You've said yes, and now you need to get the word out. Tell your family first, followed by friends and coworkers, and be prepared to anser lots of questions.
Remember big news should be delivered in person. If your parents know your fiance well, you and he should arrange to visit with your respective families to tell them about your engagement as soon as possible.
If your parents don't know your fiance well, schedule a visit before springing the news.
If you think your family (or his) might have reservations, about the marriage, speak to them alone. If you or your fiance are divorced your parents may be concerned that this marriage might end like the previous one(s). It's important to answer their questions and concerns calmly and confidently.
If your fiance would like to formally ask for your hand in marriage, he should arrange to speak privately with your father.
If either of you has children, tell them about your engagement as soon as possible. Be prepared for questions concerning living arrangements, stepsiblings, house rules, disciplinary issues and wedding plans. Be as specific as you can.
Tell your friends and relatives. Let anyone who is important to you know about your plans, giving them plenty of time to save the date and make any necessary arrangements. If you've decided on attendants, you can ask them to be a part of your wedding party when you tell them about your engagement.
The first essential step in planning your wedding is choosing a date. Weather, work and holiday contraints will eliminate a lot of days right off the bat, but there are several key points to consider as you zero in on a decision.
Location Availability . Many potential locations may be booked a year in advance, so be sure to give yourself enough time to book a location.
How much time will you need for planning? The average length of most engagements is twelve months. This is not manditory only a baseline for consideration. You may need more or less time, depending on your finances, how much time you need for planning and how elaborate your wedding will be.
Logistics. Getting married at the end of August may sound like a great idea, but take into consideration what events may coincide with your big day. If it's the first day of football season in Knoxville, this may not be the best day for your wedding.
Scheduling. Check with family and close friends to insure your date doesn't conflict with important events in their lives. While you can't please everyone it is important to have those closest to you available for your special day.
Tough Decisions. There will be many difficult decisions that need to be made. Be sure to alot enough time to think through each option and allow yourself breathing room so that it's not a stressful time. Set a date far enough in the future so that you'll have adaquate time to figure out all of the fundamental concerns as well.
Once you've told your family, friends and co-workers of your decision you may want to make a public announcement in your local newspaper. Check with you local publication as each newpaper handles announcements differently.
It's important that you select your wedding style. Secondly, determine your budget as one may determine the other. Get your families' opinions and go over the options. Does one side feel it's important to invite every relative within 5oo miles? Do they feel a sit down formal dinner is necessary? While your input is important, if you're not footing the bill it may be necessary to include family.
Which brings us to the next point. According to tradition, the bride's family pays for the bulk of the wedding, but that's not always the case. Often the groom's family will offer to contribute. If you are financially secure, however, you may want to pay for your wedding - it will give you more leverage in planning the wedding you want.
What's the right wedding style for you? Your answer will depend on several different things - your personalities, where and what time of day you plan on marrying, how many guests you want to invite and how much money you have to spend. You'll need to sort through your options and determine your choices.