option so that you know have an idea of the numbers you are working with; at the end of the day, a guest list can make or break a budget!

3) LOCK IN YOUR VENUE

The third most important, and critical step in your wedding planning process, is to lock in your venue. Venues book up extremely quickly in Montreal. If you have your heart set on a Summer or Fall wedding…DON’T WAIT, otherwise you will be “S.O.L” and forced to resort to your second or third pick. Your guest list is also very important, as some places can only accommodate a certain amount; and don’t forget to keep your parents and future in-laws in the loop…ask them whom they’d most want to invite but explain to them that your preliminary list may need to be edited and trimmed. Once you find a venue, voila…it’s only be a matter of time before your theme, colors, and even your wedding dress fall into place as well.

4) LEMME TAKE A SELFIE

Once you’ve set your date and venue, the next step would be to make sure you capture your big day, therefore we suggest booking your photographer. There are plenty to choose from in Montreal, but keep in mind most of them are often only one person shows and cannot book multiple events in one day.

5) FIND SOME HELP

Whether you are a micromanager and are planning the entire thing yourself, or the type of person who’d rather not stress over the details, a wedding planner can be a tremendous help. From offering advice to packages devoted to simply coordinating the big day (since, let’s face it, you cannot be in two places at once), to planning everything from A-Z, a wedding planner won’t only save you time and headaches, but it will keep your budget from running dry as well.

6) HAVE FUN!

This is supposed to be an exciting time! Make sure to still have fun with your fiancé, enjoy the experience, and we know it can be hard, but be sure to not make every conversation about the wedding…your lives are still pretty interesting as well, make sure to take time and share that with each other!

Once you’ve checked off these items, you’re on the road to celebrating your nuptials and now you get to start the really fun stuff…choose your theme, say yes to the dress, pick your wedding bands, and ultimately revel in the splendor of you and your soon to be bride or groom!!!

All the best to the lovely couples.

THE LADIES OF L&L
KAYLIE & MELANIE