Simply “good” wedding planning advice:
1. "Truly think of who you WANT at your wedding and don't feel like you have to invite everyone under the sun 'just because.”
Remember, it's a wedding, not a high school reunion. OK, we know everyone has that 'crazy uncle' that your mother is insisting you invite -- but the majority of the guest list should be people that you really want to see. If that means your total guest is 75 only people -- great. There's no correlation between having a big wedding and having more fun.2. "Something may go wrong on your wedding day, but at the end of the day, you will be married to the love of your life and that's all that matters. Relax and enjoy it."
The sooner you can come to accept this piece of advice, the better. So the flower girls started crying and wouldn’t walk down the aisle. Who cares? Sometimes things don’t go quite as planned, no matter how much you prepare for emergencies. Remember that what people cherish most about the day is seeing a happy, smiling bride and groom.3. “Don't think you have to buy your wedding dress the minute you get engaged. Take your time and enjoy the process.”
We know it's tempting, but try to wait a few weeks until you get used to the word fiancé, first. Unless your wedding is two months from the time of your engagement, there's no reason to rush buying the dress, even if you think you know exactly what you want. Take your time. Try on several dresses, if possible, at different boutiques, and ask the bridal consultants there to suggest a few styles. Keep an open mind; you may be surprised with what you end up picking out.4. "Be sure to ask the groom what he wants to be a part of. Too often, brides assume that the groom doesn't care when it comes to the wedding details. Don't assume, just ask him."
These days, more and more grooms are getting actively involved in the planning process. And why shouldn't they? It's their day too. If you're worried that your overzealous groom might get in the way, delegate specific tasks that he can focus his energy on. For instance, let him pick out his attire, along with all of the groomsmen; or let him design the seating cards or ceremony programs. Think of it as a bonding experience, and you’ll both probably enjoy the planning more if you’re doing it together.5. "Set your budget and stick to it!"
One of the biggest challenges when it comes to weddings is sticking to your budget without using up all your savings, or those of your parents. Start out determined to stick with your budget. How do you do that? Be realistic. Start with chunks – get your most important items taken care of first…Venue, photographer, dress, DJ, flowers and catering. Then focus on the less expensive items invitations, cake, favors, etc. You might decide, in the end, that you don’t need favors. Set your budget for each item 20% low. This way you will have some flexibility. Save on one item and move that savings to something else. 6. "Make sure you have transportation planned out for the entire day -- not just to and from the wedding venue."
Plan out the entire day in terms of locations: hair, makeup and nail appointments, getting ready at your house, arriving at the church, getting to that special location for your photos, arriving at the reception, and getting to the honeymoon suite. If you're not planning on renting a limo for the whole day, talk to your parents and bridesmaids and designate drivers for different parts of the day. That way, you won't wind up without a ride to the hair salon because everyone else is out running last minute errands.7. "Do projects when you're in the mood to do them, regardless of whether or not it’s the right time. If you come home from work one day eager to address your invitations -- just go with it."
That's right, if you're suddenly in the mood to research honeymoon spots or outline your ceremony -- don't worry if it's not on the timeline. There's no reason that you can't buy the wedding bands eight months in advance, book your honeymoon six months out, or do your seating chart as soon as you receive the RSVP cards. The point is, don't leave anything until the last minute or put off a small task because it seems too early. The months leading up to your wedding will fly by, so try to accomplish something small every week.8. “Spend some one-on-one romantic time with your fiancé every week.”
We know: All that planning and organizing can be draining. And when you're tired and stressed, there isn't always time for romance. Try to take one night a week -- or even better, one day -- where you both commit not to talk about the wedding. Cook dinner together, take a walk, see a movie, and just remember why you're getting married in the first place.
