YOU'RE ENGAGED! NOW WHAT?

Congratulations!  He proposed, you've said yes - now where to go from here?  You have to tell your parents, his parents, call all your friends, call the church, get time off for the honeymoon, buy a wedding dress, find a caterer.... STOP!

First, take a deep breath.  Organize a "wedding space" where you can keep everything related to the wedding in one area that makes you feel great about the person you are going to marry and the wedding you are planning.

Before all the hustle begins, do yourself a favor and sit down with your fiancé and ask yourselves the following questions:

Are your families large or small?

What is your budget?

What style of wedding would you prefer to have—do you like intimate gatherings, large parties, or impromptu, unique events?

Do you want a romantic theme or a formal affair?

Work together so that you both agree on the same things, and then commit your thoughts to paper so that you will have a plan. Creating a wedding "to do" timeline will help you prioritize what needs to get done.  See our helpful hint on this.

Then have you and your fiance create a "top ten" list outlining what each of you feel is most important.  It may be the Music, Honeymoon then Ceremony Site for your fiance... and Bridal Gown, Music and Cake for you.  Sit down with each other's lists and cross-reference.  You'll begin to see a pattern of what comes to the top  - allowing you and your fiance to make those difficult decisions based on your budget - easier to see.

Organize your thoughts and plans into a Wedding Organizer/Planner.  The Bravo! Wedding Organizer is a great one filled with checklists, timelines, helpful hints, places to hold fabric swatches, business cards, etc.

Last, but not least, take time out for yourself at least once a week with an activity that is NOT wedding related.  Go for a walk, swim, read a book, see a movie or play - anything that will help clear your mind or body will cleanse and refresh your energy.

GETTING ORGANIZED

Once You Make Your Plan, Stick To It!
Everyone seems to become an expert on wedding planning when they find out you’re engaged. You’ll receive loads of unsolicited advice, and everyone will try to sway your thinking. Don’t let anyone steer you away from what’s important to you and your fiancé. If you do, your wedding will be a combination of everyone else’s dreams but your own!

A Consultant Can Ease The Stress
Hiring a consultant is a wise idea, especially if there is arguing between mother and daughter, between families, divorced parents and even attendants.  This is an emotional time and if you can have an objective opinion of a consultant buffering between the two, it can sometimes ease the pressure.  Money can be one of the biggest problems and obstacles.  If a third party is involved, such as a consultant, they can collect the money without it being embarrassing.  Many times these arguments result from lack of communication, emotional overload and misconceptions.  The two parties just need to communicate; sometimes writing it down and having someone calm present to the other half is a good way to deal with it. The stresses of a wedding can truly test your relationships with family, friends and even your fiancé, remember to keep focused on what’s important that day!

Delegate Duties
Every bride thinks, “If I don’t do it, it won’t get done the way I want it!” This may be true, but you’ll soon realize you can’t do it all and keep your sanity.  You and your fiancé have figured out the plan, now delegate duties to family and friends.  Everything can and will be done the way you want it if you give a clear description of what you need accomplished and when. Family and friends will enjoy knowing they helped contribute to making your special day a success!

Relax and Enjoy Your Wedding Day!
We suggest you get someone to coordinate all the details on the day of your wedding.  Hire a professional or ask a trustworthy friend or family member who is not directly involved in the wedding party to oversee and coordinate delivery and setup of flowers, rental equipment, decorations, etc.  Provide this person with a comprehensive list of everything he or she will need to keep an eye on, including the arrival of musicians and where they need to set up, where and when the formal photographs will be taken, phone numbers with a contact name for all the businesses providing services, etc.  Your months of planning and coordination will pay off!  You and your groom should be concerned and consumed only with the joy of the day and your love for each other!