| Keep things in perspective | | | | obligation, instead, only invite those people who |
| Above all else, the very first thing anyone planning | | | | are important enough to you that you wish to |
| a wedding must remember is to keep things | | | | have present on your most special day. |
| clearly in perspective. The actual planning that is | | | | Stick to your budget |
| involved should be considered a part of the | | | | You'll definitely thank yourself long after the last |
| wedding itself, and therefore should be fun, | | | | guest has gone home if you strictly adhere to |
| enjoyable, and memorable. Also, no one wants to | | | | your budget. This avoids stress, tension, not to |
| be remembered as a "Bridezilla" so try your | | | | mention avoiding starting your lives together |
| absolute best to keep your emotions in check, | | | | already in debt. |
| mind your manners, and remember that | | | | Get it in writing |
| everyone really is trying to help, or at least we | | | | If the vendor doesn't already have a formal |
| hope so. | | | | contract, write down everything they are telling |
| Begin planning as soon as possible | | | | you on a piece of paper just as you understand it |
| While it may seem unnecessary to begin planning | | | | and then ask them to sign and date it. If possible, |
| a wedding earlier than a year ahead of time, you | | | | give them a copy for their records as well. |
| may be surprised at how quickly the time will | | | | Without written information you're too dependent |
| pass. Also, many venues and reception sites can | | | | on the honesty, memory and the professionalism |
| be reserved a year to two years in advance | | | | of your vendors. This simple act also helps to |
| making it difficult to find a suitable location. | | | | avoid confusion as to the services you're getting |
| Stay organized | | | | so there are no unpleasant surprises at the last |
| You can never have too many lists and folders to | | | | minute. |
| keep all of your wedding details organized and in | | | | Relax, enjoy, and celebrate |
| one safe place. It's also helpful to create a | | | | Remember that this is probably the most |
| computerized or even a hand-drawn spreadsheet | | | | important, exciting day of your life and you'll want |
| to track of all the important details. Make columns | | | | to be able to remember it as a happy, joyous |
| for to-do lists as well as ones for estimated and | | | | occasion, not one where you were stressed and |
| actual costs of all expenses. | | | | miserable. It's also important to keep in mind that |
| Create a sensible guest list | | | | no wedding can be perfect the entire time and |
| Creating the guest list is perhaps one of the most | | | | having those types of expectations will only cause |
| daunting tasks you'll undertake while planning your | | | | more stress and anxiety. Take whatever happens |
| wedding. It's imperative to decide on a viable | | | | with a grain of salt and realize that this day is one |
| number and stick to it. Remember that all of your | | | | that you'll remember because of your celebration |
| co-workers don't have to be invited along with | | | | of love, not because the caterer forgot to bring |
| the mailman, your 5th grade teacher, and your | | | | the extra napkins. |
| hairdresser. Never invite someone merely out of | | | | |