Making The Most of Your Engagement (Super Post)

More often than not, you hear brides talk about the all stress and pressure that comes along with planning a wedding. Yes, planning a wedding is a lot of work. But do yourself a favor and RELAX! What I say is:

#1. Make Lists. The more organized you are, the less stressful planning your wedding will be.

#2. Look into hiring a planner. Planners are there to make your life easier. If the thought of linens, flowers, photographers, deejay's and details makes your head spin, a planner is the right way to go.

#3. Make the most of your engagement by creating mini events out of all your to-dos! Like:

Having an Engagement Party. To me, there is no better way to kick off starting your lives together than having an engagement party. This should be a stress free party involving all of your closest family and friends. If you feel funny about having people come and give gifts, then write on the invitations "No Gifts Please!". Even though some (most likely most) of your guest won't come empty handed anyway, it will ease your mind to know that you weren't expecting anything other than a good time.

Don't have the funds to have everyone you want at your Engagement Party?

Throw a 365 Days Party! Yes, I said it. If you have a date and venue picked, and it warrants the proper timing to have a party named "365" than go for it. This can be a house party, gathering at a local bar, whatever. It doesn't need to be a huge fiesta, but have a little fun with it! Just to think that one year from then, you all will be together again for your big day.

Make a day out of Registering: I know people who HATED. REGISTERING. !?!?!!? This is madness to me! You are signing up for gifts for other people to buy for you. And your complaining? Madness. Pure madness.

What I would do is pick a day where you and your fiance have nothing else going on and you both can just take your time at your selected stores. This shouldn't be stressful whatsoever. Once you are finished dare I say make a dinner date? Spend some quality time together and enjoy that very moment. I know I may sound like a Hallmark card when say that, but I mean it with all sincerity. No one wants to start off their marriage with arguments over the proper ice cream scoop or which wine glasses would look better with your grandmothers china. Honestly.

Make events out of your consultations: This is a very nice way to treat your bridesmaids.. AKA the women in your life who mean most to you and are spending a lot of their time, energy, and money on you and your fiance. So. What events do I suggest?

1. Having a Hair and Make-Up Consultation? Give your girls enough notice to come with you (the day before doesn't count as enough notice!) and treat them to a lovely after noon of hair, make up and some bubbly. Again, this shouldn't be stressful! If you've got them all together this is a golden opportunity to treat them all to lunch or dinner afterwards to talk about wedding stuff and or make sure they are all acquainted! Your sister-in-law may not know all your friends from college and vice-versa. This would be a nice chance to get everyone together.

2. Same goes for your dress fittings. This is a very important time in your life. If this is something that is very personal to you and something you at first want to do with just your Mom and Sisters- sobeit. But then maybe bring all the girls back after your dress is picked and they are getting fitted for theirs. Any excuse to gather all your closest friends and drink some champagne is a good excuse to me!

3.Host a Spray Tan Party! Are you worried that some of your girls are going to look washed out in the Taupe colored dress you have picked? Then have a spray tanning consultation for everyone who is interested. Luckily this service now travels, so you can host one in your very own backyard! If the season allows for this, then do. it. up. Have some snacks and drinks available and get your (safe) tan on! It's better to know before the wedding if you will turn orange or not. =)

I know some of you are thinking I am crazy. Which maybe I am a little =) but these events can really do the trick to boost morale and to alleviate some wedding planning stress. And please, in no way, shape, or form feel like you need to do all of these things and spend a million dollars. That is certainly not the case and not what I am trying to portray to you. These are just some fun ways to enjoy the time leading up to your Wedding.

So remember, always give your self enough time and you can never have too many lists. Wedding planning is as fun or as terrible as you make it to be!