Jess Darracott

Traditional wedding fairs are designed to showcase as many suppliers as possible, in the shortest amount of time, to the widest audience. That usually means rows of stalls, loud rooms, branded banners, and lots of conversations happening all at once. But not every couple wants that and not every couple feels represented in those spaces. If you’re planning something smaller, more relaxed, more personal, or less conventional, you might struggle to see yourself reflected.

Being engaged over New Year is a funny old thing. On one hand, it’s exciting. You’re heading into a new year engaged, with a shiny ring, wedding plans bubbling away, and a future you’re actively building together. On the other hand… it can feel like a lot. Wedding planning, careers, finances, where you’ll live, whether you want children, how many, when, and how on earth you’ll afford it all... no pressure, right?

So you just got engaged?!! Where the hell do you start?? Firstly - CONGRATS! 🎉That is a massive commitment you’ve decided to make to each other, and that is so awesome. I’m genuinely really happy for you. Secondly - PAUSE. Take some time to enjoy the engagement honeymoon period. There is absolutely no rush to dive head-first into planning and stress yourself out, especially if there’s no urgency for you to get hitched. Any extended family members or random people who respond with “Oh...