Over the Christmas, New Year's and Valentine's holidays, many couples decided to take their relationship to the next level. Around the country, and the world, men (and in some cases women) everywhere said those special 4 four words to their love in restaurants, parks, buses, or the Jumbotron at their favorite game: "Will You Marry Me"?

Now you have progressed to the title of fiancé and it can be quite overwhelming when thinking about all the things that you want to do for your wedding. First things first, BREATHE! You don't want to start off going full speed and end up crashing and burning. Take time to enjoy what has happened to you because it is something special. Seek out the help of a professional (say it with me "planners are your friend").

 Once you have gotten use to the fact of now you have to plan a wedding, it's time to get started. After picking your date, theme, and color scheme, the next important task is picking your wedding party. This task can be one that can change your life for good or for bad depending on your approach. Even though you may think you want certain people to stand at the alter with you, there are some things that should really be considered. The following 6 tips will help guide you in your party search. They are from an article written by Jean Neuhart, owner of " Weddings From the Heart"  out of Dayton, Ohio. She gives really good insight on this important task.

6 Tips for Choosing a Happy Bridal Party

One of the first things most couples do after becoming engaged is to choose their bridal party.

Here are a few tips to help you pick the "right" people.

• First of all, only consider people who are truly close to. This means no acquaintances, or people you really don't see very often or socialize with. The people you have standing up with you on your wedding day really should be those who are the nearest and dearest to you.
• Before asking anyone to be in your bridal party, think about their personal situations. Will they have enough time to devote to your wedding or are their lives so full with other obligations that your wedding will seem like an afterthought to them?
• Are they financially able to participate in your wedding as a member of the bridal party? Agreeing to stand up for you carries a monetary obligation. Hosting a bridal shower and bachelorette party, and paying for their own wedding day attire and accessories, travel and lodging if they are from out-of-town, and wedding gift adds up.  If you think there may be some factor that may affect someone's participation in your bridal party, you may want to bring it up (diplomatically, of course) when you ask them to participate, and give them some time to think about it before having to give you an answer. "I know that there are extra costs involved in being in someone's wedding, but, if possible, I would love for you to be my bridesmaid. Why don't you think about it and let me know next week?"
• Are they supportive of your choice of future spouse? Their role is to stand up for you during the ceremony to witness and support your marriage. Any negative feelings, even if unfounded, will be felt throughout your wedding day.
• It is perfectly acceptable to have a male stand up for you, or a female stand up for your fiancé. In this situation, they would be called Honor Attendants, however "Man of Honor," "Best Woman," and "Groomswoman" work too.
• You don't have to have "even sides" in your bridal party. For example, it is perfectly ok to have three bridesmaids and four groomsmen. Never ask someone to be in your bridal party just to even things up.

Hopefully these tips will help make the job of choice a little easier. Happy planning!!