Setting THE DATE!

So you are engaged! Congratulations! Now that the initial roller coaster of emotions has settled (just a bit), it's time to get down to the nitty-gritty... setting THE DATE. You will find that there is a whirlwind of planning ahead and in order to get any of the other tasks completed; you need to find a date that works for you and your fiancé. Here we'll discuss the important step in the planning process of setting your wedding date.

Often mistaken as a simple step, choosing your wedding date can get tricky if you have a hectic work schedule, busy social life and large family on either or both sides.

1- Give yourself a pat on the back... go ahead, do it! You're getting married! This will be one of the most exciting times in your life and well worth all the effort that you will be putting into the wedding of your dreams.

2- Grab your calendars and have a date check with your fiancé to see if there are any special dates or times of year that appeal to you. Perhaps you enjoy the warm colors and cool temperatures of the Fall or maybe you enjoy the vibrant colors and fragrant smells of the Spring? Is there a special date or month of the year that holds a certain amount of nostalgia? You'll find that selecting a particular time of the year will help guide you in the "theme" you select for your event.
(HELPFUL TIDBIT: Reserve two alternative dates to serve as back-up when moving forward with planning. This way you don't have to start all over with reviewing dates.)

3- Don't hesitate to check dates with close friends and family... especially those you want to extend an invite to be a part of your bridal party. Depending on the time of year you select, many of them may already have vacations booked or other major events on their calendar. By getting a general idea from all of the major players involved in your ceremony, you can give yourself a good idea of what days you can look for.

4- If there is a certain planner (wink wink), location, photographer, or band that is A MUST to have on your team of vendors, be sure to check their availability!

Good luck with planning!