Common Mistakes Following Engagement and How You Can Avoid Them

If you've just recently gotten engaged, congratulations! As you're enjoying the glow and excitement of your new commitment to one another, take a minute to read about two common mistakes recently engaged couples make so that you can avoid them as you plan for your perfect wedding. Doing so will help you minimize your stress, frustration and disappointment as you plan for your big day.

1. Not taking the time to envision the details of your wedding.
Planning a wedding takes a lot of time and often involves quite a few people. If you're not sure exactly what you want, it may turn out a lot differently than you originally anticipated. It is your wedding so take time now to think through the details and envision how you've always imagined it would be. Take time to really think through the following questions:

• When will the big day happen?
• Where should it be?
• Who will be there?
• How formal will the event be?

Neglecting to think through how much time it is going to take to plan all of the details of their wedding, many couples can quickly get overwhelmed, especially in the area of finances (which can cause some disagreements).

2. Neglecting to decide on a budget and failingto keep track of all of your expenditures.
Very few people like budgets or budgeting but not having one (especially now) can add a significant burden to your present and future financial situation. There are literally endless option to a wedding and unfortunately, how elaborate many of the details are comes down to how much money you are willing to spend. Many brides are so excited to finally be planning their wedding that they start booking vendors and spending money without having a budget in place. Very quickly they realize that all of their money (or their parent's money) is spent and they don't even have half of what is going to be needed.

Don't let this happen to you. Your wedding will likely be the most elaborate event that you've ever planned to this point in your life. If you haven't already discovered, weddings can be quite expensive. Your budget may fluctuate as you decide on the actual venue and find out who has committed to help you cover the costs but it is critical that you begin with a dollar amount in mind. Many couples are choosing to scale back their wedding today since in many cases they are paying for it themselves. Other couples choose to have a longer engagement so they can save, plan, and have the wedding they really want. Decide together on what is most practical for you. There are likely some things you both won't want to compromise on - but there are other areas where you can cut back and still have a stunning and wonderful wedding.

Tomorrow, we'll post two more common mistakes couples make when they get engaged and how you can avoid the stress that comes with them. Stay tuned....

Jim and Heather Butler
Arizona's Bridal & Formal