I'm Engaged! Now What?

The moment you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived; you’re engaged! Now that you've said "yes," it's time to embark on the exciting (and sometimes taxing) journey of wedding planning! As a leading bridal hair and makeup company on the East Coast, serving the Maryland, Virginia, DC, Delaware, South Carolina, and NE Florida areas, Updos For I Dos is here to guide you through the initial steps of this joyous process! 

Setting Your Wedding Budget & Determining Vendors

Before diving into what vendors to book and when, it is absolutely crucial to take time with your partner to establish your wedding budget. This paramount first step will shape the choices you make in terms of vendors, venue, and overall wedding experience!

Once your budget is in place, it's time to secure your key vendors! Typically, venue, photography, videography, and wedding planners are the first wedding vendors that couples seek out (and we totally agree with this sequence!). Once these vendors are secured, it’s really up to each couple where their priorities lie. Perhaps there is a catering company that you absolutely must work with, or a particular hair and/or makeup artist you need to work with; we recommend you lock in those need-to-haves next! 

Taking things step by step can (and will!) make planning much easier! Check out this example timeline for a year long engagement: 

12 months: Book your dream venue

12 months: Secure your favorite photographer & videographer

12 months: Lock in a professional planner/partial planner/day-of coordinator

12 months: Set expectations and visions with full time planner

12 months: Meet with licensed esthetician/dermatologist if you have skin concerns

10+ months: Reserve your dream on-site hair and makeup team (hello, Updos For I Dos!)

10 months: Book catering, bar services, florist, rentals, and DJ

8 months: Confirm your photobooth and dessert arrangements

6 months: Schedule your hair and makeup trial for your perfect bridal look

6 months: Arrange transportation (if needed)

4 months: Order custom napkins, decorations, and signage 

3 months: Enjoy the most memorable bachelorette celebration

2 months: Soak in your stunning Bridal Shower

2 months: Hand over the final details to your Partial Wedding Coordinator

1 month: Prioritize self-care! Stay hydrated and rest for your big day!

Remember, this timeline is flexible, and your priorities may differ! Use this as inspiration for your personal wedding day preparations. 

Bridal Beauty Trends: Less is More in 2024

As you research for your dream wedding hair and makeup looks, we like to recommend brides consider the latest bridal hair and makeup trends for 2024! Brides this year are keeping it easy-breezy with simple and natural vibes; we're talking about makeup that lets your natural beauty shine! Think freckles having a moment, a touch of soft brown eyeliner to define and enhance your striking eyes, and peachy tones adding a sweet glow to your eyes, cheeks, and lips. When it comes to trendy wedding hairstyles, picture relaxed, tousled curls giving off all of the romantic vibes, or go for a textured, effortlessly swept-up updo that's just the right amount of chic! 

While trends are fun to keep up with and research, we also urge our brides to stay within their comfort zones; wedding day is not the day to try something new! If you are most comfortable wearing your hair fully down and curled, a sleek updo may not be the best option for you. If you are used to highly glamorous makeup applications, natural makeup applications may not be for you, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that! What matters most is that you stay true to yourself! 

Updos For I Dos: Your Go-To Beauty Team

Updos For I Dos has been involved in the wedding circuit for almost 20 years, and we fully understand how crucial stress-free planning is! We pride ourselves in delivering the highest quality on-site wedding day styling services for brides, bridal parties, and more. Prior to your big day, our pre-wedding trial sessions are designed to create a personalized experience for each and every bride! This is the perfect time to chat with our artists and make sure your hair and makeup look is everything (and more!) than you've dreamed of.

Our recruitment process is incredibly thorough, ensuring that only the most talented artists join our team, so you can rest assured that you and your party are always in the best of hands! When you opt to work with our team at Updos For I Dos, you are choosing a standard of excellence and professionalism. Beyond skill, our community’s commitment extends to providing exceptional customer service through open communication, meticulous attention to detail, and a personalized approach for each and every bride that we work with. 

So, Where Do I Begin Wedding Planning?

Your engagement is just the start of the most beautiful journey, and Updos For I Dos is honored to be part of it! As you begin to navigate your wedding planning process, remember to prioritize what matters most to you and your partner. With a solid plan and the right team by your side, your wedding day will be a reflection of your love story: unique, beautiful, and truly unforgettable! 

PS: when you’re ready to begin your seamless wedding hair and makeup booking process, go ahead and click the link here!

Happy wedding planning!