What to expect when you're engaged — Part 3: Wedding Web Site

Ok, so now you're engaged, have your locations set and have probably even narrowed down photographer, DJ, caterer and (if you're lucky) a florist.

Now what?

Well, the next step for Erik and I in our wedding planning was to put it all on the internet. This is the age of information, so we figured it's a fantastic way to spread the news. There are a SLEW of options for wedding Web sites. Some of them, such as My Wedding and the Knot are free. Others, such as Nearlyweds (isn't that such a clever name?) have a free trial, then small fee to host a site. (Disclaimer: I'm not endorsing any of these sites, just listing a few for examples. For a full list, just Google the words "Wedding Website" and you'll have more than enough information to keep you busy for the next year!) AND if you're on Facebook , you can even add a Wedding box to your profile!

Some of these sites are fully adjustable. Others, not so much. Some even have matching invitations ... so be sure to check out all of the options that are available!

My FAVORITE feature is the registry. You can often link DIRECTLY to your registry from your wedding Web site! This means there's no need to put those little slips in your invitations that lets guests know where you're registered (I'm a little old fashioned and am not a huge fan of those anyway!)

What to expect when you're engaged — Part 2: Setting a date

After visiting with a friend who is newly engaged, she encouraged me to put up some tips for brides. Poor Mary's head is SPINNING and I thought I'd take some time to put together the wedding planning process ... in easy to digest steps.

The next step in planning your wedding is to nail down a date. Sounds easy, right? Just pick a day that you both like (or are free) and tell everyone.

I wish it were that simple!

Step 1: Find a ceremony location.

Some churches require 4 to 6 months advance notice. Other places require less. Be sure to check with your church/chapel/synagogue to find out their precise rules.

If the date you like is open, excellent! I suggest having the person who coordinates the space only pencil you in. If you're having a reception at a different location, you want to be sure the ceremony site AND the reception site are open on the same day.

In fact, I suggest getting a list of open dates near the time you'd like to get married. This will be helpful if your reception will not be at your house of worship. (If you're having the wedding and reception at the same site, however, and it's open, BOOK IT!)

Step 2: Find a reception location.

If you plan to have the wedding and reception at the same site, you're already done!

Some brides, however, opt for two different locations. If you have two different spots, be sure to bring a list of available dates from the ceremony location when you visit with the reception site. See what dates match up, and that will often make the decision.

Some considerations for reception locations are:
1. Do they have a designated caterer or am I free to select a caterer myself?
2. Is there a policy regarding bringing in wine/champagne? Must I purchase it from the reception site?
3. What is the capacity of the site? Is it big enough for my guests to sit and eat comfortably?
4. If I'm planning to have a dance, is there enough room? Where will the DJ be located? Does the reception site have a designated DJ or do I need to hire someone to come in?

Step 3: Check with your favorite photographer to see if they are open on the same date as both the ceremony AND reception site.

I know it sounds a little silly to look at photographers so early, but for summer dates, we're often booking more than 10 months in advance. There are openings in the schedule, but before you pay deposits/retainers at ceremony or reception sites, be sure to check if your photographer of choice is open.

Some considerations for a photographer are:
1. What TYPE of wedding photographs you want. Do you want mostly posed photos, or do you want some posed photos with the majority of the other images being candid?
2. How do I want to use the photos in the future? Do I want to have large prints on my wall, or is it important for me to have an album that I can pass on for generations?

Some questions to ask potential wedding photographers:
1. How long will you be there the day of my wedding? Are we limited to a certain number of hours?
2. How many photographers will be there? If you have an assistant, will they be carrying your camera bags or are they a professional photographer?
3. Will my photos be available for online viewing and ordering through a professional printing lab?
4. Do you offer special products such as albums and canvas prints?

If you are unsure about a photographer, please contact us!

Step 4: Check with family and close friends to be sure the date you and your groom are considering does not conflict with anyone's schedule.

Step 5: Once the stars align and you have a ceremony AND reception site AND photographer for the same day, book them!

Step 6: Tell your family/friends so everyone can make the necessary arrangements to be off of work/travel to the location as far in advance as possible.

Stay tuned for: Save the dates, selecting a bridal party and much more!

What to expect when you're engaged — Part 1: Being newly engaged

You've found the perfect groom.

He's given you the perfect ring.

Now what?

This is a question a lot of ladies are asking themselves this time of year. A sparkly diamond came over the holidays (or will come on Valentine's Day!), and now it's wedding planning season.



Since I'm also planning a wedding (see corny photo of me above), I thought I'd take some time to share a little of my insight with brides. Why does your wedding photographer have this insight? Well, we see lots of brides at lots of different points in their engagement. We see what works for them, as well as what stresses them out. Besides, Mike was married barely two years ago, so the wedding planning is fresh in his mind, too.

Step 1: Breathe.

Seriously, take a deep breath, close your eyes, focus on the feeling of that fantastic ring on your finger. Think about the amazing man you've found to spend forever with .... and smile.

The first few hours (days and weeks, actually) after getting engaged are EXCITING. Figuring out how to tell friends and family is always fun. (Tip: Be SURE to tell all family members/best friends BEFORE changing your Facebook or MySpace profile status .... my little brother was cranky that he found out I was engaged via Facebook).

One option for extended friends and family is to send an e-mail. This is especially handy, and a good place to include the story of HOW he proposed (because EVERYONE wants to know ALL about the proposal!). Once you've typed it into e-mail, then you don't have to verbally tell everyone (because as odd as it sounds, repeating the story over and over and OVER does get old).

Be sure to check back for updates!