How to Plan a Wedding with Less Stress

You think you know how to plan a wedding until you are engaged and face the prospect yourself. After the first moments of dizzy love after the proposal, you realize you are the star couple of the next wedding. These few simple tips will help you remember how to plan a wedding every step of the way.

First of all, remember to relax. Everything will work out when you are patient and well organized. Keep in mind it is a celebration of love and stay focused on the true meaning of the day. Have a vision of what you want your wedding to be. Discuss your dreams together and wrap your wedding plans around them, whether you both want a Cinderella fantasy day or a destination ceremony in the Caribbean. Start a binder with thoughts, ideas and telephone numbers for prospective vendors.

Choose a date for your wedding so you know the season and timing. Set a realistic budget and stick to it… Make sure your budget is practical and based on actual funds. Write down your budget in a special notebook and plan to spend 10 percent less. By doing this, you will have enough extra money to cover those inevitable unanticipated expenses at the last moment. Write down everything you spend as you go in the designated wedding budget notebook. Maintain a folder with receipts so you can easily reference your expenses and verify deposits. Open a separate bank account designated for wedding expenses to keep yourselves organized. This is also excellent practice for married life together.

Order your wedding rings, as they are a central part of the ceremony. If you want them engraved, decide the sentiments you want to share. Figure out how many people you want to share your special day with. Do you want a small, intimate gathering of your closest friends and family at a posh restaurant? Have you always wanted a wedding with hundreds of guests in a garden setting? Write your guests on paper and start assembling addresses for wedding invitations. This will be the beginning of your telephone book together as a married couple. Choose your wedding attendants so you can ask them as soon as possible to help you with your special day.

Choose a site for your wedding ceremony and reception. Make sure the site is available for your wedding date. Verify the rules, regulations and restrictions at the venue for your ceremony and the reception location. Review menu options so you can serve all your favorites. Select a theme for your wedding day so you can order invitations, thank you cards, decorations and favors that match for a professional feeling throughout every aspect of your day.

Talk to friends and family for recommendations then review various vendors to create a mood on your wedding day. Consider a caterer, clergy, hairdresser, music, entertainment, florist, photographer and video pro to add to the atmosphere and capture moments during your wedding. Make sure to find out the requirements for a marriage license. Sign up with gift registry services so guests know what wedding gifts to purchase.

Attire is another way to create a feeling throughout your wedding day. The bridal gown, veil, shoes and accessories often need to be ordered in advance. Find out about tuxedo rentals for the groom and his attendants. Bridesmaid dresses need to be chosen and ordered based on the color scheme and theme of the day. Remember special outfits for the flower girl and ring bearer, which will often need to be altered as children grow quickly.

Decorations throughout your ceremony location, reception and on the way to the honeymoon bring a celebration everywhere you go. Flowers, a ring bearer pillow, a flower girl basket and pew markers add elegance to your ceremony venue. Centerpieces and wedding favors are expected elements at your wedding tables for your guests to bring home to remember your special day. Remember to select thoughtful gifts for your wedding party. Make sure you have decorations for the getaway car from your reception to the honeymoon.