You're engaged! Congratulations! Now all the fun begins... but hold the phone, first you have to tell people you're getting hitched. Here's the 411 on the etiquette surrounding announcing your upcoming nuptials.

Children - If you or your fiance have children, whether together or from previous relationships, they should be the first to know.

Parents - Next comes mom and dad. You can either tell them all together - say host a dinner and announce the news, or tell the separately. Either way, they should be next to know about your engagement.

Family - Grandparents, siblings and other close relatives should be next to be contacted. Most times parents start spreading the news to these special people in your lives. But make sure you give grandma a call and let her know from you, especially if you two are close.

Friends - with all of the new social media sites, announcing your engagement on Facebook might seem like the logical way to announce your engagement, but before you do, make sure you contact your close friends personally. Your best friend doesn't want to find out from a relationship status change on Facebook. She'll appreciate the call.

One tip for choosing your bridal party, wait a few weeks and then do so. You want to make sure you and your fiance agree on how many people are in the bridal party before you start asking people.

Your co-workers - telling your boss or supervisor first at work is a courteous gesture. Then tell a few of your closer co-workers and give them the go ahead to spread the news if you choose.

Stand on a mountain top and tell the rest of the world next! While taking out newspaper announcements doesn't seem to happen too often, you can choose to run an ad in your local paper. I love opening up the Calgary Herald and seeing wedding announcements! There is nothing like good news, especially when it's two people in love who have decided to spend their lives together in matrimonial bliss.

Determine if you're going to set up a wedding website. Many sites offer free wedding websites. For a minimal fee you can also set up a site with a unique website address. This is a great place to keep friends and family up to speed on wedding details! Once you're ready to send out your invitations you can also set your site up to collect RSVP's too. What a great way to save on paper and postage!

Happy Planning!

PS - Don't know where to start? Give us a call for some consultation hours, we can help you set up your budget and get you on your way to planning your dream wedding!