Celebrating marriage proposals on March 20 and what to do after popping the question

There is something about national and international days of the year. Some of them are a little weird – like National I Hate Coriander Day (February 24, also Kelly’s birthday) or National Lumpy Rug Day (May 3) – but with the many unfavorable world events in both years, it’s important to remember and celebrate the little things.

A day we will be celebrating, this weekend is National Proposal Day, Sunday, March 20. Reporting on anything marriage-related doesn’t happen unless people ask the special question, “Will you marry me?”

So whether you got on your knees or enlisted the help of a flash mob last spring, over the holidays, last week, or doing it on National Proposal Day this weekend, it’s time to celebrate!

What happens once you’re engaged? Well, after the celebration, it’s time to start the planning process. Luckily for all of our readers, we’ve got a to-do list you’ll be happy to double-check.

10-12 months to go

• You’re engaged! Be sure to celebrate with your fiancé, friends and family.
• Fix the bases. Where are you going to get married? Who pays what? What is your budget? How many guests will there be?
• Alert the wedding party. Decide who you want in your wedding party and ask them whenever you can.
• Choose the date. Check with your family members and wedding party before making a final decision so that there are no huge time conflicts.
• Find a wedding planner. If you are considering using a wedding planner, find one early on. He or she will make all the madness more manageable.
• Book your ceremony and reception venue. Where you’re getting married will affect a lot of your planning decisions, so booking a place should be high on your to-do list.
• Insure your ring. Your engagement ring is special, but it’s also expensive. Make sure you have it insured, just in case.
• Book Celebrant. Make sure your favorite celebrant has your wedding date on the calendar.
• Write thank you notes for engagement gifts. You will most likely receive a few gifts right after your engagement. Send a thank you note for each gift within three months of receiving it.
• Take engagement photos. Book a session with a professional photographer so you have some great shots of you and your fiancé for saving the dates, newspaper ads and more. Some photographers will include an engagement session with a wedding package.
• Choose your colors. Think about your wedding colors and the overall look of your day. Do you opt for a classic or trendy look? Vintage or glamorous? Your color scheme will guide you through other important decisions, such as bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen ties.

For the complete list from New Orleans Bride magazine, click here.

Engagement photos and proposal photos can sometimes take a similar course, so why not combine the two? If you know your future gentleman or lady will be dressed for the occasion, take the time to hire a photographer for the big moment. These are photos you’ll cherish for years, and they’ll be professional enough to put right next to your wedding photos once the big day arrives.

Recently, we spoke with local photographer Mike Lirette about engagement photos. Although he was talking specifically about an engagement session, the same ideas can be applied to your proposal session.

LTEC: What advice would you give to a couple who thinks they’re taking horrible pictures or getting awkward in front of a camera?

ML: Communicate it to your photographer. Nine times out of 10, at the start of a session, I will hear a comment like this. But we keep it light and fun, and my sessions are less about being perfect and more about capturing a moment and a memory. Perfectly imperfect, if you will.

LTEC: In the city, where is your favorite place to take engagement photos? And why?

ML: I have my favorite places, of course, but honestly, I’m more looking for my couples’ favorite places to spend their time. We will plan the session around the best sunlight available and go from there.

Additionally, Lirette suggests finding a photographer as soon as possible. New Orleans is a great destination for weddings and you don’t want to miss your best photographer.

Read the full interview with Lirette here.

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