He proposed - the day you've been waiting for has finally arrived! 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 things first! Before all the hustle begins, do yourself a favor and sit down with your fiance 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.

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 fiance. If you do, your wedding will be a combination of everyone else's dreams instead of your own!

A CONSULTANT CAN EASE THE STRESS
Hiring a consultant is a wise idea, especially if there is conflict between mother and daughter, families, divorced parents, or even attendants. This is an emotional time and the objective opinion of a consultant 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, the money can be collected without embarrassment. Many times these arguments result from lack of communication, emotional overload, and misconceptions. The two parties just need to communicate; sometimes writing their thoughts down with a calm mediator present will help considerably. They say you hurt the ones you love the most; the stresses of a wedding can truly test your relationships with family, friends, and even your fiance. Remember to focus 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 fiance 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 make 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 a member of 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 phone numbers with a contact name for all the businesses providing services, the arrival of musicians and where they need to set up, where and when the formal photographs will be taken, 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!

Labels: engaged