By Alyssa Eilenfeldt
Congratulations! You're getting married! Your mind is racing and you're filled with emotions. After the initial rush dies down, it dawns on you – you have to actually plan a wedding! With such an overwhelming task, you often don't know where to begin. Well look no further. Here are some basic initial steps you need to get you started on the road to your perfect wedding.
1. Relish that loving feeling
First things first...enjoy the sensation of just getting engaged! You’re in love and are making the ultimate commitment. It’s an amazing feeling! However, keep your engagement a private affair for a while, shared between you and your fiancé. Of course, a secret of this magnitude is hard to hold in, so only wait for as long as you can stand, whether it’s a day or a week. But holding out on telling family and friends will increase the intimacy in your relationship. Keep love lingering in the air!
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2. Breaking the news
So you can’t keep the secret any longer – well let it spill! Informing your parents is most special when done in person, preferably telling each set separately. Breaking the news to both sets together can be an awkward and overwhelming experience. Of course, if distance is a factor, a phone call will suffice. Emails are a no-no! Traditionally, the bride has first dibs on spreading the good news, but if your future hubby can’t hold it in any longer either, just make the phone calls at the same time. Follow up later with calls to good friends and other important family members.
3. Indulge your every fantasy
Like most women, you’ve probably planned, or at least dreamed, of your wedding since you were a little girl. Well now it’s actually going to happen, so you can put those fantasies to use. Getting married in the church down the street or a beach in Hawaii? Do you want ultra fancy or casual elegance? Inviting everyone you know or just your nearest and dearest? Before you get involved in flower arrangements and menu planning, decide where you want to get married and the style of the ceremony and reception. Your wedding should reflect the type of couple you and your fiancé are.
4. And come back down to reality
Now that said, every fantasy cannot come true. You need to work out a preliminary budget. But if you have your desires in mind, it can help you decide what you can and cannot afford and what is important to you. Is a formal, classy wedding a dream, but your cash is low? Budgeting can allow you to work out what to spend money on. Maybe you can splurge on a dress and decorations, but your guest list must be limited to 50 people. Think rationally; you don’t want to start married life in serious debt!
5. Save the date
Finally, decide when to get married. Choosing a date can hinge on the type of wedding you want and your budget. For a large affair, you’ll probably need at least a year to plan. Small and casual ceremony? Six months should be plenty of time. Weddings take a lot of thought and you need to allow yourself ample time to plan everything. Of course, after a few months of wedding overload, eloping may look pretty tempting. If you want to, then do it! It’s your wedding; make it yours.
And one last thing... good luck!
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