I'm Engaged…Now What?!

The funny thing about getting engaged is learning about my desire (or lack there of) to begin the wedding planning. There are so many big decisions to be made and being indecisive as it is, it’s tough! There are many beautiful options for ceremonies and receptions…but how do you make the choice? Local or destination, fall or end of summer, Friday or Saturday, chicken or steak?

I’m so afraid of making a bad decision to even make one! I know, because I’ve heard stories, that wedding planning is like having a second job. But who has time for that? I’m already pretty busy between my full time job and blogging but apparently I don’t know busy! For whatever reason, I feel so anxious to begin the planning, because I know it’s a domino effect from here. First comes the venue and date, then comes everything else. Less than 8 hours of being engaged I was already asked when our wedding would be…um hello, I haven’t even gotten used to seeing a rock on my finger, let alone setting a date! Nearly a month later and I feel guilty for not knowing our plans when asked.

Don’t get me wrong, I can’t wait to plan the wedding I’ve been dreaming about since I was a little girl but the fairy tail ending has bills that add up to more than my years salary! Do you know how much weddings cost?! It’s a heck of a lot of money for a day and quite frankly, I’d rather see that money go towards a down payment on a house for my fiancé and I to live in for years to come. I never would have said that a year ago but with age comes practicality and I now know, you can’t have it all at one time.

Brides always seem upbeat and joyous and I have to wonder where the realism comes to play. Are their weddings 100% paid for so they don’t have to think practically or are they hiding the “real stuff”? These magazines I’m reading don’t mention how to get married on an actual budget, just displays of $$$ signs and it’s making me wonder if I’m the rare exception or if other brides experience this predicament.

So here comes goodbyeee… to all the pretty things at J. Crew that I’ll have to pass up for awhile, because saving money is brutal! At the end of the day, I can’t wait to marry my best friend and build our lives together. So I suppose it shouldn’t matter the location or the cost of flowers or how talented the photographer is…it’ll be the best day of our lives!

Anyone with advice or tips are certainly encouraged to speak up! I’d love to hear your story!