You've Just Gotten Engaged. Where Do You Begin?

When I meet with newly engaged brides, blissful glowing abounds, but then the reality of planning a full-blown wedding kicks in. Typically the foremost concern is the overwhelming planning process. But it can be as easy as 1-2-3 if you follow these guidelines.

Here are the 3 initial steps in the planning process:

1. The number one priority is getting organized! I recommend purchasing an expandable folder to alphabetize all the necessary wedding categories (example: reception site, bakery, florist, music, etc.) As the planning progresses, it's important to file all your contracts, receipts, ideas and any other items relating to those categories. That way everything will be at your fingertips and most of all, it helps alleviate stress.

2. Create an initial budget with an estimated number of guests attending. Talk with your families about who will be paying for what. Traditionally, the bride's family would pick up the entire tab, but nowadays the groom's family will participate as well. However you decide to move forward with the budget planning, whether it be a total group session or asking each set of parents separately, it's important your parents commit to a certain dollar amount. Once that has been decided upon, you can determine the amount as a couple you would like to contribute for determining the final budget. A separate wedding account is ideal for keeping your duget in check. The average cost for a 150 person wedding is $25,000.00 in this area.

3. Select the appropriate wedding professional-this could be a whole chapter within itself, but in short, be selective! What worked for your friend's wedding may not be a good fit for yours. If at all possible, hire a wedding planner. They are trained to look at the whole picture and help you determine what may be the best fit for what YOUR needs are according to budget...that's important! Referrals from newly wed brides, co-workers, friends, neighbors are also good tools. Select a few vendors from the referrals received and set up interviews. Have a list of questions prepared ahead of time, and tkae the time to read the contracts thoroughly before signing. Lastly, make sure you are comfortable-The vendors you select work for you...a good thing to remember!

There it is, the 1-2-3's of beginning the wedding planning process. Most importantly, if you stay organized, adhere to a strict budget and work with seasoned professionals, you're off to a good start.