Top 5 Things To Do Before You Get Married
Congrats you’re engaged and there’s so much to do with so little time. As a current wife, former fiancé, and that friend who gets invited to many bridal showers and bachelorette parties, I’ve taken a few notes on what to do in order to have an exciting engagement season. Here are the top 5 things to do before you get married.
1. Carefully pick your bridesmaids
This requires strategic planning. I’m serious. I have a lot of friends and have seen a lot of people become disappointed because they didn’t “pick the right bridesmaids” and guess what. There’s no right and wrong answer. Pick reliable people… lol I know I know it’s not that easy. Here’s the thing, there’s so much pressure around picking your bridesmaids. Typically you ask the girls or guys to be your bridesmaids who’ve you been to weddings you’ve also been a part of. Or if you were in a sorority you may want to ask your “family line (your big, little, grand big). Again, there’s no right or wrong answer, just carefully pick them. You don’t want to exclude anyone. So if you have a lot of friends and you can’t decide either pick them all or go with the one that is close with your family, has a personal relationship with your fiancé, your fiancé sibling, your favorite cousin. Therefore no one feels left out or excluded and those that you wanted to be your bridesmaids invite them to your bach party and bridal shower. This can be a stressful season but remember, have fun with your bridesmaids asks. Do something memorable.
Also it’s okay if your bridesmaids say no. I know this is a tough cookie to swallow, but you rather them say no than you be disappointed the day of your wedding. And yes it may hurt but I had 2 of my very close friends decline to be my bridesmaid… partially because I had a destination wedding and they couldn’t afford the trip at the time, and because they couldn’t take off the time for school. But it didn’t ruin my wedding, the world carried on and we are still friends till this day. ALWAYS REMEMBER THIS.
2. Do you have a Matron of Honor?
This can go to a friend that is married that you look up to or your favorite aunt. You don’t have to have a Matron of Honor but it’s a beautiful thing to do to honor the person in your life that you value.
3. Have a Bach Party
This is the best way to commemorate the best moment in your life. Grab a group of girls doesn’t matter the size and pick a place you’ve always wanted to go. Advice: Pick a destination based on the season. EX: Summer – Beach, Fall – Brewery, Winter – Skiing, Spring – Winery. Also, you don’t have to invite just your bridesmaids to your bachelorette party. You can invite your childhood friends, sorority sisters, and family members. The more the merrier.
I had a destination wedding, so for my bachelorette party I chose a place that none of my friends ever been, New Orleans for Mardi Gras… it was wild. 11 girls and only 1 person was in my bridal party. I chose to invite my sorority sisters from college.
Self Note: The Bride Never Pays. Don’t be the jerk friend.
4. Have a Bridal Shower
This doesn’t have to be fancy. It could be at a house, a restaurant for brunch, or an event venue. It’s the perfect opportunity to invite everyone who loves to celebrate your nuptials, and there are multiple different types of Bridal Showers. I say the more Bridal Showers you have, the more gifts you can receive. Also – make a bridal shower wedding registry.
- Sorority only bridal shower
- Family bridal shower
- Church family bridal shower
- Friends bridal shower (childhood friends, work friends, college friends)
5. Take A Class Together or Find a Hobby
There is nothing sweeter than figuring out life with your future Husband or Wife. As fun as it is to plan your bridal shower or bach trip, there’s something sweet about creating new moments with your future spouse. This could be.
Lover of food? Taking a cooking class
Love the outdoors? Take up hiking, or kayaking
Love to travel? Pick a new city or town to visit every month.
Love to dance? Take dance lessons. This is also the perfect opportunity to get that first dance-down pact.
At the end of the day – this moment in your life is about you. Never forget that.
