I'm Engaged! Now What?!

So you are engaged, congratulations! This is such an exciting time in your life. You have been single forever and will be married for the rest of your life, so enjoy this in between time when you are someones fiancee. So chic!

After you settle in with your new status, the best thing to do when planning a wedding is research. There are so many books and blogs and magazines out there that you are sure to be overwhelmed. Here are a few of my favorites that I recommend any new bride or wedding enthusiast to peruse.

Blogs

Style Me Pretty is one of the best wedding blogs out there and is presented in an organized way. They post several weddings, ideas, and fashion spreads a day. This blog is actually my home page because they update so often and I love 99% of the things that they do. No matter what your style or budget, Style Me Pretty will have something just for you! Make sure to check out Style Me Pretty's Little Black Book. Bald Head Island Club was handpicked last year to be one of their favorite venues by the author, Abby Larson, and we are thrilled!

Ritzy Bee is another wedding blog that has a ton of eye candy! The author is Maria Cooke, a D.C. based boutique wedding and event planner that brings focus, fresh prospective, and creativity almost every day to her blog.


Helpful Websites

Martha Stewart Weddings is a great resource for brides and is so easy to scroll through when you know exactly what you are looking for. From wedding cakes, bouquets, favors, place cards, and invitations, Martha Stewart and her team have weddings down to a science. They have great templates for all of you do-it-yourself brides that are really simple and will save you a ton of money. Leave it to Martha to handle the details!

The Knot is the best resource out there when finding all of your vendors. At first, the website is a little overwhelming, but once you find the rhythm of the website, the navigation is much easier. Bald Head Island Club was voted #8 in the nation for outdoor reception locations and #3 best venue location in North Carolina. We couldn't be happier because we were voted on by brides!

Books

Southern Weddings: New Looks from the Old South by Tara Guerard highlights culture of southern weddings and takes readers through the event planning process while delivering practical advice on how they can create their own memorable event. Tara Guerard and her team are so charming and they have a ton of class. This book is busting at the seams with creative ideas and unique ways to make your guests feel right at home during your wedding.

Fete is another gorgeous book by famed celebrity event planner, Jung Lee. This is not another book filled with generic lists and sentiments that have no meaning to you. Jung says to "follow my advice and your wedding will have energy, soul, and authenticity that makes a wedding truly fantastic." You may have seen an episode of her show on W tv, Wedded to Perfection. This book is just that; perfect pictures showcasing gorgeous weddings.