We share our top tips on what you need to know when you first get engaged.

Are you just engaged? Congratulations! Soak it up, it’s an exceptional moment. Now, before you get started on planning the wedding of your dreams, here are some of our expert tips. Things we know will really help keep you sane & happy during this new experience.

CHOOSE YOUR BRIDESMAIDS CAREFULLY

This is a big decision, so don’t be afraid to take your time. You don’t have to decide right away if you’re just engaged! Depending on how many you’re having, there are three ‘types’ to aim for:

• An organised friend to help with planning

• A creative bridesmaid to make you feel inspired

• A fun bridesmaid who will keep you smiling

Or just have one friend/family member who you think is the one. It's your day. 

YOU CAN'T TAKE EVERYONE'S ADVICE

Don’t feel like you have to ask for everyone’s opinion on every single aspect of your wedding. It is flattering for them to be asked, of course. But the more people you involve with the decision-making process, the more opinions you have to consider and sometimes the harder it can actually be to decide.

DON'T DIY THE WHOLE DAY

While it’s a lovely idea, choosing to DIY everything can heap on a lot of extra pressure, especially if you’re just engaged. Instead, pick one or two DIY elements and make them amazing.

Couples often get carried away with DIY projects, making grand plans for their big day, and end up not following through. Resulting in last-minute emergencies or disappointing results.

Your guests will appreciate a couple of personal touches much more than countless different ideas thrown together. Plus at The Kent Wedding Centre we have suppliers that can help you with every element of your wedding day planning. So let someone else design that DIY style wedding cake, invitations, flowers etc and take the pressure off your shoulders.

PICK THE SEASON, THEN THE WEDDING DATE

Before you pick a date to get married, choose your preferred season, as this will make it a lot easier for you. Once you’ve picked a season, you can then pick three dates that work for the two of you and both sets of parents. Now you’ve got that flexibility, you can go on to visit some venues!

STAY TRUE

It’s so easy to be inspired by trends or celebrity fashion. But don’t get too influenced by them unless they reflect your own personal style. The day should be all about the two of you and what kind of wedding you both want to have. Right from when you’re just engaged to the big day itself, stay true to who you are. Be inspired, not influenced. 

KEEP YOUR GUESTS IN MIND

While it’s your wedding day, it’s also important to plan your day from the perspective of your guests, as well as your own. Make sure the day has a natural flow to it. Don’t leave your guests alone without a drink while you go off for your wedding pictures, and make sure you try to spend time with them all, even if it’s just for a few minutes. They've made the effort, so make sure they know it’s appreciated. 

VENUE, FIRST BOOKING

Wedding 101, but needs saying! Make sure you book your ceremony and reception venues before anything else. You’ll be surprised how quickly they fill up and sometimes they can be booked for up to a year in advance. We are based in Hop Farm which is an incredible place for a wedding with, barns, countryside, and acres of space for you and your guests to enjoy! But also we also have a wealth of other wedding venues we work with so, so do check them out.