Throw an Engagement Party

Are you one of the lucky ones to get engaged this holiday season? What better way to announce it to the world than to throw an engagement party?

Photo Source

WARNING: This party should not be as big or as fabulous as your wedding.

Rule #1: Keep it simple so you can enjoy the party. That doesn't mean plain, boring, or blah.

Rule #2: As I always say: DIY means Do It Yourself, not Do It BY Yourself. Get your friends and/or family to help you. Delegate duties to those willing to help so you don't get overwhelmed.

Rule #3: If someone else is throwing the party for you, COMMUNICATE with them to make sure they understand your personal styles and tastes.


Rule #4: Limit the guest list to your closest family and friends... the people who are definitely going to be invited to or be a part of the wedding. Use this opportunity to introduce both sets of parents, if they don't already know each other.

Rule #5: Be prepared to tell the story of how he proposed. You may want to practice if you are shy. You'll probably have to tell it over and over as more people learn of your engagement.

Bonus Rule: Wear something that makes you feel amazing and get a fresh manicure. You and your left hand will be the center of attention.

You're Engaged! WOO HOO!

Last year, I wrote a series which started with a post called You're engaged... now what?

One very important thing I forgot to mention is to insure your ring. At some point, you will have to take your ring off. No, I'm serious. Make sure it is covered in case you lose it, damage it, or someone steals it.

Have your ring appraised by an independent certified gemologist.

If you already own your home, ask your homeowner's insurance carrier to include the ring on your policy (a jewelry rider).

Be sure to read the details of your policy, including the length of time it will take to process your claim.

You should also have your diamonds inspected regularly by your jeweler to make sure they aren't loose, chipped, or otherwise damaged.

This Girl's BFF

Don't you know DIAMONDS are a girl's best friend?













All from twin-diamonds.com

Tell The World

Now that you have discussed the wedding date, style, and budget with your fiance, it is time to announce your engagement. Read our previous post for helpful tips.

Show Me The Money!

You can't have Cristal on a Colt 45 budget. So how do you find a happy medium between your biggest dreams and your actual spending limits?

Know The Rules
#1: The more formal the reception, the more expensive it will be.
#2: Saturdays, summer months, and evenings cost more than other times
#3: The big city costs more than a smaller town (ex. Downtown Philadelphia vs. Blackwood, NJ)
#4: A large wedding party will add to your bottom line
#5: Select flowers that are in season and grown locally

What's Your Vision?

(source)

How do you want your wedding to look and feel?

What is your style? Traditional, eclectic, contemporary, bohemian... the list goes on and on.

Do you want to invite everyone you know or just your nearest and dearest friends and family?

Choose the right location to reflect your style, from a luxe grand ballroom to an intimate poolside reception. Start looking for sites that fit your vision.

Don't forget to include your fiance in this decision. After all, it is his wedding too.

Timing Is Everything

How long will your engagement be?
What is your ideal wedding date?
How much time do you need to plan your dream day?

Do any of your closest family members have a conflicting milestone (graduation, baby due, another wedding)?

Are there any annual celebrations or conventions scheduled in your city around that time?

A typical engagement lasts 9-18 months. This is partly due to the fact that the best venues and wedding professionals book a year in advance (at least). If you just got engaged over the holidays, a summer wedding in 2009 may not be an easy task to accomplish without making yourself crazy. If you must have a summer wedding, try for 2010.

You're Engaged... Now What?

He finally popped the question.
You said yes and probably called your mom right away.

After a few days of walking around with a HUGE smile and the reflection of your diamond sparkling in your eyes, you will realize that being asked for your hand in marriage means you have to start planning a wedding. Don't let it overwhelm you.

Over the next few days, I will be your tour guide through the first steps on your To-Do List.

Today: Grab your fiance and a calendar. Start talking about your wedding date. Be flexible (just in case your dream venue is not available on your 1st choice date).

Did you know?

Though 56% of diamond engagement rings are round cut, a groom who purchased the ring as a complete surprise is most likely to select a traditional round stone than any other stone.

Source: The Knot Engagement Study 2005

More Christmas Engagements

Congrats to Lorilee & Tim!
I haven't even met them yet, but I know they got engaged on Christmas day. Lorilee called me this morning to ask about Always Fabulous Events' wedding planning services. I could hear the joy and excitement in her voice.

This is a popular time of year to pop the question. I hope to get more calls this week from ecstatic brides-to-be.

Flashback to Christmas 2003:
Ronnie & Gina (best man and bridesmaid in my wedding) got engaged. They met at my house during the year-long process of planning my wedding. Gina was a little slow to catch on to Ronnie's flirtatious chivalry, but once she figured it out, they were inseparable. Their engagement has been longer than their courtship, but I am expecting a late 2008 wedding.

They Are Engaged!

Congratulations to Maisha and Gustavo!

Gustavo popped the question on Christmas Day.

Maisha is very much into astrology, the alignment of the moon, and those things that most of us would consider superstition, so she made Gustavo propose again after 7:00 pm. (I had to get her to explain it to me in layman's terms, but I still didn't get it. She sent me this link for better understanding.)

They are planning a Fall 2008 wedding.

This One Is For the Guys

Take It to the Next Level

The holidays are a common time for men to hit the jewelry stores to by the rock that they hope will win the hand of their beloved. It is a nerve-wrecking experience. What if she says no? Or worse! Well, I hope you have at least dated this woman long enough to know that she wants to spend the rest of her life with you.

These tips can help you plan a proposal she'll never forget. Add your own personal touches and you are on your way to the chapel.

Discuss marriage first. If you don't feel comfortable talking to your significant other about marriage, then you are not ready to propose. If you are both ready to take your relationship to the next level, then you can move forward.

Buy a ring. Not just any ring. Your fiancée will wear her engagement ring along with her wedding ring for as long as you are married. She should adore it. Choose a quality diamond. Here is one instance where size is not as important as men think. A 2 carat princess-cut solitaire is only breathtaking if the diamond sparkles, not cloudy. If you aren't sure what she likes, propose first and then shop for the ring together.

Insure the ring. Forward the appraisal to your insurance company to add to your homeowner's policy. This will cover the cost to replace the ring if it is lost or stolen.

As a gesture of respect, ask for her father's permission.

If the proposal is going to be a surprise, don't tell anyone. Loose lips sink ships. In other words, someone is likely to say something to your girl to ruin the surprise.

Make a plan. No matter how extravagant, this is a moment she will remember forever. Make it worth the memory. Choose a time and/or place with special meaning to you. Keep it simple and personal.

Now make a backup plan (in case something happens to mess up your main plan).

Be prepared to celebrate. If you followed all of the other steps, then she will surely say yes. Savor the moment with champagne or some other romantic gesture.

Let me know how it all turns out. Email your story to me Randi@alwaysfabulousevents.com and let me know if I can post it to the blog.

Have a FABULOUS day!

Black Diamonds

Are you a non-traditional or uber-modern woman? Shouldn't your engagement ring reflect your style and personality?

The black diamond is a new trend in engagement ring stones. This one is surrounded by 40 smaller white diamonds. GORGEOUS!

Engagement Announcements

Hopefully, you followed my advice and told your parents, immediate families, and children (if you have them) about your engagement. Now you want to announce it to the world... scream it from the rooftop.

Pump your brakes for just a second. Did you set a date (or at least a month and year)?

OK. Now that you have set a date...

Call your local newspaper, your parents' hometown paper, alumni magazine, etc. Ask for the name of the appropriate editor or department. Have them provide the guidelines or standardized form for your announcement to be published. Find out if pictures are accepted. Most importantly, find out if there is a fee.

What to include in the announcement:

• Career credentials


• Educational credentials


• Parents' names and places of residence

If you do not want to include the exact date, you can say something like "A June wedding is planned."

Have a FABULOUS day!

Rules of Engagement

I had a really busy week, but I am back now to talk about what you need to know after you propose to her/accept his proposal.

Decide how long your engagement will be.

• Select your ideal wedding date (but be flexible as other factors may change the date by a week or so).
• Determine how much time you will need to prepare for the wedding
• Typically, the engagement period is 6 months to a year.
• Allow time to think and do things that are not wedding related.

It must be killing you to keep this news to yourself. Go spill the beans.

Your parents and immediate families should be told first.

• Tell them together as a couple.
• If your parents have never met your fiance/fiancee, then you should intoduce them before making your big announcement.
• If there is a significant reason why telling your parents in person is not the best option, then send a thoughtful letter.

If either of you have children from a previous relationship, then telling them should be your first priority.

• Give them lots of undivided attention.
• Organize a fun outing together.
• Tell the other parent about your engagement yourself. Don't let them find out from the kids.

Next time, I will talk about engagement announcements.

Have a FABULOUS day!

How to Propose
(from YourWedding101.com)

For most men (and women) proposing marriage is a nerve-wracking event, but it doesn't have to be. These tips can help you plan a proposal she'll never forget. Keep in mind there is no "right" way to propose; it's a personal and special moment unique to every couple.

1. Discuss marriage first: Marriage shouldn't be rushed into; it's a life-long commitment that requires serious discussion with your partner. Only when both partners are ready to take the "next step" should a proposal be considered.
2. Buy the ring: The engagement ring (and later the wedding ring) will be worn by the bride for the rest of her life. Don't settle on the first ring you see. Look for that "perfect" ring you'll know she'll love. Ask the salesperson's help in choosing a quality diamond and ring setting. Not sure of her style? Consider proposing without the ring and go shopping for it afterwards together.
3. Insure the ring: An engagement ring is usually a very expensive purchase. Don't leave things to chance. Should the ring be lost or stolen insurance will cover the cost of replacement.
4. Ask her father's permission: this wedding tradition dates to the days when a woman had no rights of her own; her father had full authority over whom and when she married. He accepted or declined proposals as he saw fit. Today most men ask the father's permission as a gesture of respect only.
5. Keep it a secret: As hard as it may be try not to tell anyone about your plans to propose. The less people you tell the less likely the bride is to find out. Unless of course you don't want to surprise her!
6. Plan the "big moment": the proposal is one of those memories she'll cherish forever. Therefore, this "once in a lifetime" moment should be planned as befitting its significance. Don't feel as though you have to top other proposal stories. Not every woman expects her proposal in skywriting! Instead, choose a place or time with special meaning for both of you. Was your first date at the beach? It could make a great proposal location. Does she love Halloween? Consider carving "Will you marry me" into a pumpkin and hiding the ring inside as a "treat". However you propose keep it simple and personal; the best proposals are those that focus on why you are proposing rather than the how or when.
7. Have a back-up plan: Fate has a way of interfering when you want things to go "just right". As it's impossible to foresee how your proposal will unfold always have a back-up plan in place. Then it's just a matter of trying again!
8. Celebrate: Once she accepts spread the good news and celebrate! Make the most this moment for all it's worth.