Your wedding date is one of the very first steps in the wedding planning process. For the most part, the first question that a vendor will ask you is the date of your wedding. There really is no set timeline for the wedding planning process, but the following questions should help you decide on a date that will work for you:

• What kind of wedding are you having? If you are having a very simple wedding with only a limited number of guests, you may not need a year or more to plan; however, if you are having a 500 person traditional wedding the planning time will be much higher.
• On what day of the week do you want to be married? If you are looking to have a Saturday wedding, you will need to plan in advance, because there are only so many Saturdays in a year. The general rule is that a lot of popular venues book about a year in advance, depending on the area and the season. If you are having a Friday or Sunday wedding, the venues and vendors may not book up as quickly.
• Is there a day that has special meaning to you?  Maybe there is a day that has some special meaning to you.  If there’s a date that will bring special meaning to you, maybe you’d like to make it your wedding day.
• Are you into easy to remember dates?  If you are looking for dates that are unique or easy to remember like July 7, 2007 (ie. 07/07/07) or August 8, 2008 (ie. 08/08/08), you will need to plan even more in advance.  These dates are extremely popular for weddings, especially if the day falls on a Saturday.
• What type of planner are you?  If you are a procrastinator, you may not want to leave too much time for planning because you’ll just end up doing everything in the last week.  If you are a procrastinator, just make sure that all of the big items are set, the smaller things can wait until the end.  If you are someone who gets overwhelmed quickly, you may want to have lots of planning time because with so much to plan it is easy for almost anyone to feel overwhelmed.
• How willing are you to compromise?  If you are willing to compromise on your date, you may have more  booking options or may be able to work things out even with a shorter timeline.
• Is there a season that you have your mind set on?  Have you always wanted a Christmas wedding, or a fall reception, or spring nuptials?  If so, you may need slightly less time to plan than if you are having a wedding in the summer, as this is generally the wedding “high” season.
• Do you have guests coming from out of town?  If there are people coming from out of town that you really want to be there, you may not want to choose days that are very close to important holidays; however, if there is a long weekend that isn’t say a special holiday, it may be a great time for them to take a small trip.  In addition, if there are important people that are say teachers, or work in jobs where it is difficult to book time off, you may want to consider a holiday weekend or a time when they might be more likely to make it.  You will never be able to plan around everyone’s schedule, but having your “very important people” (ie. your wedding party, very close family members, etc) at your wedding may be extremely important to you.

Many people will tell you that one year is generally enough to plan a wedding, but there are a number of factors to consider.  The important thing is to choose a date that you are comfortable with for planning purposes and to find a date that works for you and your future spouse.

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So…the day big day is almost here…you’re getting nervous…and you’re completely stressed out! It seems that in the last few days people all of a sudden appear to ask you if you’ve done this…or if you’ve thought of that…when you are obviously on the brink of losing it. Be assured that with any wedding there are always problems to be resolved, last minute things to do, and lots of people “trying to help” but really just driving you crazy in the last days or weeks before your wedding. Here are a fews ways to make sure that you make down the alter without having a breakdown:

• Remember the purpose: In the last few days, there are so many things that you are doing and finishing, it is easy to get caught up in all of the details and forget what you are actually doing…you are marrying the person of your dreams! In the end, it’s not about whether the napkins are not folded perfectly, or the chair covers are a shade off, it’s about celebrating you and your future spouse! Even though you are busy, find some time to be together, even if it is just meeting for a quick lunch, or taking an hour to do something fun together, it will remind you of what is really important. When you are taking time for each other, there should only be ONE rule…no wedding talk. Finding a way to stay connected during the pre-wedding craziness will help you to relieve some of the stress.
• Make a list: With so much going on, it is way too easy to forget something. Keep a detailed list of what needs to be done. Don’t be depressed at how much there is to do, at least when you have a good list, when someone asks if there is anything they can do to help, you can find something on the list for them to do.
• Spend some time with your peeps: If you have last minute things to do, gather a group of your closest friends or family members for a last minute to-do party. Invite people that you really love to hang a around with. If you are laughing and having fun, you’ll get things done and de-stress at the same time.
• Make some time to be alone: In the last few days, you have people over all the time, and people calling you 24/7. Take some time to just be alone for a few minutes. Even if it means going for a quick jog, a tanning session, or going to the store on your own…just do it. If you have a few minutes alone, you can gather your thoughts and be in a better mood to deal with everything.
• Get some sleep: With so much going on, sleep seems like a luxury but most people do not deal well with stress when they are sleep deprived. Get help with things or delegate tasks if need be, but do not stay up all night. Without sleep, you’ll just be cranky, emotional, and you won’t be looking your best.

It may seem inconceivable right now, but you will get through it, and it is worth all of the work. The most important thing is to enjoy the whole experience because it really does go by fast.

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No mater what aspect of your wedding, finding the right vendor is extremely important. The right vendors will work with you to make things perfect. In addition, your vendors can really help you stay on budget, offer advice, and provide suggestions based on their experiences. Here are some tips and things to consider when choosing your wedding vendors:

• Get referrals: If you know someone who has recently been married, talk to them and see if there are vendors that they would recommend. In addition, ask them what they liked and disliked about their wedding vendors because what may be really important to them may not be quite as essential to you. If you don’t know anyone who’s getting married or has recently gotten married, you can look online. There are plenty of forums with brides discussing the vendors they’ve used. One caveat is to read vendor reviews with caution. Although the reviews can be extremely helpful, you need to understand that some people are almost impossible to please. Also, keep in mind that there are always two sides to every story. The vendor may have done things the way they understood them to be, but the bride may not have communicated things exactly the way she had envisioned them. We’ve all know some “bridezillas” who are extremely tough on their vendors, so keep this in mind.
• Talk to at least 3 vendors before making a decision: Talking to a number of different vendors for each item will help you to choose the right people for you. There are just some vendors that you will connect with and for some reason you’ll just know that you are on the same page with things. Even if the first vendor you talk to seems like the perfect match, I would still recommend seeing some other vendors because you may get some good suggestions, and budget saving ideas. If you are still convinced that the first person was the right one, you’ll gain some confidence in your decision. When talking to vendors communicate what you expect to the best of your abilities. In order to ensure that you are satisfied, you need to make sure that they understand what it is that you are looking for. The more specific you can be, the better. Good communication will also ensure that the quote that they provide you will be as accurate as possible. If you don’t know exactly what it is you want, don’t be afraid to ask for suggestions and work out the details using their experience, you preferences, and the budget. Just make sure that when you are done going through everything that you are both on the same page and that you feel positive about what has been decided.
• Don’t make price the only factor: Although the budget is very important, it should not be the only factor in your decision. When comparing price, however, make sure that you are not comparing apples to oranges. You’ll need to consider everything that is included. Are there extra items or services offered by a vendor? In addition, you need to consider the vendor’s reputation, their willingness to answer your questions, their openness to working with you, and your ability to communicate well with each other.
• Honesty: The best vendors will tell you up front if there is something that cannot do for you, if they don’t think that you would be satisfied with something, of if there is something that they can suggest that might be a better option for you. Personally, I would rather deal with a vendor who is honest and up front with me. What I don’t like are the vendors who promise things and then cannot deliver, or increase the price significantly than originally discussed to deliver on their original promises.
• Think things over: In most cases choosing vendors can be difficult because you are afraid that they will be booked if you don’t make up your mind right away, but take at least some time to think it over. Once you’ve decided on a vendor, you generally need to make some kind of deposit, so changing vendors later on can cost you. In addition, it can be stressful to run around at the last minute to find a new vendor if you need to make a change. Take a little time and be confident about your decision.

When talking to vendors, communicate your expectations clearly, keep an open mind, and you will find the best people for your wedding.

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The first step to planning any style, size, or type of wedding is really to think about it and talk it out. You likely have some ideas as to what kind of wedding you are looking for, your future spouse may also have some ideas. In order to avoid any miscommunication, and lots of arguments, talk about things first. Here are some key things to think about and discuss with each other:

• Where do you want to get married? (ie. destination wedding, your hometown, your future spouse’s hometown, the city you live in now?) This may seem extremely basic, but if you’ve never discussed getting married before you may not realize that this could be a conflict.
• What type of wedding are you looking for? (ie. formal, informal, indoor/outdoor, etc). If you want white linens, black ties, and an orchestra and your future spouse wants burgers, beer, and heavy metal, you may want to have a discussion and find a compromise before booking a violinist.
• What are both of your priorities, the things that you will not compromise on? Each of you should make a list of 3 things that you have to have for your wedding. (ie. your future spouse has always wanted to drive a vintage car to his wedding, or you’ve always wanted pink tulips for you big day). These items have to be of utmost importance and should be priorities in your planning. Most often, the bride takes the lead in the wedding planning, but if your future spouse’s top 3 must haves are taken into account, the day will turn out great for both of you.
• Where is the money coming from and how much will there be? You and your future spouse need to understand each others views on how much you are willing to spend. To avoid fights, disappointment, and potential bankruptcy, this must be discussed right from the beginning. You should also decide if family/friends will be helping out and how to approach them about it. Keep in mind, if family/friends provide financial support, they may have some expectations that they also get some say in the planning or details.
• What family values, religious views, and/or family politics may play a role? You have likely met your future spouse’s family before, but you likely do not understand how much they can play a role in the planning of your wedding. Find out if your future spouse “has to” invite all 625 members of his/her extended family, or if your wedding will be boycotted unless you get married in a church, etc. You may choose the do things you own way regardless of the family politics; however, you should at least consider your other half’s thoughts and understand the potential consequences.

At this point, the possibilities are endless. If you both have a good understanding of each others’ thoughts about your wedding, you can plan things accordingly or at least you have ample time to battle it out if necessary.

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You finally have the guy of your dreams, a ring, and now you get to plan the wedding you’ve thought about since your were little. It’s a big task, takes a lot of time, and there are a lot of things to consider. If everyone had an endless supply of time and money, wedding panning would be easy, unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Here are some wedding planning tips to think about:

• The day is all about you and your fiancé…don’t let others make it about them. There are always family and friends that have their own ideas about your big day. Try to make sure the day turns out the way you want it to, you hopefully will only have one wedding…so make it yours.
• Get creative…it will save you money and make the day truly unique. If you are planning a low budget wedding, you will need to be creative with party favors, decorations, invitations, etc. Try using things that may not be intended for weddings or items that you change a bit to suit your décor. Even if you have unlimited funds, being creative will set your wedding apart and make sure your guests remember the details.
• Make lists, write things down, and stay organized! With so many details, you won’t remember everything. Unless you have a wedding planner, make sure to have a notebook or wedding planning book, and keep everything in one place. When you plan things almost a year in advance, if everything isn’t in one place, you’ll never remember where you put a contract or someone’s contact information.
• Location…location…location! If you are truly happy with the venue for your ceremony and reception, things will fall into place a lot easier. Find places that you really think are already beautiful, the decorating won’t be as difficult or expensive. Also, when comparing venues, keep in mind the services that they offer, the food (if applicable), the location, the cost, and their reputation.
• Beware of too many do-it-yourself projects! Do-it-yourself projects are great because they can save you money and are really fun; however, you need to keep in mind how much time you will need to do everything, usually they take longer than you originally thought. Make sure you have help, and budget for some sample or practice materials.
• Book early. If you are planning a cheap wedding, you really need to book early. Often the cheaper vendors (ie. photographers, dj’s, cake people, etc) with good reputations are snatched up early. In order to make the most of your budget, don’t wait until the last minute.
• Make a realistic budget and try to stick to it. The budget is a big decision, you need to balance what you can afford, and a realistic amount for the wedding that you want. It is really hard at the beginning to consider everything and what everything will cost. Seek advice from someone who knows, look at budgeting checklists, and really do your research! Once the budget is set, try to stick to it! It becomes very easy to go over budget by adding things, upgrading services, or by losing track of what you’ve spent. Keep records, and remember that it is only one day…you don’t want to go bankrupt or be paying for it for years!
• Make contingency plans. Plan as if things are going to go wrong, because the likelihood is that some things will. Always consider the possibility that the weather may be bad for outdoor weddings or for pictures. Have family or friends ready to help out if anything last minute comes up.
• Be flexible…you may need to compromise on some details, but if you keep an open mind, you may be surprised to find that things may turn out just as good or better than originally planned. Unless you have unlimited funds, there will be things that are too expensive or unavailable. Don’t dwell too much on the small details, you can find ways to change things without compromising your theme or the mood that you want to set.
• Have fun! Although it is a lot of work and can be very stressful at times, it really is a fun party to plan. Enjoy it!

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