You have been dating for a long time and you know that she's the one.  The next step is to make it official by proposing.  While proposing can be a nerve-wracking experience, the following tips will ensure that the proposal goes off with(out) a hitch. 

1. Get the proper OKs before you move ahead

While we're sure that she dreams day and night about being your wife, we recommend testing the waters before you jump in.  If you haven't already, it may make sense to talk about your plan for the future and the timeline that you envision for that plan.  If she is thinking that she'll finish school before you pop the question, you would want to know that ahead of time.  It is also traditional to ask the bride's father for his permission prior to proposing. 

2. Write the perfect proposal

Each of us has a different style when it comes to preparing a speech.  While some like to have everything written down, others prefer to 'wing it'.  Whatever your preference, we recommend preparing at least part of your proposal upfront (to ensure that you don't get flustered in the moment).  The typical proposal will include a reference to the times you've enjoyed together, and a statement about your future as a married couple.  We have also heard of proposals including funny inside jokes, (slightly) embarrassing moments, and original poetry.

3. Decide where to propose

Choosing where to propose is one of the most important decisions in the proposal process.  Whether you stay close to home (or actually at home) or you include the proposal as part of a larger vacation, finding the ideal proposal location requires some thought.  We recommend choosing a place that has significance in your relationship and will logistically make sense.  As great as it would be to propose at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, if you aren't both athletic, your dream proposal may not go as planned.  Some classic proposal locations are at a beach, in a special restaurant, or over a romantic picnic.  Wherever you decide, just be sure to make it an unforgettable moment.

Your proposal is one of the major milestones in your life together.   Make it as great as possible by following these three tips.  Oh, and congratulations in advance!

Choosing your bridesmaids and groomsmen is often a challenging task.  Between family, childhood friends, school friends and others, it is difficult to decide who to include in your wedding party.  These tips will help you decide who makes the coveted list.

1. Put family first

While you may be very close to friends who feel like family, it's important that your actual family be included in the bridal party.  Family members want to do more than just attend your wedding; they want to play an active role in the big day.  Including them as a bridesmaid or groomsman helps convey the importance that you place on that relationship.  For the bride:  if you have one or more sisters (or sister-in-laws), we recommend including them in the bridal party.  Many brides often go a step further and make their sister the maid of honor.  For the groom: it is  a good idea to include your brothers or brother-in-laws as groomsmen, ushers, or to give them another role on the big day.

2.  Be selective

We have all attended weddings where it takes thirty minutes for the bridal party to make their way down the aisle.  While it is important to include your closest family and friends in the wedding party, adding bridesmaids and groomsmen in order to have a larger group may not make sense.   Additionally, as soon as you include one person from a period in your life (high school friends for example), there is added pressure to include others who would consider themselves to be in the same boat. By being selective about who you include in your wedding party, you will ensure that you are surrounded by those closest to you on your big day.

3. Try to understand peoples' circumstances

Hopefully all those closest to you and your fiancé will be available to be part of your big day.  If one of your bridesmaids or groomsmen cannot make it to the wedding, try to understand, and don't let their absence harm your big day or the relationship. 

Choosing bridesmaids and groomsmen can be a difficult process, especially while making sure everyone feels included and not hurting peoples' feelings.  By following these tips you will increase your chances of a smooth bridal party selection.

Planning a wedding can take months, but in the end, the magic of the day makes it all worth it. Speaking of big days, you’ll be dealing with big finances, and you’ve probably noticed that weddings can be expensive. If you and your future spouse are searching for a few ways to save on your wedding day, here is a list of tips.

1) Get married during the off-season

Couples who choose wedding dates in November or anytime in January through the end of March (with the exception of Valentine’s Day), can save 20 to 30 percent on their venue and other services.  Venues, caterers, and other vendors are most busy during the summer and spring, thus having your wedding outside these times can result in significant savings.  It is also a great idea if you can schedule your wedding day on any day other than Saturday, which is when a lot of people want to hold their celebration.  Couples who have a wedding on a Friday still have the weekend for guests to recover, but face less competition for wedding vendors.

Getting married in the fall is an excellent alternative if you are looking to save. 

2) Consider DIY craft ideas to save extra money. 

A personalized favor recipe might be the perfect DIY craft idea.

If you can do it yourself (and do it well), there’s no point in paying someone else to do it.  If you have more time than money, there are many wedding craft ideas that you can easily do yourself. Making your own centerpieces is an easy DIY option. By simply purchasing vases from your local arts and crafts store and filling them up with artificial flowers, you will have a beautiful centerpiece arrangement for your wedding. You can also come up with DIY party favors, such as boxes made out of papier-mâché. To add more to your personalized favor box, add a touch of ribbon or other appropriate décor which complements the theme of your wedding. Check out Etsy for more great DIY wedding ideas.

3) Purchase discount diamonds and pre-owned engagement rings

Many couples who are looking for that perfect ring feel overwhelmed at the cost and selection of diamonds and engagement rings.  One alternative to visiting the local jeweler (who has a giant markup on everything) is to purchase a discount diamond from a pre-owned engagement ring.  These diamonds are just like the ones at your local jeweler, except at a significantly lower price.  Discount diamonds provide a fantastic way to save money for the big day.

Although your wedding day will be one of the most important milestones of your marriage, smart brides find a way to make their money go further.  These three tips can keep you happily married with a few extra dollar bills in your pocket.