December through January is what we event planners like to call engagement season.   It is something about the holidays and the beginning of a new year that gives those nervous grooms-to-be a little extra courage to ask the big question... Will you marry me?

Congratulations your engaged! Now what?  Well if you are anything like I was, you have probably already told everyone you know and have begun purchasing every wedding magazine there is.  This is good! This is a very exciting time in your life and you should be celebrating and enjoying it. But before you start planning the big day, here are three steps you should take:

1) Sit down with your fiancé and discuss both of your ideas for the wedding.
Don’t forget that this is their wedding too. Discuss what you both want and make sure that you are both on the same page.

2) Discuss your plans with whoever is financially responsible.
Set an initial budget keeping in mind it can always be altered. Create a draft guest list- this will allow you to estimate how many guests you can expect to pay for.

3) Get a wedding checklist started.
A timeline helps you understand all the steps necessary for a successful wedding. This way you will have a better understanding of when and what you need to do.  If you decide to hire a wedding planner they will provide one for you, but if you are doing it on your own there are many websites designed to help you create one.  One of my favorite websites is www.weddingwire.com
 
Congratulations and Good Luck!

 

I just received some photos from the fabulous photographer Meg Perotti of the Shulman & Friedrich Wedding.  This was the last wedding I coordinated in 2009.  Well what can I say, what a fantastic wedding to end the year with!  This was the second wedding I did at the Highland & Hollywood Center in Wolfgang Puck's Vantage Room (Ceremony) and Annex (Reception), but it goes to show how with lighting and decor you can create a completely different looks in the same venue.  The food was catered by Wolfgang Puck and was delicious. The beautiful lighting was provided by ELS and the amazing décor was created by Tracey Go from the Flower Tray.  But the thing that made this event special to me was working with the bride, Julie, and the groom, Garth, and meeting their family and friends. Everyone, thanks for an amazing event and please keep in touch!