Getting Started

You have a ring on your finger, excitement is in the air and the count down is on ‘til your party of a lifetime. Wow! So much to plan, where do you start?
 
Firstly BREATHE. Now allow yourself to enjoy being engaged with your fiancé. Wedding planning does not have to be stressful, if you take it step by step and keep a level head you will get through it beautifully and avoid bridezilla-dom.

Now down to business – where to go from here:

• Spread the news!
  
  1. If you haven’t already, tell your parents! They deserve to know first. Let the whole family know your exciting news.
  2. Now shout it from the roof tops! Enlist the help of your parents and have them call relatives and family friends.
  3. Placing a notice in the newspaper is still a popular way of announcing your engagement and provides a valuable keepsake for your wedding album. To spread the word quickly, most brides find Facebook the easiest option.
  4. Even though everyone has been informed there’s nothing that will bring it home quite like a party to celebrate your engagement. This doesn’t need to be a formal affair, a backyard BBQ would be fine. There is only one rule. You must have fun!
• Buy the engagement ring if your finger isn’t already ‘blinged-up’
• Buy a dedicated wedding diary/planner so you can keep track of all your upcoming appointments, quotes, phone numbers and ideas.
• Decide on style – Before you decide on budget, discuss the style of wedding with your fiancé… yes he should have a say! It’s a good idea to start the engagement off on the right foot, so arm yourself with an open mind and perhaps a bottle of bubbly.
• Budget – It is one of the most important days of your life and also one of the most expensive. The only way to survive is to work out a detailed wedding budget covering:
  • Who is paying for what Some bride’s families will pick up the tab for the entire wedding, but more often the groom’s parents will pitch in as well. It is also very common now, with the average age of the bride and groom climbing, for the couples to pay for the wedding themselves. Whichever is your position, you will need to discuss what you or your families can afford before booking anything!
  • Your priorities Grab a pen, some paper and your man and get brainstorming. You may be a wine buff and toasting with Moet is a must, whatever your desires discuss them your partner, and listen to his suggestions. Decide on what is important to you both and planning will be a much smoother ride.
  • Rough number of guests If you are trying to save money you may find yourself discussing who not to invite more than who to invite. Think long and hard about your invitation list – it is almost impossible to create a guest list without offending someone. Keep in mind though, most people know this so will eventually understand you can’t invite everyone you want.
  • Style of wedding The style of your wedding will affect your budget considerably. A casual wedding is usually more economical… BUT it is possible to have a flashy wedding on a tight budget! You will simply need to be creative.
• Set a wedding date – Settling on a date is not easy – there are many considerations to take into account, and pleasing everyone is near impossible. A few considerations are:
  Public holidays
  Are any loved ones having big birthdays, pregnant, or getting married themselves?
  Any big sporting events?
  Honeymoon – do you want a ski trip or tropical escape?
  Culturally auspicious dates – many religions have specific requirements or lucky wedding dates.
  Often Fridays and Sundays are most cost effective.
• Book your wedding reception venue
• Start your health kick!