Lindsey Kent Photography

So you just got engaged! How awesome do you feel right now? And you should! You don’t even get tired when all your loved ones say the same things over and over:

Congratulations!

Girl, that ring is FIERCE. 

He did such a good job! 

Tell us the proposal story! 

You guys are so wonderful together! 

We couldn’t be happier for you! 

Have you set a date?

 

Whoa…

Pump the breaks. For a lot of brides, that’s the question that zaps them out of the post-engagement daze. You’re floating on cloud nine, but there’s always a moment of realization when you think about all of the upcoming responsibilities you now have.

But don’t worry. That’s exactly what we’re here for. So take a breath, stop staring at your ring and let us help you every step of the way.

 

Shutterstock

 

1. Download Arkansas Bride’s FREE Printable Bridal Toolbox

You’re going to have questions, believe us. You can also believe that organization is the key to this whole process. That’s why we’ve created the Bridal Toolbox complete with a budget worksheet, vendor list planner and wedding checklist. It breaks everything down into manageable, realistic goals for every stage of your engagement. For example, did you know you should book your photographer, caterer and florist nine months to a year before your ceremony? Well, now you do.

 

 

2. Start Researching Vendors

Believe us when we say that Arkansas is chock-full of incredible vendors to help make your dream wedding a reality. That just means there some homework to be done. Head over to our Vendors Page and check out some of the best the state has to offer on everything from gowns and gift registries to venues and videographers.

 

Julie Paisley Photography

 

3. Browse Engagement Photo Ideas

Some engagement sessions are a dime a dozen, but not yours. Get ideas for locations, themes, what to wear, everything! Stop by our engagements section for these and more, plus a healthy dose of “aww” at all the cute proposal stories. Just make sure you submit your own when the time comes!

 

Jane Colclasure

 

4. Assemble Your Guest List

Well, begin one, anyway. You have your list, your fiancé has his, your mom has hers, your in-laws have theirs. Whew. We’re not saying you have to nail it down just yet, but at least start the conversation and delegate the responsibility, eventually whittling it down. Only then are you allowed to go gaga over pretty invites and save-the-dates.

 

Whitney Bower Imaging

 

5. Get Inspired

Check out the Real Weddings section of Arkansas Bride to see how girls just like you from all over the state are saying "I do." You can even customize your search by season, style and color. Then, if you’re still waiting for the lightbulb to go off, get on Pinterest! The flow of inspiration goes on forever. If you don’t already have a wedding idea board, or if you have a secret one (we won’t tell), go to town! And follow Arkansas Bride on Pinterest for trends and ideas all over the world and in your backyard. 

  

Well, brides, you know you have a busy road ahead of you, but we’re on that road with you. The end goal is for you and your dream guy to get hitched, so let’s make it happen and make it happy!

 

Photos by: Lindsey Kent Photography, Jason Masters, Julie Paisley Photography, Jane Colclasure and Whitney Bower Imaging