People get married year round but as June approaches there is a certain "buzz" going on and big plans are in the works. Weddings require lots of arranging, shopping, baking, wardrobe fittings, wedding rehearsals, photographs, music rehearsals, reception, honeymoon, and the list goes on. What will be the biggest moment in a young couple’s lifetime is about to happen and there can never be enough preparation.

Moments of a lifetime

From the moment the proposal is made, and accepted, there is a flurry of planning in the works. Young women wait for this time to come and usually have strong opinions as to how they want it to play out. They see themselves in a long flowing white gown and veil, with bridesmaids surrounding them in pastel colors, many flowers, and their father walking them down to meet that handsome young man who wants to devote the rest of his life to making her life complete.

Plans and parties

The main reason for long engagements seems to involve the wedding planning. It takes at least a year to put all those details in order and get it all organized. From the moment she says yes, the bride to be must make hundreds of decisions. Her mother will help but a bride will want to personalize her special day according to her taste.

Let’s look at just a few of those decisions:

1. A first consideration must be the parents’ budget. Weddings today can cost one hundred thousand dollars or more. Start with a realistic figure, and then pare it down to meet with today’s economic situation.

2. Choose a theme. Some popular wedding themes include fairy tale, Victorian, tropical, garden, Hollywood, Las Vegas. From this can come ideas for the invitations, decorations, and food to be served.

3. The DRESS! Wedding gowns can be a few hundred to many thousands of dollars depending on the designer. When shopping for that special gown keep in mind this may be the only time this dress is ever worn. And try to keep within the budget.

4. Planning the reception may be based around the theme chosen. Whether to have it catered or privately served, which wines or other liquors, what type of food and how much, will there be a band or orchestra? Where is the reception to be held? What time will it begin and end? So many questions to be worked out.

5. One or more photographers must be hired to capture those precious moments that will never be repeated. This person need not be a professional as long as they know which photos are vital for the wedding book. From presenting the pairs rings side by side, her walking down the aisle with dad, groom raising her veil and then kissing her, a first dance at the reception, cutting the wedding cake (and her feeding him a piece), the car as it drives away from the reception. These and many other shots are those that bring out many happy memories when viewed years later.

They drive off into the sunset for a romantic honeymoon

Although it will seem like a long way off when a long engagement is planned, it will soon be time for the big day and with careful planning, there will be many happy memories to share.