SO YOU’RE ENGAGED

By Jennifer Gentile

Perhaps it happened during a quiet moment between just the two of you. Maybe he tipped off your friends and family, so your nearest and dearest got to witness your happy tears. However the proposal happened, congratulations on your engagement! The wedding journey is just beginning, and as any bride can attest, the to-do list can get overwhelming in a hurry.

Tell your VIPs, either by phone or in person, before posting the news to social media.

Be prepared for a deluge of opinions about when, where and how you should get married, and accept that you can’t please everyone. Avoid committing or agreeing to anything for the first few weeks while you and your fiancé hone your vision. In the meantime, receive suggestions gratefully, but don’t feel obligated to say “yes.”

You can’t make many other decisions until you know when the big day will be, so first things first. You may immediately have a season in mind, or even dates that are meaningful to you and your significant other, so you can start there. Take care to avoid any scheduling conflicts for your VIP guests, and make sure you give yourself plenty of time to plan — bearing in mind that many popular vendors are booked a year or more in advance.

Like your date, you need a budget before you can do much else. Be clear on who is contributing what, and communicate early and often, to prevent misunderstandings later. Head count greatly affects the bottom line (not to mention the size venue you’ll need), so tailor your guest list to what you can reasonably afford. START RESEARCHING VENUES

This step may well determine your wedding date, as it may depend on when your preferred venue is available. When choosing where to hold your wedding, make sure the venue aligns with your vision, fits your budget and can accommodate your guest list comfortably.

Coordinating a wedding can get overwhelming quickly. This is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, so pause to enjoy it before launching into planning mode.

Without a doubt, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted wedding plans across the globe. Whether having to postpone their nuptials, reduce their guest lists, or incorporate virtual options, couples certainly faced tough decisions. But despite the challenging time, many couples decided to get creative and keep love alive.

With the roll out of vaccines, there may be light at the end of 2021 for hopeful brides. In the meantime, here are five tips to consider when planning during the pandemic: STAY UP TO DATE ON THE LATEST COVID-19 GUIDELINES

Gathering capacities, guidelines and restrictions fluctuate from state to state and can change often. So be sure to visit your state’s government website for the most up to date information. For Mississippi, visit https://msdh.ms.gov.

Choose what’s best for you and your future spouse. Though you may not have the big wedding you dreamed of, there are several options available to make the day special. • Elopement is on the rise and has even become an Instagram-worthy trend. • Throw an outdoor soiree. Open-air and space allows for social distancing, reducing your risk. • Scale back your guest count for an intimate affair. • Celebrate virtually with a live stream. (Because what’s not on Zoom these days.) • Postpone or reschedule your date.

During a pandemic, things can change in an instance. Be sure to know your vendors’ reschedule policy in the event of a COVID-19 exposure. And immediately convey any concerns or changes.

Let your guests know you care about their safety as they celebrate your big day. Make masks and hand sanitizers readily available. You can even have temperature checks at the door.

Know you are not alone, as we are all making adjustments during this unique period. Focus on the love and take everything one step at a time.