The question has been popped. The answer is affirmative. Now, take a deep breath.

The season for engagements unofficially ends today. Don’t worry. That doesn’t mean you have to wait until December to get engaged; it’s just that more engagements occur between December and – you guessed it – Valentine’s Day, compared with the other ten months of the year.

If someone asked, “Who knows a lot of couples who became engaged during the holidays or on Valentine’s Day?” As a person working in the wonderful world of weddings, my answer is a resounding: “I do!”

"Right after she said 'yes!'" This couple shared their engagement photo on The Henry Ford's Facebook page. He proposed in Thomas Edison's Meno Park Laboratory during last year's Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village.

I’m often a sounding board for couples as they start their journey toward the aisle and earnestly embark on the sometimes overwhelming wedding-planning process. I’m happy to share some of the tips I’ve learned from years of experience.

Keep your eye on the prize.

This is most always my first piece of advice as you start to plan your wedding: Keep an eye on the big picture and reason for the planning. Stay focused and remember why you’re planning the event – to celebrate with loved ones the start of your married life together.

Keep your eye on the prize -- your life together. Engagement photo by Harry Vitanis Photography.

Stay flexible.

Adaptability is a truly necessary approach when planning (and enjoying) your wedding event. Even with the most meticulous planning, some things may not go exactly as you intended. For example, most couples don’t want rain on their wedding day, but they have to be flexible and ready to accept it if the clouds have another idea altogether.

Give yourselves a break.

It’s no secret that planning a wedding can be stressful. Not only are you getting married and throwing a big party, you’re gaining in-laws, new friends and another set of relatives. You may be moving, changing jobs and changing names. There are all kinds of decisions to be made in a designated period of time, and it can be overwhelming. Be sure to take time to relax. 

This couple takes some time out for fun in Greenfield Village. Engagement photo by Harry Vitanis Photography.

Take your time.

Planning takes time, and pretty much everything takes longer than you think it will. You want to be able to enjoy your friends and family – not only on your wedding day, but for the months leading up to it (and after!), too.  Be sure to give yourself time to make decisions that really matter, and don’t sweat the small stuff.

No one is trying to drive you crazy.

Friends and family who offer advice usually mean well. When they ask about the details of your wedding or offer their (sometimes unsolicited) two-cents, they are not purposely trying to take you over the edge. They care and are excited for you and your wedding.

Engagement photo by Harry Vitanis Photography.

Trust your decisions.

Trust yourselves and your decision-making. Trust your family helping in the process, as well as your friends. And trust the vendors and organizations that you have chosen as part of your planning team. You chose them for a reason, and they know what they are doing. Most of all, trust that you’ll have great wedding day that will mark the memorable beginning of a wonderful life together.

And … keep breathing.

Christina Dodge is The Henry Ford’s social events manager and a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants.  She helps plan and bring to life the stunning weddings held at The Henry Ford.