You're engaged...Now what?

The Question was popped and you said yes- now what?

Holidays are a popular and romantic time to pop the question. But what happens after the yes?

According to Hana Suessenguth, the wedding planner at the ocean front Inn by the Sea on Crescent Beach, just 7 miles south of Portland, there are some simple guidelines to follow to ensure the success of your big day.

Get off on the right foot, make some calls

Do call friends and family and tell them your news personally before posting to facebook. It's far more fun to get reactions live, and you really want the very first thing you do together is your announcement- to be a success, with no hurt feelings and no drama!

Start thinking of a wedding venue, and decide on a budget

Venues book up a year or two in advance so one of the very first things to do is decide, realistically, what kind of wedding you'd like and start narrowing your choices. Availability of venues could play a role in the date you choose. Start by having a conversation about your dream setting- are you picturing an urban or coastal location- on a beach or a mountain top?

"Once you've decided on your ideal backdrop you can start limiting the options. Creating a rough but realistic budget with the approximate number of guests you hope to have will also narrow choices. Finding a venue that is available and fits both your dream and your pocketbook can be work- plan to visit several options before making a final decision. Once you have a location and the date booked, everything else can fall into place.

Create a site or blog

Staying on track and hitting deadlines for the myriad of decisions, big and small, is easier with a wedding planner or site. Friends and guests can also stay in touch with your plans if you share them online. Two things you'll want to schedule right away are sizing and insuring your new ring!

Choosing a wedding planner...or not!

If you've decided on a hotel or wedding venue they will probably have a planner on site who will not only help but will have a great deal of local knowledge for many of your decisions such as cake makers, photographers, music, lighting, tents, furniture rentals, linens or ceremony officiates. Since most wedding vendors you will use will be local, this insider knowledge and experience can be very important."

If you have decided on a farm or mountain top, you will probably be on your own to find vendors, so you might consider hiring an independent planner.

Dream, chill and remember to have fun

Don't let planning get in the way of having a romantic lead up to the wedding, and enjoy the day to the fullest. Something unexpected is bound to happen, but make a decision not to let whatever that is get in the way of making the most of your day.

Photo: emilie Inc.

Hana Suessenguth, wedding planner at Maine's luxurious Inn by the Sea located on sandy Crescent Beach in Cape Elizabeth, just 7 miles south of Portland's urban chic small port city is ready to help in any way. The ocean front Inn by the Sea offers ocean view wedding venues and seaside tented weddings for up to 175, or inside for up to 75. 207-799-3134, or catering@innbythesea.com

About Inn by the Sea:

An idyllic oceanfront escape, located on a mile of unspoiled sand beach, just 7 miles from Portland, Inn by the Sea is Maine's premier beach destination offering elegant hospitality in 61 upscale rooms and suites, with full- service SPA, cardio room, heated pool and captivating cuisine served in ocean view Sea Glass restaurant. Children and dogs are warmly welcomed to this Preferred LVX® member and Virtuoso® property.

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