WHERE DO I BEGIN?

CONGRATULATIONS!

The day you have been dreaming of has finally arrived. You're engaged! The ring is on your finger and you are ready to begin the planning process. Here are a few helpful tips on how and where to begin.

1. TAKE A DEEP BREATH
Now before you run out to buy every wedding magazine available for this month, take a few minutes to sit back and soak it all in. You just got engaged! This is exciting! Share your great news with family and friends. Re-tell the story of how it happened to every one you know. Call your Great-Aunt Frannie in Timbuktu! The engagement period will last for months but the wedding is only one day, so enjoy being engaged!

2. PRIORITIZE
Now the planning begins. It is important that you and your fiance make a list of priorities before you start making wedding decisions. Weddings can be expensive so decide where you would most like to put your money (ie. photography, your dress, centrepieces).

3. CREATE A BUDGET
As soon as you have finished prioritizing, create a budget. This is very important! Make a list of every element of your wedding with the most amount of money you are willing to spend on it. Remember to add a bit more in the areas that are more of a priority and less in the areas that aren't. As you start making more decisions on what you want your day to look like you will be able to make the budget more specific.

4. CHOOSE A THEME
Now for the fun part! The theme is a very important part of the wedding. It is what makes everything flow. Your theme can be anything from a hobby you may have, the season you are in, using a particular object or just choosing your favourite colour. It can be anything your heart desires. Have fun with it!

You have just entered a new stage in your relationship and there is so much ahead of you! Although the circumstances may seem overwhelming at times, remember to relax, put aside the to-do lists and allow for some quality time with your fiance. By prioritizing, budgeting, and getting creative, you'll have the wedding of your dreams. But first, breathe.