To the newly engaged

It's engagement season here! That means my phone is ringing, my email box is beeping and I'm hoping about doing site tours. Just wanted to part a few words of wisdom to those lovely ladies you have just started their search:

1) Your date is taken - Sorry girls. If you were looking for a spring wedding in 2011, that ship has sailed! These are prime dates and book a year and a half to three years out. You can start shopping for spring 2012 (see why these dates fill up in advance?) or you can try off-peak times like July, August and November. Fall dates in September and October are a gamble, so be sure to have some back ups ready. The big message is don't be discouraged! You were just asked to spend the rest of your life with the man you love, so don't let a date get in the way of that!

2) Talk with your family before you talk with me - The more information you have, the more I can help you. Sometimes couples shop venues before talking about budgets, guest counts, and dates with their family thinking that they will flex the venue to these needs. It will save you (and me!) a lot of time, energy and heartbreak if you know your limits before you start booking those site tours.

3) Take site tours seriously - Yeah, it's fun to visit a bunch of new places and have all these ideas in your head, but don't book a tour at any place that hosts weddings. Site tours to me mean serious interest. Yes, it is my job to lead these tours, but they also mean I'm away from my phone, email and desk for an hour. I want to make sure that hour with you is well spent. If your total budget is the same as my rental fee, that was a waste of time for the both of us. Plan well and spend your time really focusing on the properties you like. It will save you a lot of running around town and cut down on lost lunch breaks.

4) Read up and have fun! - There are thousands of websites offering wedding advice. Read up on other people's experience in order to avoid the pitfalls and make this the most enjoyable experience possible. You're only engaged once and for a short period of time, so have fun with it!