Getting engaged is one of the most memorable times in your life, where you’re sharing all the love and fun with close friends and family. But where do you start with preparations for the big day? I’m going to be running you through some things you may be forgetting in all of the excitement. As a professional mobile make-up artist, I’ve been working in the wedding industry with brides and bridal parties for a long time! So let’s dive into some of my tips that you might find useful.

1. Plan A Photoshoot
You’re engaged, finally! You knew they were the one for a long time and now you’ve got a ring to prove it. One of the first things I would do is book a photoshoot with a photographer you love to capture the energy you two are exuding as a newly engaged couple! You can dress it up, or dress it down but make sure you look your best because these photos will be shared and will hopefully last you a lifetime!

2. Get a Manicure
Don’t laugh- I’ve put this on my list for a big reason! When you’re showing off your new bling to your parents, your coworkers, and your friends the last thing you want is for them to be distracted by chipped nails and nail polish that should have been wiped off weeks ago! Do yourself a favour and get yourself a fresh manicure. In my experience the more natural the better- stick to nudes and the french manicure for a classic look.

3. Find Your Theme
We know you’ve been secretly looking for inspiration on Pinterest for a while. It’s finally time to bring them to life and share them with your fiancé. So if you’re thinking a purple palette on a warm summer day outdoors, it’s important to find a theme that suits you both. Are you looking for a band, a wedding DJ in Toronto or both? This will help you determine which vendors you’re going to be picking for your wedding day.

4. Carefully Pick The Professionals
Once you have a vision in mind, it’s time to bring in the big players- your vendors! Whether that’s catering, entertainment, or bridal hair and make-up, I’ve found that the best ones are usually found through word of mouth. Luckily, we now have the power of the internet to look up reviews on each vendor, and can always call or email to ask them questions.

These are some things you can start doing as a new fiancé/e to help you on your way down the aisle. Though things may get stressful at times, remember that this is your moment and you should do your best to have fun! Being prepared and picking the right vendors definitely make your life much easier, and as a Toronto make-up artist, I know the difference between a bride who hasn’t organized her day very well, and a relaxed bride who has everything under control. Take these steps in becoming the latter! Happy planning!