Photo: Melissa McCrotty Photography

Just like Valentine’s Day, Single Awareness Day or Hallmark Day–whatever you may call it came and passed, we are near the end of engagement season as well. Six million people (and jewelry stores) planned or expected a marriage proposal on Feb. 14th, which is up from 4 million last year, according to the Huffington Post. No wonder it’s the most popular day of the year to get engaged over Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. It’s just that much more romantic! Forget the chocolates and roses, we want to know if your significant other popped the question yesterday. Let us know in the poll below.

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Photo: Nam Nguyen Photography

A traditional wedding reception includes hor d’oeuvres, an appetizer, a main entree and desserts. However, couples are free to opt out or replace any or all of these courses for something more reflective of their theme and budget. Whether your caterer is on-site or off-site, they should be familiar with your venue. A tasting generally takes place three months prior to your wedding date. While most caterers will assess the size of your guest list and venue to help guide you to a particular dish that is feasible, but, ultimately, the choice is yours. As you finalize your menu, it’s important to consider your guests’ taste buds. It should appeal to a wide range of people, including those who have allergies or dietary requests such as vegetarians or vegans.

How will you be serving food at your reception? Let us know in the poll below! For more inspiration, check out our menu displays photo gallery.

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Photo: Carla Gates Photography

The most common question brides ask during the early stages of their wedding planning is: “How many bridesmaids are too many?” Not only does it depend on who you want standing by your side on one of the biggest days of your life, but also on the size of your wedding, venue and budget. The traditional rule of thumb is to have one bridesmaid per 50 guests, but what if you want more than that? You can always delegate honors to your friends by asking them to help coordinate the bridal shower or bachelorette party, sing during the ceremony or prepare a toast for the reception. Most will understand if you have to choose family first. When it comes to working out your bridesmaid budget, consider if your bridesmaids will pay for their dresses, shoes, accessories or hair and makeup. You certainly will have to give a thank you gift to all your leading ladies as a token of appreciation, but keep in mind that the larger the number of bridesmaids, the harder it may be for you to manage.

How many ladies will be standing by your side? Let us know in the poll below!

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Photo: The Nichols

All eyes will be on you as you walk down the aisle on your wedding day. That’s why many brides are serious about getting in shape and striking a balance between eating healthy and exercising beforehand. Don’t let working out become an added stress on top of all the wedding planning though. Take into consideration your height, weight (don’t let the scale scare you) and level of activity before you set your goals. Be realistic. It doesn’t mean you should purchase your wedding gown four sizes smaller in hopes of losing all that weight. What if you don’t? Getting in shape before your wedding means you will need to make effective not dramatic changes to your lifestyle, and remember, it’s okay to reward yourself. Of course, with non-food treats like a manicure, pedicure or massage. The best side effect of getting in shape, you may ask? All the energy you will have to dance the night away at your reception.

Which exercise did you find the most rewarding? Let us know in the poll below!

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Photo: Sugar Branch Events 

Choosing a venue is one of the most important wedding planning decisions you’ll make as a couple. But, too often a bride will fall in love with the beauty of a place, sign the contract and forget that it should be custom-suited just like her dress.  Regardless of your guest list and budget, answering these questions before you book is a great place to start your search. Although it may be hard to find the perfect place that fits all your needs, you should look for a venue that suits your style from the beginning and not a venue that will cost thousands of dollars to make it what you want.

Everyone’s style is different, but we want to know what your venue’s style is. Which type of venue did you choose? Let us know in the poll below.

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