Getting Engaged and Planning a Wedding

Journal

Tell me about Tell me about your ideal your ideal wedding and wedding and or or engagementengagement! !

Why Get Engaged?

• Solidify your commitment

• Express your intentions of marriage to each other and the public

• To begin planning a wedding!

• To celebrate your relationship

What a Man Should Consider When Planning

a Proposal:• Every diamond is special and unique,

with it’s own individual purity and beauty. Selecting the finest diamonds is an art. One should look for quality as defined by the 4 c’s, and beauty which goes beyond technical grading to discover that diamonds have an exceptional fire and brilliance.

Selecting an Engagement Ring: The 4 C’s

Carat Weight

Color

Clarity

Cut

Carat Weight• This refers to the

size of the stone.• One carat is equal

to 100 points.• The average

engagement ring is .70 carats (points).

Cut• The shape of the diamond determined

by the way it has been cut. – The more facets (cuts), the more

brilliance the diamond has.– It takes several days to cut and polish a

one carat stone!– There are 7 basic shapes, although there

are many new trends that are changing. • Round Heart • Princess Oval• Pear Emerald• Marquis

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

Color:• Colorless or clear diamonds are said

to be perfect, but they are also very expensive.– The more color, the lower the value– Scale:

• D = Colorless• Y= Yellow

Clarity• Flaws can affect the

value and beauty of a stone.– The more perfect the

stone, the more expensive it will be.•F1= Flawless•f 13 = imperfect

Congratulations!• When a couple gets engaged, it is

customary for their friends and family to throw them an engagement party in order to celebrate!

• Gift are not necessary!!!

Wedding Planning!Wedding Planning!• As soon as you get engaged, the planning

begins!• You and your fiancé need to communicate

openly and involve your families as appropriate

• There are many websites that can help in the wedding planning process– http://www.weddingchannel.com/– http://www.weddingsolutions.com/

Announcements• A couple may choose to send

an announcement in the local paper.

• People now often make wedding websites in order to announce their engagement and their wedding plans.

Wedding Checklist: Assuming a 1 year

Engagement

• After a couple gets engaged, they need to sit down and set some goals!– Date/ Time– Budget (Along with Who will be

paying)– Select the participants

(bridesmaids, groomsmen)– Site (Ceremony and reception)

9-10 Months Ahead• Determine the budget and lay down

some ground rules• Determine the theme and formality

level of the occasion• Draw up an estimate of the guest list• Shop for bridal gown• Shop for bridesmaid’s dresses• Consider hiring a planner to help you• Choose and ask all attendants• Select a photographer, a

videographer, and a florist.

6-9 Months Ahead• Plan the reception (go to tasting, plan menu,

decide on décor)• Shop for other accessories, such as favors• Draw up an almost final guest list• Book a DJ or band and listen to them

perform• REGISTER FOR GIFTS!

– Bed Bath & Beyond Harvest Home

4-6 Months Ahead• Order and address you wedding invites• Plan your music (choose wedding songs)• Choose gifts for your attendants• Buy wedding bands• Plan the programs• Book the honeymoon• Shop for wedding rings• Search for housing

– http://www.Realtor.com

3-4 Months Ahead• Make reservations for

transportation and hair/makeup

• Rent all tuxes and other formalwear

• Get the bride’s dress fitted• Check out the requirements

for a marriage license• Reserve your wedding day

transportation• Begin reviewing contracts

with vendors

Two Months Before

• Mail out invitations!! No turning back now!

• Arrange and plan in stone for the rehearsal dinner

• Purchase any remaining accessories (jewelry, cufflinks…)

• Secure accommodations for out of town guests• Pay any balances that you can!

One Month Left!!!• Schedule final wedding dress fitting• Have a hair/makeup rehearsal• Count RSVP’s• Obtain marriage license• Create a timeline for the day to make sure

you have hit it all• Pick up wedding rings and get final fitting• Finalize all contracts

The Biggest Day of your Life!

• Your primary goal today is to get married! Have fun! • Relax, enjoy yourself, and remain calm!• Allow at least two hours for dressing• Allow plenty of time to apply your makeup and style your

hair• If professionals are doing your hair and/or makeup,

determine the time they need• If photographs are to be taken before the ceremony,

allow plenty of time for that!• Remember to bring the rings and marriage license!

ENOJY YOUR SELF… IT GOES FAST!!

PARTNER QUIZ!

• 1. What are the 4 C’s of a diamond?

• 2. Where can you post a wedding website?

• 3. Name three things that you should do when planning and WHEN you should do it.