9 Steps to Fully Enjoy and Embrace Your Engagement Season
Written by Madison Andres, Owner of East Eden Weddings
Congratulations! You’re engaged! The moment you've been dreaming of has arrived, and now you're about to embark on an exciting journey toward one of the most important days of your life. While the wedding day is the big event, the engagement season is a special time that deserves to be cherished and enjoyed. As a wedding planner, I’ve seen how easy it is for couples to get swept up in the whirlwind of planning and forget to enjoy the magic of this unique period. Here’s how you can slow down, stay present, and truly savor the engagement season.
1. Savor the Moment Before Diving into Planning
Right after you say “yes,” it’s natural to want to jump into planning mode. However, one of the best ways to enjoy the engagement season is to slow down and bask in the joy of the moment. Share the news with loved ones, celebrate with your fiancé, and enjoy the euphoria before diving into wedding details.
Take a few weeks to celebrate: Plan a small celebration or just spend time with your partner reflecting on this new chapter.
Have an engagement party: This is a great way to celebrate the news with friends and family before the planning hustle begins. It's also a wonderful opportunity to hear stories about other engagements and weddings and soak in the love and excitement from your circle.
Pro Tip: When friends and family ask about wedding plans, don’t feel pressured to have all the answers right away. Simply let them know you’re enjoying being engaged for now!
2. Plan Date Nights that Have Nothing to Do with the Wedding
Once wedding planning starts, it can quickly consume your conversations and schedules. To keep the romance alive and maintain a sense of balance, set aside time for regular date nights that have absolutely nothing to do with wedding planning.
Go back to the basics: Revisit some of your favorite pre-engagement date spots, or try something new together—like taking a cooking class, hiking a new trail, or exploring a part of town you’ve never been to.
Unplug from the planning: Create “wedding-free” zones on your dates—no Pinterest, no vendor calls, and no planning talk. Just enjoy each other’s company.
Reflect on your relationship: Use this time to reflect on what brought you to this moment, discuss your dreams for the future, and focus on building a strong foundation for your marriage.
Pro Tip: Schedule these date nights in advance, just like you would any other appointment, to make sure they don’t get pushed aside by wedding planning.
3. Take Engagement Photos to Celebrate the Moment
Your engagement is a milestone worth capturing. Schedule an engagement photo session to commemorate this exciting time. Not only is it a fun way to celebrate, but it also helps you and your fiancé get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day.
Choose a meaningful location: Pick a place that holds special significance for both of you—maybe where you had your first date or where the proposal happened.
Show off your style: Engagement photos are a great opportunity to capture your personalities as a couple. Whether you opt for something classic or quirky, these photos will be a treasured keepsake.
Use the photos creatively: Engagement photos can be used for save-the-dates, wedding websites, or just to hang on your wall as a beautiful memory of this time in your life.
Pro Tip: Consider hiring the same photographer for both your engagement session and your wedding. It’ll give you a chance to build rapport and get comfortable in front of the camera, which will help you feel more at ease on your wedding day.
4. Embrace the Little Things
The engagement season is filled with moments that can be easily overlooked if you’re only focused on the big day. Enjoy the little things that come with being engaged—whether it’s finding “the dress,” selecting the perfect venue, or even daydreaming about your wedding theme.
Enjoy being a fiancée: How often will you get to call yourself that? Use this time to revel in your new title. It’s a special transition between being “just dating” and being married.
Cherish every milestone: From picking out your wedding bands to finalizing your guest list, there are so many moments to savor. Don’t rush through them—appreciate the journey.
Celebrate your wins: Wedding planning can be stressful, but celebrate each task you check off your to-do list. Reward yourselves with a small treat after booking a major vendor or finding the perfect venue.
Pro Tip: Keep a journal of your engagement experience. Document the ups, downs, and everything in between so you can look back on this special time with fond memories.
5. Stay Organized and Stress-Free by Hiring a Wedding Planner
One of the best ways to reduce stress and fully enjoy your engagement season is by hiring a professional wedding planner. While planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, a planner takes the pressure off, allowing you to focus on what matters most: enjoying your engagement and building your future together.
Expert guidance: A wedding planner brings experience and expertise, helping you navigate the entire process with ease. From timelines to vendor selection, we take care of the details so you don’t have to.
Stress-free planning: With a planner managing the logistics, you can relax and enjoy the fun parts of being engaged, knowing that the heavy lifting is being handled by someone you trust.
Customized support: We’ll tailor the planning process to your needs, ensuring that your vision comes to life without the added stress. You won’t have to worry about what comes next—we’ve got you covered every step of the way.
Vendor connections: Wedding planners have established relationships with the best vendors, which can save you time and money. Instead of searching on your own, we recommend trusted professionals who fit your budget and style.
Pro Tip: Hiring a wedding planner means you can still be involved in the fun decisions, like picking out colors and cake flavors, while leaving the complicated details to us. This ensures your engagement is a joyful experience, not a stressful one.
6. Celebrate your love and the Support Around You
During the engagement season, you’ll be surrounded by support from friends, family, and even your wedding vendors. Take the time to appreciate the people who are excited for your journey.
Host a bridal shower or engagement party: Let your friends and family celebrate you! These pre-wedding events are opportunities to share in the excitement with loved ones and make cherished memories before the big day.
Lean on your support system: Planning a wedding can bring up unexpected challenges. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice, accept help, or simply vent to the people who care about you.
Thank your vendors: You’ll be working closely with your vendors to bring your vision to life. Acknowledge their hard work and dedication throughout the process—they’re part of your team!
Pro Tip: Send personal thank-you notes or small tokens of appreciation to friends, family, or vendors who go above and beyond to help make your wedding day special.
7. Focus on What Matters Most
Amid the excitement and decision-making, it’s important to remember that your engagement season is about celebrating your love and preparing for a lifetime together—not just planning a party. Take time to focus on what truly matters.
Talk about your future together: Beyond wedding details, discuss your shared goals, values, and dreams as a couple. This is an opportunity to deepen your relationship and build a strong foundation for marriage.
Practice gratitude: Regularly take a step back and reflect on the love and support you’ve received. Gratitude can help you stay grounded and keep the focus on the joy of this special time.
Keep perspective: Wedding planning may feel overwhelming at times, but remember that the day is ultimately about celebrating your love. Try to let go of perfection and focus on what will make you and your partner happiest.
Pro Tip: Consider doing pre-marital counseling with your partner. It’s a great way to strengthen your relationship and prepare for the next chapter of your lives together.
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Enjoy Every Moment of Your Engagement Season
Your engagement is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it should be filled with joy, love, and excitement. By staying present, staying organized, and focusing on what matters most, you can fully enjoy this special season of your life.
I’m here to take the stressful parts of engagement away! As a wedding planner, my goal is to make sure your engagement and wedding journey is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Let’s work together to create a beautiful celebration and enjoy every step of the process.
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