Long or Short, Use Your Engagement Period Wisely

As soon as the bride accepts a marriage proposal and says "YES," the engagement period has officially begun. Expect it to last from nine to twelve months.

During this time, most brides and grooms attend pre-cana lessons at their local church if they are Catholics. This is an important preparation for when they will be a couple living with each other day after day. Issues such as how many children to have, how to raise them and how money will be used in their household are dealt with. Moreover, they learn how to value each other and how to deal politely with in-laws. It is a time that allows the two of you delve deeper into the character of each other. Troublesome behavior patterns can be detected early such as frequent drunkenness, over reliance on drugs or even a tendency to violence. These can be treated early before they become life threatening later in marriage.

The engagement period is also a time to get better acquainted with immediate family members. You can expect to meet members of both families over meals, join together at sporting activities and even attend church services together.

These are also hectic times when brides and grooms, close family and friends come together to plan a wedding day. Rallying together, they make guest invitation lists, choose church ceremony readings and practice together, visit reception venue sites, taste food and cakes and also meet the other vendors who will help them make their dream wedding day a reality.

A couple can also expect to attend parties. Girls will shower their bride friend with gifts, men will give their groom friend a bachelor party and Moms and Dads will call together families and friends to Sunday lunches or dinners to pass down family traditions and heirlooms.

Whatever schedule and activity you plan ahead, remember to relax and have fun. Also remember that the clock is ticking towards the day you will take your matrimonial vows and there are a lot of things that need to get done. To get started on planning your wedding, use our Planning Checklist from or eBook Store.

Above all, do not forget to take photographs of this period. You will both enjoy showing them to your children in years to come!

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