Your engagement period will be one of the most memorable times in your life because of the surprise, excitement, anticipation, and let nobody lie to you, the stress.  Many events will take place in a rather short period of time that will cause the emotions of the bride and groom, as well as others involved, to fluctuate frequently. 

While it is important to recognize that life will be different during the engagement period there are several things that you can do to reduce stress and enjoy the engagement process.

First, early in the engagement period, evaluate the size of wedding you would like to have and whether the wedding will be formal or casual and leave enough time to plan the event you would like to have.  Before setting a wedding date make sure there is plenty of time available to accomplish all the tasks needed to make the wedding, as well as the wedding reception, a success.  Stress levels can be reduced when enough time is allowed for completing the details involved which include wedding decorations, wedding favors as well as bridesmaid gifts and groomsmen gifts. 

Providing for a long enough engagement period is beneficial but if this time is not put to proper use there is no point in having an engagement period at all.  Stress can be reduced by starting to plan early in the engagement period.  Waiting until the wedding is a few months away will only increase the stress levels of everyone involved and provide an atmosphere of frustration and fluctuating emotions.  Start planning early to ensure that enough time is allowed for the details.

 Even when starting the planning process early in the engagement period there is bound to be times of stress, especially when the bride wants things her way and vendors have a hard time complying.  Staying focused and calm during up and down times will help to reduce stress when planning for a wedding.  Here is why leaving enough time for planning is important because when an event is a few weeks away it is hard to stay focused, but when there is plenty of time for bargaining and shopping around it is easier to stay focused and calm. 

Finally, while the wedding is the most important event in your life right now do not let the wedding preparations consume your life.  Eliminating the other activities in your life that you love merely to plan a wedding is not realistic and can make you feel consumed and stressed.  Do not forget to spend time with your soon to be spouse doing things that you love.  Have fun during your engagement period so the time does not pass and you missed out on the other fun things that you enjoy.  Not only will you be more focused when planning the wedding, but you will be less stressed during the entire engagement process of planning and preparing for your wonderful wedding.