You said yes, now what do I do next? The first thing is to let your family be part of your happiness. If you have parents or children, choose to tell them all at once at an engagement party or choose to tell them individually. Either way is acceptable. Even though it is a time old tradition, a mate choosing to share their hopes and intentions with the bride’s parents, shows a great deal of respect.

After the initial engagement you have a series of decisions to make—from whether you want your ceremony to be in a church or chapel, do you want a large gathering or a small intimate venue, should your dress be formal with a long cathedral train and filled with bling and beading or a classic semi formal dress fit for daytime, will the groom wear a tux or wear a suit if during daytime. You should also choose carefully who will be part of your bridal party. Your friends and family will be very happy for you and some will automatically want to feel like you should ask them to be in your wedding party. Please do not feel obligated to do that.

Choose carefully and let your heart guide you. Please do not have more people in your bridal party than you have on your guest list. This is a no-no, I once worked a wedding where there were 25 bridesmaids and 25 groomsmen. Whew! Your guests will get tired of watching your processional LOL! Seriously, this is worth repeating, DO NOT feel obligated to have everyone you know in your bridal party.