Wednesday, January 5, 2011

A Holiday Proposal: Now what?



The family is gathered, the atmosphere is festive, the scenery is picturesque.......what sets the stage for a wedding proposal better than the holiday season?



This is one of the most popular times of the year to pop the question. And if you recently became engaged over the holidays - Congratulations!

While the thought of wedding planning might put your mind in a tizzy, it is only as stressful as you let it be. Here are a few tips to help you tackle the process with style & grace. =)

Take the first couple of weeks to relax & enjoy being a new bride-to-be.
While most new brides-to-be will rush out to buy a dress, rent a venue, and hire a caterer......it's best to let the dust settle before kicking up your heels again. Once you do begin the planning process, you will have had the time to gather your emotions & thoughts regarding what you want in a wedding.

Set a budget. And stick to it.
One of the biggest problems with brides & grooms today is overspending. Look at your income {and parent contributions, if available}, and determine what you can afford to spend without any debt. Then divide your budget into categories (flowers, photography, dress), and don't budge unless you're willing to pull funds from another category. One thing you don't want to have hanging over you as newlyweds is more debt.

Hire a wedding planner!
Don't be intimidated by the term - wedding planners will work with your budget. It will be a huge stress reliever to have someone helping you organize & make sense of your 4-inch binder of inspirational ideas. Whether it's a full-scale planner who manages your contracts & design details, or just a day-of coordinator, you will be SO glad you relinquished control to a pro.

Do your research.
Before you begin hiring {or even meeting with} vendors, look up their reviews online & ask around about their reputation. Vendor reviews from past clients are your best indication as to whether they are reliable, professional & knowledgeable within their chosen profession.

Best of luck in the wedding planning process! And don't forget to send save-the-date cards to your out-of-town guests, so they can get an early start on their travel plans. =)

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