I am no expert. Please keep that in mind. However, I have learned from being in and attending quite a few weddings that there are do’s and don’ts when you become engaged. These are the top three I’ve found that people tend to cross the line on (in my opinion).

1. Announcing your engagement.

Do: Spread the word of your fabulous new status! Facebook itself has an actual status update. However, before you let the world wide web know what’s going on, make sure to tell your family. It is “proper” to tell the bride’s parents first, followed by the groom’s, and to do it together. Whether you live only moments away or have to do it over the phone or Skype, this is news that should be shared as a couple– since that’s your future status as well!

Don’t: Tell people by text or e-mail. This is news that should be shared in person or with a phone call. This is not news you want everyone finding out through the internet or technology in general. Take this from someone who simply changed her status on Facebook from “In a Relationship” to “Married”. It upsets a lot of people, hurts a lot of feelings, and you definitely don’t want to tread on other peoples’ toes with your happiness. Call your family, call your closest friends, send them a picture of your ring (after doing the afore mentioned), and then let all your tech-savvy-friends know that you have a new relationship status.

2. Bride V. Groom

Do: Include your groom as much as he desires in the wedding planning. Sometimes brides can get carried away, or grooms can get carried away, and it’s good for you to be there for your partner. Work together in all things engagement and wedding. Unless one of you specifically says you don’t want to do something (and it’s ok with the other person involved), work together. Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it’s best done if you work together!

Don’t: Keep telling the groom that his opinion doesn’t count, or say, “Well, I’m the bride!”. Remember that it’s his wedding, too! He may not be the bride, but these days there can be as many groomzillas as there are bridezillas. Make sure to stay on the same page as one another. You don’t want him going to the caterers saying steak and you going to them saying salmon!

3. Wedding party.

Do: Ask them all at the same time. Stay positive about your wedding party. If they don’t all know each other, plan several events for the ladies to get decently close. After all, they are more than likely going to be planning at least one shower or party for you. You don’t want them stepping all over each other in an attempt to do things their way.

Don’t: Don’t feel obligated to have the groom’s second-cousin as one of your bridesmaids (unless you two are close, or your groom has made a special request for her to be in the wedding). Don’t have fifteen bridesmaids just because your mother insists you have to have all your cousins up there or the girl who once did that nice thing for her. It’s your wedding. This is one of the things that you should really put your foot down on, because the wedding party is just that– the wedding party. They are going to be in your pictures the most and around you the most during this process. Make sure you include the people that you want to be with you on your special day, and that’s it!

If you enjoy this, I will share some new do’s and don’ts with you next week!

Emily