Category Archives: engagement

Engagement Advice

  1. Enjoy the moment before spilling the beans. There will be plenty of time for everyone to congratulate you, wish you well etc. but the biggest moment in your life is between you and your fiancé. Spend some time just cherishing the proposal before announcing it to everyone.
  2. Don’t get lost in your wedding day. So much time, energy and planning has gone into it that it’s easy to get caught up with you guests. You don’t want to look back and realize that you didn’t have any special moments with your new husband.
  3. Be yourself. You would be so upset if upon reflection, you realized you didn’t have what you wanted because you wanted to please your guests.  It’s YOUR day and should be exactly how you want it to be. Those who love you will be over the moon with anything you choose.
  4. Remember that it’s not all about you. Your fiancé is just as important and what he wants should be considered. Even if it doesn’t fit into your vision and some grooms don’t have any interest, if he wants something included, you should make a point to do so.
  5. Communication is very important especially before you get married. It is the foundation of every relationship and you need to be open with one another about everything to ensure your marriage will last. If you don’t start off on a solid foundation, your chances are greatly reduced.

Marriage is so important and it is easy to get caught up in the moment. However, there are things that need to be established and considered prior to walking down the aisle (and during your ceremony) in order to increase the chances of lifelong happiness.

You will get advice from all angles and some will be fitting and some won’t work for you but there are fundamentals that set you up for a strong, long lasting marriage.

He Said YES!

The time comes when friends and family start asking when you’re getting married and you get antsy for your fiancé to propose. Maybe you find yourself dropping subtle hints or even questioning whether the day will arrive at all. While we all like fun games, the waiting game isn’t one anyone enjoys. Instead, as the saying goes, “Take destiny into your own hands.”

Women are more empowered and independent than ever and there’s nothing wrong with you popping the question. Because it doesn’t happen every day, doesn’t make it unacceptable. In fact, there are advantages to you doing so.

If you are certain about your partner’s feelings and commitment, proposing will calm your nerves and allow you to start planning the next phase of your relationship. Also, the seeds of doubt inadvertently planted by others’ innocent questions will end.

The best part of a proposal is the thought and planning behind it and, of course the complete surprise. How great would it be to give the same wonderful experience to the person you love the most? While it would be taking that away from you, his response will overshadow anything you may worry about missing out on.

When you take charge, a bonus is that you will most likely have some input (if not complete control) over your engagement ring! Unfortunately, some fiancés choose rings their brides-to-be don’t like which leads to awkward situations. That’s yet something else you won’t have to worry about.

Women often start marriage conversations with their partners so proposing isn’t completely out in left field. There are no rules when it comes to relationships and what a fun twist to add to your love story.

What a PURRfect Idea

Many people have pets with whom they have spent many years, treated as children and shared some of the most important moments of their lives. There is no reason your wedding, from beginning to end, should be any exception as not only does it trump any special time as of yet but would ease your stress load and add to the fun of the entire process. Following are just a few ways to do so….

Engagement: Although it would be out of your control, how wonderful would it be if your fiancé proposed to you by tying your engagement ring around your pet’s neck with a bright ornate bow or fancied a “Will you marry me sign?” for him/her to walk into the room and surprise you with?

Ceremony: Have your furry friend escort the flower girl down the aisle on a leash or with a collar adorned with flowers that match your bouquet. Alternately, let your little one act as the ring bearer (assuming they are the type of animal who can do so). Even if they don’t make it directly to you, it would provide comic relief and entertainment for all your guests.

If your animal is small enough, forgo your bouquet all together and carry him or her down the aisle instead, whether in your arms, a basket or any other type of bag.

Photos: If you want your special one to partake in your wedding but worry about their temper, guests with potential allergies, restrictions from your venue etc., you can add them every step along the way beginning with your Save the Date cards, including them in your engagement photos and even make arrangements for their presence during your day of photos taken outdoors and away from your invitees.

Added Extras: No matter what species your beloved pet is, consider having bride and groom replicas as that type as your cake topper. You could also choose something reflective of your someone who plays such a special role in your life and incorporate it into your reception, whether it be paw print stones leading to your reception space (if you have a cat or dog), using feathers in your centerpieces if your favorite friend is a bird and so on.

The options are limitless as is the amount of fun you can have and just how much of a difference including your animal will make not only to you but to your guests and to him/her as well. It is important, however, to ensure that someone is available to tend to their needs so, while you are able to share your wedding with them, you and your groom are not constantly distracted by looking after your little one.

Some Rules Were Meant to be Broken

Weddings are often planned around age old traditions, some of which you may feel comfortable making slight variations to but don’t want to appear as if you are either stepping too far outside the box or not taking your commitment seriously. Thankfully, times are changing and, after all, it is YOUR day so here are some ideas you may not have considered….

You don’t need a theme and not everything has to match. It would not only be unique but an honor to let your bridal party choose their own gowns. One may be pink, long and satin while another could be short, causal and floral. There’s an element of fun in letting those closest to you show their individual personality (not to mention that it makes for great photos).

Customarily, your parents pay for the wedding and your fiancé’s do so for the rehearsal dinner although the two of you may be on your own. One way to save money and set yourself apart, regardless of who is contributing, is to have your bridesmaids wear corsages. Opting out of bouquets not only significantly reduces your budget but makes it easier for them to help you both in preparation for but as well your ceremony.

Maybe white isn’t right whether it comes to your ring or your dress. If there is a stone you love and would prefer over a diamond, select it as you will be wearing it for countless years to come. What matters is the meaning behind it to you. Additionally, in reference to your dress, a selection of white paired with another color is one option or, if you have your heart set on red, blue pink etc., any gown can still be made to look as elegant and special despite not being white.

Weddings are celebrations and meant to be fun. Not only should you show off your individuality/personality but allow everyone else to do the same.

Banded Together

While selecting your engagement ring is not your choice, discussing your future often occurs prior to your fiancé actually asking the big question. Undoubtedly, one topic that may arise is the desired style of ring as it will be worn for the remainder of your life. Most likely, you have always imagined a huge diamond (as that has always been the trend) although there are options to consider which not only stand out but make your personality shine as well.

Gems: Many have a special attachment to either their birthstone or another with special meaning. Not only can they be created in any shape and diamonds be added as an embellishment (if chosen to do so), the ring is both an expression of you and certainly increases the value and intimacy behind the choice.

Simple bands: While no longer looked upon as being cheap or skimpy, they are a wonderful way to show the growth of your relationship as layers can be added on as your years together pass. It is a symbol that your relationship is not based on flaunting it to others but is a portrayal of the intimate commitment you have with one another.

Double Up: Perhaps the most sentimental design is a combination with special meaning to each of you. One option is two stones of the same type or one that each of you prefers. Alternately, perhaps there is a unique and relevant shape which could be made from any consolidation you choose.

Again, you are not the one who will determine what your ring looks like but if your fiancé knows you well enough and you have had discussions and dreams for your future, whatever he selects will be just perfect.

Minimal Assistants


It goes without saying that, as a bride, you likely have a plan (or at least a clear vision) in place regarding most of your wedding day details. Making your ideas come to life may be challenging for many reasons leaving you wishing for sole responsibility over every component. Unfortunately, that is an impossibility as outside help, whether from friends and family or hired professionals, is required. However, every decision including the amount of assistance you want or need and from whom it comes is yours to make.

Remember that the period leading up to your special day is not just exciting for you but for those close to you as well. Many will offer their time, advice and skills to ease your burden and lower your stress level. While usually successful, occasionally their good intentions lead to uncomfortable situations and hurt feelings.

One objective of your wedding is for your guests to enjoy themselves which includes being able to take in everything going on around them. If someone offers to provide their services on the day of for something other than what you want, kindly pointing out some of the special things they would miss is a great way to decline the offer while avoiding being offensive.

Unsolicited offers will not just come for your ceremony and reception but may arise throughout the planning process too. Fortunately, those are easier to handle. During this time, you can include the individual(s) in different yet equally meaningful ways making it seem as if you are not being dismissive. For example, if your mom is determined for you to wear her veil and your heart is set on a birdcage, invite her to help you choose just the right one and offer to sew a piece of the veil inside your gown or to use it as a wrap around your bouquet.

All intentions are good when those who love you offer a lending hand as difficult as that may periodically be to keep in mind. However, it is the one day that all attention is on you and your future husband. Therefore, while always doing so kindly and with consideration, you should not feel guilty for ensuring that what you envisioned is exactly what materializes.

I (Un)expected This

 

Getting engaged is one of the most important days in any woman’s life. However, chances are your engagement will not go as you’ve always dreamed of due to things that have never crossed your mind.

Chances are the proposal won’t happen the way you’ve dreamed of. It might not occur in a fancy location or even close to where you’ve imagined. You may be at home in your pajamas with your hair a complete mess but the moment is all that matters.

There’s no specific time between a proposal and marriage. Enjoy whatever period you opt for in between the two whether it be a month, a year or even longer. Spend time just enjoying the fact that there’s now a difference in your relationship and acknowledge that you will spend your lives together.

While enjoying the time, however, take everything seriously in terms of the future. After all, you have committed to spend the rest of your life with someone and must discuss details such as children, finances, family relationships, holidays etc.

Recently married friends may suddenly feel like experts and dispense advice as quickly as a Pez container does candy. Graciously thank them, consider it but do no more or feel obligated to follow it. After all, every relationship is completely different so what works for one doesn’t work for another.

Your engagement period can be limitless. The importance is that you take the time to ensure you get what you want and deal with issues that may have not have been mentioned but will strengthen the forever bond you are preparing to make.

Let’s Take a Shot

The fundamentals of wedding planning are synonymous with stress, a sense of inundation and often even some hair-pulling moments. When all is said and done though, the frustration and angst are forgotten. No matter how overwhelming things may seem, there are a few that should be nothing short of enjoyable, one of which being your engagement photos.

Despite how casual your ceremony may be, some of those in attendance will be guests of guests who have never met you nor have any inclination as to your personality, relationship or sense of humor. As well, even the most relaxed and informal weddings typically include traditions which tend to take away from your individuality.

While the photos of your special day will most likely be more formal than not, the engagement pictures that accompany your invitations don’t have to be so at all. Nonetheless, some consideration should be taken so you don’t look back and either feel regretful or as if your choice was simply cliché.

If you got engaged while having a picnic date, consider recreating that moment with the news written on a napkin. Maybe you’re avid hikers and can include a shot on a trail with your backpacks on. If there is something (anything) that everyone associates with your fiancé and yourself, depicting that is an option if you’d rather not share something unforeseen.

However, notifications written on a sandy beach, dates spelled out in scrabble tiles, snapshots wearing a t-shirt that says “I’m marrying him” and so on should probably be avoided.

Your wedding does not consist of a single day but the entire length of time beginning the day you get engaged and the planning starts. Each moment and aspect, no matter how mundane or irritating they may feel, should give your guests a glimpse into who you are and set you apart from every other bride.

I’ll Take Care of You

Part of your wedding includes the experiences that you have along every step of the way and those often impact the decisions you make. It is important that each element is made to seem just as meaningful to those involved as it is to you and that you’re made to felt like just a number or source of income.

For example, if while dress shopping, you are rushed to make a decision or only one of many being tended to simultaneously, most likely, you’d be peeved and shop at another location. If a photographer gave you a stringent amount of time he/she would be willing to be of service and was completely rigid and uncompromising, certainly you would look elsewhere.

The same can be said about your venue. Never can one roam around a location unattended and the personality and flexibility of the wedding contact have what may seem a minor (but is actually quite an important) impact on where you choose for your ceremony site. Aside from showing you the grounds, that individual will help you in many ways that a wedding planner would (at no cost) in the sense of ensuring that everything you want is just as you request but also tend to the smallest details as they have intimate knowledge of each aspect of the facility. Wedding planners are good go-to guides but usually end up having to reach out to the wedding contact so if you find an amiable one, you can save money and cut out the middle man.

Not only should contact via phone or email via easy, you should receive both a prompt and accurate response to any unforgotten questions or concerns you may have. Pliability is important as it is your day and if someone is unkind or insensitive, it makes a negative impact on your decision as it’s a reflection on the locale as a whole as well as others from the location who may be involved.

Kindness is key. While purchasing a gown or choosing your flowers, while your interactions are important, in actuality, most likely are quite limited. A wedding coordinator is different from a wedding planner as they know the ins and outs of your ceremony site and are more invested in assisting you and making sure everything is perfect. Therefore, a coordinator can be crucial in your planning experience and your interaction should be strongly considered.