Wedding Engagement Ideas

Size Matters

Decide how big your wedding will be before you start choosing your attendants—an informal wedding looks silly with a giant wedding party.

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Hidden Expenses

When you're mapping out your budget, build in a cushion for "hidden" expenses such as tips for the waitstaff, bartenders, and valets; postage costs; alterations; and wine corkage fees.

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Neighborhood Watch

When scouting out sites, pay attention to the neighborhood and the general look of the place. First impressions count.

From Brides magazine

Bowled Over

Share your engagement news over a few frames at your favorite bowling alley. Rent out the place for customized soundtracks, lighting, and cuisine.

From Modern Bride magazine

Romantic Holiday

Savor your joy by taking a romantic trip together right after you get engaged.

From Our Brides.com Community

Set the Date

Before you set the date, consider the climate, how many out-of-town guests you'll invite, who is covering the costs, and already-scheduled social obligations.

From Brides magazine

High-Tech Help

Rely on remarkable technology like the PalmPilot to keep all of your wedding details straight, from key contacts to important appointments.

From Brides magazine

Money Matters

Be gracious about the amount of money your parents can give you. If their contribution doesn't cover your vision, downsize your plans or assume more of the financial responsibility yourselves.

From Brides magazine

Radiant Ring

Help your boyfriend pick out an engagement ring you'll love by pointing out rings that you admire in magazines and in store windows.

From Brides magazine

Men at Work

Having trouble getting your groom involved in the planning process? Give him assignments that match his interests and talents—if he loves music, put him in charge of hiring the band or DJ, or mixing and burning CDs for your favors.

From Brides magazine

Worth a Thousand Words

Every bride wants her wedding to be a one-of-a-kind celebration. So put pen to paper and draw out your unique ideas. Even if you're not an artist, a rough sketch can go miles in conveying your specific wishes to your vendors.

From Modern Bride magazine

Insure Away

After calling your parents and best buds to share the exciting news of your engagement, make sure to call your insurance company. Put your ring on your homeowner's policy as soon as possible in case something happens to it. Your fiancé should have a certificate of appraisal so you know what rate to insure it at. And don't forget to renew the policy every year.

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Happily Ever After

Still waiting for a romantic proposal? Drop your guy hints about how you would like him to pop the question by mentioning your favorite proposal stories. Talk about scenes in movies that you loved or share your married girlfriends' proposal tales.

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