Page 22 - Wedding Essentials & Essential Groom Issue 7

Tips and Advice
Getting engaged is a once in a lifetime experience that will fundamentally change your
relationship forever. Planning for the wedding is an exciting start to your married life together. Here are some wedding planning tips you can use to make the planning process and your wedding day a fun, smooth and stress- free event.
DON’T RUSH INTO PLANNING
Take time to enjoy your engagement before you start planning anything. Talk with your ancé about what you both want for the wedding and exam- ine all the options. This will give you both a clear direction going forward. Avoid making any impulse decisions, even if you feel like it is the right choice. Walk away and sleep on it.
DISCUSS AND DECIDE WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT
As a couple, decide on your wedding budget as early as possible, including a list of the things that are most im- portant to both of you for your wed- ding day. Having a set budget and sticking to it also reduces a lot of stress going forward for all involved.
22 | Wedding Essentials
Newly
Engaged Couples
Visit a couple of wedding fairs in your area to get an idea of what is avail- able. It will help you decide on what you need and don’t want. Choosing the venue is most important so take your time. Once you have secured the big decisions (venue, guest list, dress) then take some time off to enjoy being en- gaged before resuming the planning. Taking breaks will help keep stress levels down for you and your ancé.
CREATE DEADLINES FOR EACH GOAL Don’t put anything off. Have everything set, booked, purchased and put togeth- er at least three months before your wedding if possible. This will make the process more stress-free and prevents you from making last minute changes or rush ordering due to not planning ahead.
FIND THE RIGHT BALANCE
Take time to relax with your ancé, perhaps a couple of days each week, and avoid talking about wedding relat- ed issues. Enjoy the time that you have together and continue to do the things you did before becoming engaged.
THINK ABOUT THE BIG PICTURE
In your pursuit of the perfect moment, remember the true purpose of the day. You are marrying the person that you love, everything else just adds to the celebration. Remember that your wed- ding day is about your relationship, not just about you or your groom. WE