| Perhaps the most exciting time of your life will be | | | | everything else fall into place. Nothing is worse |
| your wedding, the one perfect day that every | | | | than being seated like sardines and not being able |
| young girl dreams of. The best chance of having | | | | to move for an entire wedding. People like to |
| that storybook wedding become a grown-up | | | | mingle and socialize at weddings, make sure you |
| reality is with plenty of proper planning. | | | | give them ample room to do so. |
| If you are that grown-up little girl, are getting | | | | Another important factor when deciding on your |
| married to one or just happen to know one, this | | | | guest list is whether to invite children or not. If |
| simple guide will outline helpful tips for planning | | | | you choose to invite them, are there going to be |
| what can be one of life's most stressful, although | | | | any age restrictions? If space and cost are an |
| joyous occasions. | | | | issue, don't feel guilty about opting for an adult |
| Date, Time and Location | | | | only reception, and this is how it should be |
| First decide on the date, or at least narrow it | | | | worded on the invitation, by the way. |
| down to the season, then the month, and where | | | | Food & Drinks |
| you want the nuptials and the reception to take | | | | If your reception site offers on-site catering, you'll |
| place. Choose the time for the ceremony to | | | | have to decide what you want served and if |
| begin, which should coincide with the available time | | | | you'd prefer a sit-down dinner or a buffet. Does |
| of the reception site. | | | | the facility have wedding cakes as well? If you're |
| Decide on a Budget | | | | getting an outside caterer or enlisting the help of |
| This is the biggie, perhaps the most important | | | | friends and family to prepare the foods and |
| decision you'll make when planning your wedding, | | | | desserts, you'll also have to decide on the menu |
| after saying yes, of course. A budget, one that's | | | | and what you can or can't afford. |
| strictly adhered to, will keep your wedding plans in | | | | Is there room in your budget for alcohol and if so |
| check, and with a little creativity, allow you to | | | | what kind? Does the reception site provide it and |
| have exactly what you want without breaking the | | | | at what cost? Is there a full bar or an open bar? |
| bank. If parents are contributing or even footing | | | | How many drinks will you realistically need per |
| the bill, everyone should be a part of the | | | | person? |
| budgeting process, if possible. | | | | Flowers & Entertainment |
| Be realistic when planning the budget and with | | | | For flowers and decorations that won't take up a |
| your expectations. Is it really wise to go into debt | | | | huge part of your budget, always use flowers |
| for the first five years of your married lives for | | | | that are in season because they cost less. Use |
| that one day, albeit an important one? You must | | | | plenty of greenery, which is considerably cheaper |
| both decide what you can comfortably afford | | | | and looks flattering as well. Opt for fewer |
| long before the final colors, flowers and cookies | | | | attendants, reducing the number of bouquets and |
| are chosen. | | | | boutonnieres and use the flowers from your |
| Who to Invite and How Many | | | | ceremony at your reception. |
| This depends on a few factors, such as your | | | | Hiring an experienced DJ as opposed to a band will |
| budget and the location of your ceremony and | | | | keep your entertainment costs down, but if you |
| reception. Planning your guest list after deciding on | | | | must have one, opt for a smaller ensemble as |
| a budget amount and sticking to it will help | | | | opposed to a full band. |