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You're Engaged! NOW WHAT?????
He proposed, you accepted, now what should you do?
First, tell your family and friends, and celebrate!
Second, do not, repeat, do not, immediately assign the roles of Best Man, Maid of Honor, and other roles in the wedding. It is too early!
Hire a professional photographer to take your engagement photo. You'll need it when you announce your engagement by sending pertinent information to your local newspapers. If you're from different hometowns, you will want to contact both. You can even announce your engagement online through WeddingDetails and other websites.
Once the diamond dust settles, sit down with your fiance and families to discuss the wedding budget. Weddings can be costly, and before you decide on the number of guests, and location, determine who is paying for what.
In this newsletter, we'll provide valuable tips to get you started on planning your wedding.
Our site is dedicated to helping you plan your special day. If you have a tricky wedding question, just ask our experts, Lois, Sally and Paul. You can even contact our Vendors if you are looking for something in particular, but can't seem to locate it.
Congratulations on your engagement!
Linda Missler
WeddingDetails
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WHO PAYS FOR WHAT
Who pays for what nowadays is a common question.
Traditionally in the past the bride's family has paid for the entire wedding and reception, with the knowledge and understanding that the wedding ought to be kept within their family budget. This practice is still followed today.
On the other hand, it is also not unusual nowadays, for the groom's family to sometimes OFFER to help share some of the expenses, if they wish, such as the cost of flowers, liquor or music. This offer may be accepted or, if the bride's family prefers to have a simpler, affordable wedding within their limited budget, it is their privilege to kindly reject the offer.
In addition to the above examples, more and more couples today tend to plan and save to pay entirely for the cost of their own wedding. In this case the wedding invitations are sent out in their own names, unless, as in some circumstances, they wish to give their parents the courtesy of issuing the invitation.
Each family has different finances, and differing ideas on what a wedding should be. Communication on both sides of the family should be open and receptive.
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The groom's ring
The groom's gift
Gifts for the Maid of Honor and Bridesmaid
Wedding day hair, nails and makeup
THE BRIDE'S PARENTS PAY FOR
The Bride's dress and accessories Ceremony site Reception expenses Wedding cake and Groom's cake Wedding stationary Bridal bouquet and bridesmaid flowers Bridesmaid luncheon |
THE GROOM & HIS FAMILY PAY FOR
The bride's engagement ring
Wedding ring
Groom's wedding attire
Marriage license
Clergyman/Officiant fee
Gifts for the Best Man, Ushers
Boutonnieres for Groom and Usher
Rehearsal dinner
Honeymoon expenses |
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When selecting engagement and wedding rings, keep your budget firmly in mind. Although the diamond is usually considered traditional for an engagement ring, any stone, such as the bride or groom's birthstone, is appropriate. An antique ring or treasured family heirloom may be handed down to the bride, or if she has a ring or stone in her family, it is quite proper for the groom to have it reset at his own expense and present it to her.
Quite often jewelers sell the engagement and wedding ring in a set made of the same material because the two rings fit comfortably on one finger. The bride should be sure to try both rings on and see how they look and feel on her hand before making her selection.
For a reliable jeweler, find a certified gemologist with a certificate from the Gemological Institute of America. This is the leading authority on diamonds in America. Jewelry stores that have been in business for many years have trained staff to help you make a sound choice. They will explain the differences in carat weight, clarity, color and cut, which determine the price of each stone. (These factors are known as the Four C's.) In addition, you will be supplied with an appraisal certifying the quality for insurance purposes. |
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BREAKING THE ENGAGEMENT
What happens to the ring, if the couple decides not to marry?
The general rule of thumb is that when the bride breaks her engagement, she returns the ring. When the groom breaks the engagement she is allowed to keep the ring. |
Bridesmaid dresses, shoes and all accessories
Travel and accommodation expeses
Gift to the couple
Bridal shower
Luncheon for the Bride, or a co-ed party may be shared
GROOMSMEN PAY FOR
Groomsmen attire, shoes and all accessories
Travel and accommodation expenses
Gift to the couple
Shower (if co-ed)
Bachelor party |
SHOULD YOU HIRE A WEDDING COORDINATOR?
Will you need a Wedding Coordinator? Do you have enough time to plan your wedding, select and meet with vendors? Or, is there someone in your family that is qualified to fill this position? Organizing a wedding takes a lot of time and effort with attention to detail. If you don't have the time, find someone who does, who understands the type of wedding you are looking for.
A wedding coordinator can get the right vendors for your budget so you get the most out of your wedding dollar. Many times you can also get discounts from vendors because the coordinator is giving them repetitive business. By hiring a coordinator you save time and money.
Whoever is organizing your wedding needs to know your budget, and who will be paying for what. If you can't afford to hire a Wedding Coordinator, choose a relative who has the skills and time available. |
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All of your wedding planning information (schedules, contracts, location data) needs to be printed and in electronic form. By printing all of your information, a computer failure won't mean chaos. In electronic form, you can copy, paste and send information as needed. |
| YOUR WEDDING BUDGET
Set a clear, realistic budget for every aspect of your wedding. No matter how tempting it might be to deviate from it, DON'T. If you find that you have to make adjustments, then do so by moving some of the allotted budget from one category to another.
Most often this is accomplished by reducing the guest list (which reduces the reception cost). Would you rather have a lavish affair with a smaller number of guests, or a large reception with skimpy food and sparse decorations?
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THE PROPOSAL - an awesome video
Sometimes, in the middle of wedding planning, you need a break. We hope you and your fiance enjoy this proposal we found on Youtube. |
Our site is dedicated to helping you plan your special day. If you have a tricky wedding question, just ask our experts, Lois, Sally and Paul.
If you are not engaged, we hope you will send this information to an engaged couple. We're here to help couples (and their families) plan their wedding!
We hope you will choose to be our Beautiful Bride!
Linda Missler
Wedding Details
P.S. Hope you enjoyed our great photos. These were provided by some of our professional photographers on www.weddingdetails.com. |
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