just engaged - SouthBound Bride

Wedding Planning: Where to Start

3 January, 2018 by gaby

You’re engaged! CONGRATULATIONS! This is such a crazy, exciting time in your life, and an experience that you’ll never forget. But once the ring selfies have been taken and the parents (and the friends, and the distant cousins once removed) have been called, once the Facebook statuses have been changed and the champagne bottles emptied, there’s an inevitable moment of panic. OMGwehavetoplanawedding! Ack! How on earth, you think, do we do this? And more importantly, where do you start? Well brideys (and groomeys), we have you covered. Do not pass go, do not collect $200 until you have read this checklist for the newly engaged – ten things to get you firmly on track with your wedding planning journey. And also… BREATHE…

How to Plan an Engagement Party

31 January, 2017 by gaby

Image: Katie Parra Photography/Clutch Events on SouthBound Bride

As we come to the end of our month of engagement-themed posts, there’s no better way to finish off than with a party! In this case, an engagement party, because if you’re just engaged, this is the first celebration that might be on your mind. Engagement parties are such a lovely tradition (although certainly not something you should feel you HAVE to have, time and budget being major considerations for many) as they give you a chance to celebrate a very exciting moment in any couple’s lives with their nearest and dearest. Here are some guidelines and ideas to get you started.

20 Fun & Sweet Engagement Cards

13 January, 2017 by gaby

‘You Two Weirdos’ Engagement Card by Beccy Kitty Designs

We’re finishing off our week with some fun ideas for engagement cards – after all, if you’re getting engaged, chances are a few of your friends are too! I personally really struggle to find nice cards for weddings and engagements – it seems like they’re always WAY too cheesy for my taste, and I just end up feeling silly giving them to someone who knows that’s not my style, but at the same time, you totally want to show you care (and a card with a wedding gift is essential – nothing worse than being the bride who has to phone round your friends saying “was it you who gave us the breadmaker?”). So this is another time when my fave shop spot Etsy comes into play, because as you can imagine, there are loads of fun engagement cards on the site. I’ve picked my Top 20 – some are downloadable, some are beautifully printed for you, but either way, you’ll be able to give your friends one of these sweet, fun little cards with a smile on your face.
Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

Coffee Mugs for the Newly Engaged

6 January, 2017 by gaby

Does This Ring Make Me Look Engaged Coffee Mug by Sweet Water Decor

Does this ring make me look engaged? It’s a question posed dozens of times over the last year on Instagram and Pinterest through those adorable coffee mug engagement announcements. We have to call it, besides the ring itself, a just engaged slogan mug is pretty much the must-have accessory for the bride-to-be! Whether you’re using it as a cute way to let folks know your big news, as a means to drink your tea or coffee while getting down to the business of wedding planning, or as a sweet gift for a newly betrothed buddy, Etsy has a ton of great options, so we’ve rounded up our favourites, just for you!
Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

Dreamy Blue Wedding Inspiration with a Surprise Proposal

3 January, 2017 by gaby

Time to kick off a new year of inspirational content! And I honestly can’t think of a prettier way to do that than with this styled shoot by the wonderful Courtney Leigh. It’s full of dreamy, dusky blues and touches of elegant gold, gorgeous organic florals and an extraordinarily beautiful two-piece gown by Alexandra Grecco. Jade Magnolia did an amazing job with the table, layering textures and using different shades of blue alongside Blush and Vine‘s lush flowers to really make it pop. Every detail is super swoony (just wait till you see the chocolate strawberries!), but as wonderful as all of it is, what makes this shoot beyond special and memorable is that it ended with a surprise proposal for the sweet models, Chalie and Andrew. The looks of love on their faces, especially during and after Andrew pops the question, just radiate happiness – no wonder capturing these moments is something Courtney describes as a highlight of her photography career. It also makes this the perfect way for us to launch January’s editorial theme: Just Engaged. Enjoy!