ANNOUNCING THE ENGAGEMENT Planning on getting engaged, or have you already ossed the proposal. Now comes the difficult part going public with the news of your engagement can be exciting. How do you get the word out? First off, start by telling your family, followed by close friends and co-workers. The tradition of asking a bride’s father for her hand in marriage is not dead just overlookedin today society. Your fiancé may wish to speak with him privately, with both parents and/or stepparents. News as important as this should be delivered in person! You and your fiancé should make plans as soon as you decide you want to announce your engagement to visit with your parents first. If you live far away and can’t wait, call them with your great news! If you think your family may have reservations, speak to them about it. It may put them more at ease if they can spend time together with your fiancé. If he/she has children, make sure they are involved with their potential new grandparents. If either of you have children make sure you tell them as soon as possible. Marriage can mean a traumatic change for some children it may mean the end of one lifestyle and the start of a new. Take the time to talk with them about their concerns, your wedding and what it means to all of you. Good news travels fast, so make sure to call grandparents, relatives and close friendsas soon as possible to avoid them saying that they heard it through the grapevine. Nothng travels faster than new here in the Bahams . Have a tentative date or time of year in mind so friends can start thinking about plans if they will be traveling from a far, or let them know you will be getting back soon with a date. You will also want to let co-workers and your boss/supervisor know the wedding date and time needed off. If you will be relocating after the marriage let them know this so they can plan ahead for your departure. Last, but not least, if you are divorced or have children with another, make sure you share this information with them. If not on friendly terms, write them a letter or note. SETTING THE DATE The first step in any wedding is to firm up a wedding date. While it sounds easy, there are many factors that may force you to pick a different date, such as work, school, weather, holidays, area events, etc. You will need to start by finding out availability of your church, synagogue and reception site. Many sites can be booked a year or two in advance of your date, so check as soon as possible to insure the date is open or look for alternative dates or times. Some churches will handle two to three weddings back to back and some reception sites may handle two or more receptions at a time. Find out all your options. You will also want to consider how much time you will need for planning your wedding. Many weddings take a year or more of planning depending on how big the event. Different times of year can also play a big part of your wedding date. Seasons, area events, major holidays, religious holidays, work or military service can hinder your plans. Guests may find it difficult also to attend around major holidays. Check with your parents and attendants, your best man may have guard duty or parents may have a planned vacation over that date. Other anniversaries, birthdays and graduations may collide. Many brides also consider their menstrual cycle when planning the wedding date. In some traditions, sexual consummation of the marriage takes place on the wedding night, so careful planning of the date is important. Planning a date around this six to twelve months in advance can be difficult. Once you have your date nailed down, let all the key people know so they may start planning their schedules accordingly. MONTH BY MONTH WEDDING PLANNING TIPS Planning your wedding can be a long or short affair. The planning may begin a year or more in advance, while it is possible to plan in a much shorter amount of time The shortest I've heard off is three days. Just remember that peak wedding dates may require extra time to reserve your service providers such as photographers, videographers and so on. Also time of day is extremely important as photographs taken outisde should not be done between the hours of 11:30 and 3pm. Once you are sure on your date, set it in stone by reserving your locations and service providers. Keep in mind; this list covers many planning objectives but not all. You will want to add any special planning tasks to it. Bride’s list: 12-18 months prior *Select and set wedding date *Reserve church and reception locations *Choose attendants *Select and reserve service providers *Start looking for wedding attire Nine months prior *Meet with ministers etc. Begin pre-wedding counseling if required. *Start compiling guest list *Finalize and order wedding gown, veil, bridesmaid’s attire, and flower girl’s dress *Begin registering for gifts *Discuss and plan honeymoon Six months prior *Begin reception planning, select menu *Select and order invitations *Have engagement photos taken *Begin shopping for grooms and men’s formal wear *Work with florist on wedding flowers *Help mom’s select attire *Select cake decorator and cake Three months prior *Begin to finalize guest list *Shop for honeymoon clothes *Shop and order wedding rings *Reserve a block of hotel rooms for guests *Work with DJ on selecting music for reception, first dance, etc. *Finish guest list Two months prior *Meets with Photographer / Videographer confirm all details of wedding.*Begin bridal gown and bridesmaids dress fittings *Address and main invitations *Purchase gifts for attendants *Submit announcement to newspapers *Work with hairdresser and veil to get the look you want *Plan rehearsal dinner Three weeks prior *Confirm honeymoon and travel arrangements *Get marriage license *Confirm in writing poses and special requests with D.J., caterer, reception hall, etc. *Get haircut or touch-ups *Purchase Groom’s gift One-week prior *Supply caterer with final head count *Pack for honeymoon *Confirm with all service providers on date, times, details and any changes *Purchase travelers checks *Have Fun! Grooms list: 12-18 months prior *Purchase bride’s engagement ring *Select and set wedding date *Reserve church and reception locations *Choose attendants *Select and reserve service providers |