Eight Essentials For The Newly Engaged
*This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may receive a small commision when you make a purchase using my links, at no extra cost to you.
OMG! Yay!!! He finally asked and you said YES!!! You told your parents, your best friends, and anyone close enough to catch some sparkle from your new bling. You took some photos, and some more… and maybe just one more! You stared at your hand for a couple hours, and now? What happens next? You plan the best wedding ever- duh!
Let’s look at my eight essentials to get started right:
1. The Knot Book of Wedding Lists
I had this book when I got married in 2012 and it went everywhere with me like my blankie when I was little. I’ve also gifted this book to each of my sisters. There are so many things to read and Pinterest is an amazing resource for all things wedding, but sometimes you just really want a physical book with all the important stuff in one place.
2. "Office Supplies"
Get yourself a blank notebook, I like this Moleskine one. I like the white but it comes in different colors and sizes. Color coding is a great way to stay organized, so splurge on a nice pack of pens with multiple colors. I have one set of these Papermate Inkjoy pens for work, another just for my planner, a third backup pack for my purse, and a fourth and final set stashed with my craft supplies. I love how fluid they feel when I’m writing, but they dry quick enough I don’t smudge them easily. Invest in some dividers, like these, that stick in the notebook of your choosing.
3. A Ring Dish
Spoil yourself a little and get a ring dish. Taking care of your ring is very important. I never shower with my rings on, so I put them in my ring dish. There are beautiful options for just your ring, or a future investment for when your fiancé has a ring of his own! I’m a sucker for anything Kate Spade!
4. A Bridal Magazine Subscription
While The Knot is certainly not the only bridal magazine out there, it is my personal favorite. Bridal Guide and Brides are also some that I enjoy reading, and it is important to note local magazines will be more helpful for finding vendors than a national subscription. Magazines have an advantage that Pinterest doesn’t— magazines will show you a greater variety of ideas and wedding styles, whereas Pinterest is programmed to show you content similar to what you already like. These magazines are especially helpful if you’re in an idea rut and need some extra inspiration.
5. A Tumbler/Mug For Selfies
You want the best pictures possible from your wedding- so drink enough water! Staying hydrated keeps your skin clear, your appetite at bay, and nails healthy! We all strive to keep ourselves in top shape, so do it with a fun mug or tumbler. These options weren’t around when I got engaged in 2011, because you better believe I would’ve had both!
6. Jewelry Cleaner
Your fiancé took every care picking the perfect ring, and you love it! Make sure to keep it extra sparkly for your engagement photos, engagement parties, and any other special occasion where your hands will be the center of attention. I use the Connoisseurs jewelry cleaner — my mom has used it my entire life, and now I use it as well!
7. Favorite Nail Polish
Your hands are center stage for the next couple months (years), so pick up a bottle of your favorite polish. I’m a huge fan of Essie nail polish, especially in Ballet Slippers. The soft pink works for all skin tones and adds a little romance. But, with other awesome hues such as Bare With Me, Fiji, Mademoiselle, and Sand Tropez— it’s no wonder their wedding collection sells out every year.
8. Thank You Cards
Between engagement gifts, bridal showers and wedding gifts, you will have a lot of reasons to write thank you notes during your wedding planning process. Be ready and get some early. Don’t be overwhelmed by thank you notes- you’re doing it right just by sending one!
Newly engaged? Contact me at Kelsey.Grace@TheWeddingEngineer.com for a free 30 minute consultation!
Want more inspiration? Follow me on Instagram.
