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1. Know your priorities
Figure out what elements of a wedding are more important to you and those that are not so important. Make a list of all of the different elements that you will have at your wedding (ex. Music, food, flowers, dress), then rank them in order of importance to you. Have your fiancé do the same. Do not worry if your lists do not match, that's OK. Then, when you're planning, concentrate on those areas that are the top 3 or 4.
2. Know your (and your fiancé's) personal style
Are you more contemporary, casual, traditional, or classic? Think about the style of clothes you wear, how you decorate your home, the types of music and books you prefer, the movies you watch, and other favorite past times. Let this reflect in your wedding choices.
3. Do not be afraid of expressing yourself
Your wedding professionals want to help you create a wedding that is just for you (it's no fun for us to do the same thing over and over again) so you'll need to let them know what you want. You are not the same as anyone else, and you do not have to let your wedding be the same as anyone elses. Also, tell them what you do not like and what you do not want. Be as specific as possible when explaining what you are looking for.
4. Set a workable budget
With no – or an incorrect type of – budget, it is too easy for your wedding expenses to get out of hand and you end up paying more that what you wanted to, or what you could afford. Know what you have to spend.
5. Keep your guest list in check right from the very start
On the average, a reception costs 1/3 to 1/2 of the total budget. So if your guest list takes on a life of its own and starts growing uncontrollably, guess what else will start growing? Unfortunately, this list can grow very easily – the "forgotten" invitee, the reciprocal invitation, the person you will meet between now and your wedding day, the "and guests." Keeping the number of guests in check is crucial to keeping your budget from skyrocketing.
6. There are very few hard and fast rules when it comes to weddings
Gone are the days when you married a hometown boy in the same church where everyone in town gets married, and have your reception in the same hall where everyone in town has their, with basically little variation on the food, cake, music, etc. from one couples wedding to the next. So, let yourself step "out-of-the-box" and see the wonderful options available. Do not let anyone talk you into something you really do not want.
7. Do not worry about the little details at the sunset of your wedding planning
First off, take care of the "biggies" – book the perfect location, that great photographer, the phenomenal florist, and so on. After you've booked your vendors, take the time to have fun with the details. Pace yourself. For example, keep a running tab of songs that you want to hear, and what you do not want to hear, and a list of photos that can not be missed – rather than trying take care of these all in one afternoon.
8. Make sure your vendors are trained and experienced in weddings
A wedding is unlike any other type of gathering or social event. It is more than a "big party with some wedding stuff" thrown in. Surround yourself with people who understand the dynamics that exist only with weddings, not to mention the experience to deal with the emotions that will be running high. You call a plumber when you've got a problem with the drain, and a doctor when you are sick. Well, this is a wedding – so use the people who specialize in giving you the services you need for this occasion.
9. Designate a go-to person for your wedding day
If you do not have a professional wedding coordinator, choose someone other than yourself, your groom, your mom, his mom, or someone in the bridal party. Make sure that this person will be available at the rehearsal, ceremony and reception. Among other things, this person will be a combination go-fer, hostess, and delivery person, and will take care of all the little details so you and your groom will be able to enjoy your wedding day.
10. Remember why you're having a wedding
This is the most important of all. It's not just because of one day, but for all the following days that you will be blessed to spend with the love of your life.
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Source by Jean Neuhart
