T H E E N G A G E M E N T

One of the most euphoric times of your life is the short but sweet period between dating and marriage. You jump at every opportunity to call your beloved "fiancé" and you cant help but stare at the sparkle on your ring finger! It's a busy period, it's a joyful period. Here's what real brides have to say about their experience and the things they wish they'd known when they were engaged.

"Have fun, don't let the little things you're learning about each other become annoyances, but have grace for each other and remember that you're building a life together, not just a wedding!" - Shannon and Chris, see their sparkly and stylish wedding here.

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"This is the best time, as you have just announced your big news to the world and everyone is super excited and happy for you as a couple. Take time out to relax and celebrate with family and friends before you embark on the planning process for your wedding." - Cindy and Justin, see their sentimental and stylish wedding here.

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"You are only engaged once, so embrace the excitement and love that you are surrounded by. And of course, wear your "Feyonce" t.shirt as often as possible." - Nicole and Chaz, see their glamorous wedding here.

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"We were engaged for 18 months before we got married. My advice would be to enjoy that time as much as possible. I remember very early on wishing the time away because I was so excited for the wedding, my maid of honour reminded me to enjoy the time you're engaged as it only happens once, after that I didn't wish the time away anymore and I relished in the excitement of being engaged." - Emma and Matt, see their urban glam wedding here.

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"Don't over think the wedding process - your first pick is usually the one you go with. Enjoy just being engaged!" - Danika and Joel, see their elegant and rustic wedding here.

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"Although it is exciting to plan the wedding. Make sure that you focus on the relationship as a couple as well." - Erin and Chis, see their summery outdoor wedding here.

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"Enjoy the time of being engaged its such an exciting time of your life with so many celebrations and special times to look forward too, enjoy the moment before all the wedding planning starts" - Emma and Jonny, see their destination wedding in Fiji here.

"Make the most out of your time being engaged. It's the next step before you become husband and wife. Enjoy the wedding planning but don't take everything to heart. Time is the one thing that we can never get back - just enjoy it." - Azra and Paul, see their fairytale wedding here.

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"No advice needed - it's a pretty fun time! Just make sure to keep your ring sparkly." - Kristine and Nathan, see their art gallery wedding here.

"Have fun with it! It's a short period, but a special time! Have fun in the moment and try to continue building a deeper relationship with your significant other. Take time for yourselves and remember to stay connected through the whole process. Allow yourself time to bask in the engagement glow... it is a beautiful time to see your relationship begin another chapter together!" - Kirsten and Mickey, see their classy vintage wedding here.

"Make it as quick as possible! More time to plan = more time to stress about little details." - Kirsten and Cael, see their romantic Hunter Valley wedding here.

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"Make sure that you take time in your engagement to relax and enjoy this extremely special and exciting time. It can be easy to get overly-consumed by wedding planning- make sure to spend lots of time together enjoying each other's company. My approach was to book all of our vendors and the 'big stuff' within the first 2-3 months of our engagement so that we had a big chunk of time where we could just sit back and enjoy being engaged. Everyone is different though. Do what works best for you." - Fiona and Aaron, see their classic Tasmanian wedding here.

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"Don't rush the small stuff. You will have plenty of time to organise everything, that being said, don't leave everything to the last minute! Also don't ask your best friends to be in your bridal party as soon as you get engaged, wait until closer to the wedding date. You never know what the future holds." - Kiarne and Ayden, see their rustic country wedding here.

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"It's easy to forget that you have just gotten engaged and get straight into the wedding planning, but it is important to remember you need to celebrate the commitment you have made by becoming engaged to one another and not stress about the wedding details. I would definitely say eat all your favourite naughty foods now, because you will feel guilty about it later!" - Christine and Paul, see their luxurious Sydney Harbour wedding here.

"Don't over-stress by thinking about the organisation of the wedding and minimise tensions as much as possible. Just enjoy life together." - Jo and Marc, see their rustic Tahitian wedding here.

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"Enjoy being engaged!! Once the planning starts things can get crazy. We had a long engagement (18 months) and it was perfect. Buy lots of planning books and create templates and put everything in there! Your bridesmaids are also there for you, so get them to help you." - Amber and Scott, see their luxurious wedding here.

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"Time goes so quickly and it is easy to get caught up in wedding plans. Be sure you take time out to indulge once in a while to do the things you love. Enjoy your time being engaged!" - Sara and Silvio, see their Whitsundays wedding here.

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"I guess thinking back now you have a few coulda, woulda, shouldas enter your mind in regards to your wedding. With the engagement, I would suggest to do whatever makes you feel comfortable and most importantly something you will enjoy. Remember it is all about you and your significant other. If you want a low key BBQ, or a day at the beach with loved ones to celebrate this occasion then go for it." - Rose and Jordan, see their hinterland wedding here.

"Enjoy the moment/day together, before sharing the news. It's such a special and exciting time for you both, and you deserve to soak it all in together." - Lauren and Matt, see their intimate and rustic wedding here.

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"Take time to be in the moment. Continue to date each other. You'll have to sometimes step away from all the stressful planning, hustle and bustle of family, friends and other well-wishers and just enjoy each other." - Tanyala and Antaeus, see their timeless Chicago wedding here.

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"Just let it all soak in and don't start getting too crazy with wedding plans too soon. Enjoy this milestone with your fiancé." - Acacia and Luke, see their tropical winter wedding here.

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Weddings take a lot of planning, so it's good to get as much help as you can! Take a look at some more wedding tips and tricks here.