Congratulations. You're engaged to be married. What comes next? Here is a brief list of what you need to do, as far as proper wedding engagement etiquette goes.

Step one is obvious. Share the good news! Your parents, and any children either of you may have from previous unions should hear the news first. Next share the big news with relatives and close friends. Whether you call on the phone or tell them in person, you need to do this yourself. Those who are very close to you will no doubt be hurt if they hear the news second hand. Never announce an engagement until a former union has been dissolved, whether by divorce, or by annulment.

Next, you need to meet each other's parents. Your engagement should not come as a shock to your parents. It's a good idea to get acquainted while you are dating. Your engagement symbolizes a change in the relationship with your future in-laws. Now is the time to create a positive bond with them. This is also when they parents of the bride typically meet or make contact in some way with the parent's of the groom.

Next, create a guest list, and set a budget. Your budget is the determining factor for the shape, size, and style of your wedding. You cannot decide what type of wedding to have until you have some idea of the size of the guest list. The easiest way to cut costs is to trim your guest list.

Pick a date. The time of year you choose to have your wedding is a key consideration. The most popular wedding months are June, September, August, May, October, and July. Popular wedding sites will be at a premium price and lower availability during these times. Those who want an outdoor wedding may want to consider being married in warmer months.

Last but not least, don't forget the three C's of wedding engagement etiquette. Consideration, communication, and compromise are these three C's. How you handle your wedding plans can foretell how you will handle the other major decisions of your life together. Along with stress, this should be a sense of adventure, and fun. You are celebrating one of the happiest days of your lives, do it with the three C's, and the whole process will surely be a lot smoother.