Posted by Jessica Sharpe on Wed, Feb 22, 2012
When you’re planning your wedding during your engagement, you may feel like you’re getting bogged down in little details, such whether your off-white shoes are actually seashell, cream or stone. If you’re a pragmatic person who feels like paring down the planning to the bare bones, you’ll be interested in useful engagement photos. Here are some ideas.
Get portraits
One feature of a useful engagement photo is that it’s a portrait. You can use a portrait in the newspaper, on your engagement website, as a graphic for a save-the-date postcard or magnet, and it looks great on your Facebook page. Prop-filled photos or photos that follow a storyline look nice in a scrapbook, but what can you use them for?
Stay simple
Simple engagement photos are going to be a lot more useful than complicated ones. You don’t want to have to explain to your Aunt Mabel why your engagement photos are shot at an abandoned amusement park -- kids these days! The two of you standing together or embracing in your engagement photos tells everyone all they need to know.
Tone down
Don’t wear colorful clothes with crazy patterns, or plan on elaborate costumes to make a scene. Your engagement photos can look dated if you go overboard on the outfits. Stick to muted colors and classic fashions to make your engagement photos as timeless as your love.
While staged engagement photos work for some couples, don’t feel like you have to have them if you don’t want to and stick with useful engagement photos instead. What kind of engagement photos are you planning on?
Image: David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Posted by Jessica Sharpe on Wed, Feb 22, 2012
What is the best time to propose? You may know how to propose, but maybe the "when" is holding you up. Like all things that have to do with wedding proposals, a lot of the timing depends on who you are as a couple. The two of you working on a broken faucet can suddenly turn into a discussion about your future, and the time might seem right for a proposal. Here are three “good” times and one definite “bad” time for an engagement proposal.
On a romantic weekend
You can plan this one out, or you can come to the conclusion on the drive home that being together for the rest of your lives is what you want to do. In any case, a weekend together at a B&B or fancy hotel is a great way to focus on your relationship and set the stage for making your engagement proposal.
After an evening out
Dinner and a movie might seem like a run-of-the-mill date night, but capping it off with an engagement proposal will make it an evening to remember. It doesn’t have to be a movie, either -- whatever your usual date night looks like, you will know that the two of you will be comfortable and happy, which is perfect for an engagement proposal.
“Everyday” moments
Proposing during an everyday moment like grocery shopping or running errands on a Saturday can work well for some couples. As you are running the cozy, domestic chores that build your life together, turning to your partner and making your engagement proposal can seem very romantic if done carefully.
One bad time: When you’re drunk
Proposing when you’re drunk will probably feel like the best idea EVER at the time. It’s not. It’s just...not.
What are some other good times to propose?
Image: photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Posted by Jessica Sharpe on Tue, Feb 21, 2012
About this time of year, you’re probably starting to think about spring, no matter what spring looks like in your area. If you’re recently engaged, you’re also probably thinking about planning your engagement party. Spring is an ideal time for engagement parties, so here are three spring engagement party ideas that could work for you.
Flower Fest
Hold your engagement party at a greenhouse, arboretum or other indoor garden. This is especially festive if winter lingers long in your area. You won’t have to prepare any decor; just set up a table with springy finger foods such as mini quiches and petits fours.
Spring Brunch
Bring in armfulls of lilacs and forsythia to a banquet hall at a hotel or restaurant and decorate the tables with pussy willows to celebrate a mid-spring engagement party. Champagne, smoked salmon, crepes and other brunch foods make this an elegant springtime treat.
Backyard Fun
Spring weather is rarely predictable, but if you’re confident about the forecast, a backyard spring engagement party is a great way to celebrate your upcoming wedding. A barbecue or potluck in a backyard full of blossoming trees and blooming tulips and daffodils make for a fun spring engagement party.
With its celebration of life and love, spring is a great time for an engagement party. Are you planning a spring engagement party?
Image: Sharron Goodyear / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Posted by Jessica Sharpe on Tue, Feb 21, 2012
Do you feel like your wedding planning should be a team affair? Do you want your partner to be a little more involved in the wedding planning? You shouldn’t have to feel like you’re reinventing the wheel when getting your partner involved in picking out venues and talking about flower arrangements. Marriage is a partnership and it’s important to make it a team effort every step of the way.
Fortunately, there’s inspiration. She And He Plan Weddings provides a great model for a couple that wants to be more egalitarian when it comes to wedding planning. Your engagement is a great time to learn how to work as partners, and She And He Plan Weddings can provide a lot of information on how to make that a reality.
She And He Plan Weddings is written by a wife-and-husband team that runs a wedding planning business, so they know what they’re talking about! Their blog is packed with information on a wide range of his’n’her topics -- you can check out the “Twilight” style wedding while your fiance reads up on how not to be “that groom” at his own wedding.
Wedding planning should involve both of you, and She And He Plan Weddings is a great inspiration to couples that want to work together on everything. Take a look and learn more!
Posted by Jessica Sharpe on Tue, Feb 21, 2012
Knowing how to propose is as important as knowing when and where to propose (and to whom, of course!). It can also be the part of the engagement proposal that seems hardest to figure out. It doesn’t have to be, though. Thinking through how to propose marriage to your partner will make it seem easier, so be sure to plan what you’re going to say. In the meantime, here’s a list of things to keep in mind that will help you know how to propose.
Relax. You’re talking to the best friend in your life, the person you’ll spend the rest of your life with. Your partner isn’t going to laugh at you as you try to figure out how to propose -- and if your partner does laugh at you, then maybe that’s not the person for you.
Smile. Your partner makes you happy, right? If you’re wondering how to propose, imagine yourself doing it and imagine the smile it will put on your partner’s face. Making your partner happy is a big part of knowing how to propose, and thinking about that should show the path pretty clearly for you.
Be honest. While you’re planning out how to propose, you’ll be thinking about why you love your partner. Part of knowing how to propose means sharing your innermost thoughts about your partner -- what you love most, how you knew you were in love, the goals you want to achieve with this person.
Be comfortable. When you’re thinking about how to propose, think about places you like to be together -- a favorite bar where you listen to music, sporting events you go to, plays and so on. Think about where you feel most alive and in touch with your partner -- shopping for antiques on weekends, traveling, hiking or hanging out at home. Thinking about these things can give you ideas about how to propose.
Plan it, but don’t freak out. While it takes a little work to know how to propose and make a memorable engagement proposal, it’s not the end of the world if you mess it up a little bit. You of course don’t want to say things you don’t mean or embarrass your partner, but if, when the moment comes, you lose your head a little bit and forget your plans about how to propose, your partner will most likely be understanding and find your excitement endearing. How you propose will certainly make a good story, one you will enjoy throughout your marriage.
How you propose is up to you, and there are many “right ways” to do it. In the end, though, the point is that you propose, not necessarily how you propose. How are you planning on proposing to your partner?
Image: Rosen Georgiev / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Posted by Jessica Sharpe on Mon, Feb 20, 2012
There are many myths when it comes to in-laws. In our pop culture, in-laws are often seen as meddling busybodies who are only interested in when you’re going to give them grandchildren. Fortunately, most of impressions are just stereotypes. Here are some of the myths you might have heard about dealing with in-laws, and some information on how to get along with your in-laws during your engagement.
Myth 1: In-laws want to run your life.
Well, not really. It might feel that way, but if you look at it as having more parent-figures who are interested in your relationship and want it to succeed, it can feel a little more manageable. These are people who care about you and your partner, and want the best for you.
Myth 2: In-laws want grandchildren as soon as possible.
There may be a little bit of truth to this one, but who can blame them? The problems come when they hint -- or ask straight out -- about when you’re having children, because that’s more your business than theirs. Having an answer ready -- “We’re still planning the wedding, thanks!” -- can help send the message that all things will come in their time.
Myth 3: In-laws nag and meddle.
It’s true that some people have difficult parents, and if their constructive criticism becomes abusive, then you have a problem. During your engagement, you’ll be feeling out how to relate to your partner’s parents, and it helps to have an open mind about suggestions they might have.
Getting along with your future in-laws during your engagement doesn’t have to be difficult. Look past the myths and see them as people to get the most out of this special relationships. How do you get along with your future in-laws?
Image: Arvind Balaraman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Posted by Jessica Sharpe on Mon, Feb 20, 2012
Is it possible to have THE perfect wedding proposal? It is -- as long as you’re aiming for the perfect proposal for the two of you as a couple. One size does not fit all when it comes to engagement proposals, and what works for one couple might not work for you. Fortunately, there are things that all successful proposals have in common, and by keeping them in mind, you can make your wedding proposal perfect -- for you.
Reflect the relationship
The relationship you have will dictate your proposal -- if you have a playful, kidding relationship, then a serious wedding proposal might feel odd to your partner. If you consider yourselves mature, thoughtful people, then a proposal built on a public prank will definitely make your partner wonder about your intentions. A perfect proposal will grow organically from the relationship you have with each other.
Plan the proposal
A proposal that happens out of the blue isn’t usually the best. Put some thought into it -- what you’re going to say, how and where you’re going to say it, and so on. That way you know you’re making the right decision, and you know that the moment will go just how you want it.
Remember the ring
Whether you’ve been customizing a ring together or you’re going to surprise your partner, it’s important to have the ring ready when you ask your partner to marry you. The perfect proposal has everything ready, including the engagement ring. It puts just the right touch on the proposal, and is a symbol of the beginning of your new life together.
What does your perfect proposal look like?
Image: Phaitoon / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Posted by Jessica Sharpe on Sat, Feb 18, 2012
The latest proposal video that's making the rounds on the Internet is the proposal of a young couple attending a town hall meeting hosted by some local radio personalities. He was going to "ask a question" during the Q&A at the end, but the personalities begin asking him about his relationship with his partner, and encourage him to make a wedding proposal, which he does. It's a great example of how to propose in a public area!
Fortunately, she said yes, and is obviously very happy about it. The young man did several things right in this proposal, which always bodes well for success.
He acknowledged the interests that the two of them shared as a couple -- namely, they were interested in seeing these radio personalities talk, and he made the effort to get tickets to the town hall forum.- He planned the proposal by calling the radio station beforehand and asked if the personalities would be willing to help out by picking him to participate in the Q&A session and then "asking" the leading questions about his relationship.
- He had the ring ready and waiting, and went down on one knee. She was so excited she could hardly see the ring, of course, but it's great to have it there.
Public proposals always carry the risk of public embarrassment if your partner says no, but if you are confident of the answer you'll get, they can be a lot of fun.
Posted by Jessica Sharpe on Sat, Feb 18, 2012
How does getting engaged change your financial standing? Once you get married, you will share many of your assets and liabilities, so putting your financial house in order is important during your engagement. Here are some things to consider about finances during your engagement.
Review your debts and begin to prioritize which ones need to be paid off first. If you have a lot of student loan debt or other large debts, consider talking with an accountant before the wedding to figure out the best way to tackle your combined debt.- Have a heart-to-heart about spending concerns, whether to have one or more accounts, and who is going to take care of bills.
- Set up a budget and commit to revisiting it every six months or so, or when something major in your life changes -- a layoff, a promotion, or something similar.
- If either of you has a life insurance policy through your employer or purchased privately, now is the time to name your partner as the beneficiary.
- Consider a financial counselor if you feel you can’t agree on any of these topics. This doesn’t mean your engagement is doomed; it just means that the two of you need to learn how to talk about finances in the same language. It can be done; it just might take a little more work than you were planning on.
How do you talk about finances with your partner?
Image: jscreationzs / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Posted by Jessica Sharpe on Fri, Feb 17, 2012
Engagement parties are an evolving part of the engagement experience. Some people throw huge parties, some throw smaller, more intimate gatherings. No matter what kind of engagement party you have -- small or large, casual or formal -- there are a few things you must have for your engagement party.
Food
Whether it’s a huge spread or just some wine and cheese, food will make your engagement party festive. Everyone likes to gather around some munchies, so put out a little something for your people. It doesn’t have to be huge, but even cookies and coffee will make your party festive.
Decor
Again, you don’t have to go overboard, but flowers, costume plastic jewels, glass beads, river rocks, and large sequins are all easy decorations that add glam to your party. Candles and streamers are always easy and can look fancy, too.
A moment
Engagement parties don’t need big speeches or long toasts, but it is customary for the father of the future bride to make a toast to the happy couple. The father of the groom may follow, but there doesn’t need to be a whole long stretch of toasts and speeches.
Engagement parties are a lot of fun, and the best part is that you can make it the way you want it. What are you planning for your engagement party?
Image: Simon Howden / FreeDigitalPhotos.net