| Recently, my sister got married. The day was | | | | the amount that they can contribute, and below, |
| absolutely incredible; many memories were made | | | | a list of all of the things that they would like to |
| by all. But being the sister and the Maid of Honor, | | | | offer to you and your fiance. |
| I saw many of the bumps in the road of creating | | | | Now it's time to start to make phone calls. I'm |
| the day that my sister had always dreamed of. | | | | sure that if you are of the age to be married, |
| Planning a wedding can be, and most likely, will be | | | | you have a few places in mind where you'd like |
| the most fun and the most frustrating experience | | | | to hold your event. Call them and get some ideas |
| you will ever have all wrapped up into one. | | | | of deposit requirements and balances they will |
| Weddings can get very expensive, very quickly. | | | | require. Call florists, officiants, churches, |
| Although there are many ways to cut costs, it is | | | | photographers, and do a lot of research on the |
| important to figure out a budget prior to getting | | | | internet to find the best prices and make sure |
| started so that things don't spiral out of control | | | | that you pay attention to feedback in chat rooms |
| and cause any unnecessary stress during the | | | | or forum pages. Friends that have been married |
| planning stages. | | | | and people that have had experience with |
| Make a list of EVERYTHING that you feel is | | | | wedding planning are great resources that may |
| important for your big day. This detailed list will | | | | help you save money and find the people that will |
| feature everything from your dress, drinks at the | | | | make your day memorable. |
| reception, officiant and chapel fees, decorations, | | | | Once you have some ideas on prices you can |
| flowers, gifts, rings, catering... You get the point; all | | | | plug in the balances to your sheet and get a |
| the 'wedding bells' and whistles should be included. | | | | better idea of what items you can keep and |
| Sit down with everyone that is going to help you | | | | where you need to cut back. You may need your |
| financially and review the list, i.e.: you and your | | | | mother or a bridesmaid to help you with this |
| fiance, your parents, his parents and any | | | | because you might find it difficult to rate the |
| grandparents or friends of the family that may be | | | | importance of the things on your list. Just keep in |
| contributing. (Please note: use your discretion | | | | mind that if you are married to the person that |
| when you decide whether or not to gather all of | | | | you wish to spend the rest of your life with at |
| these people together at once to discuss finances, | | | | the end of the day, your mission has been |
| you know best if this could potentially cause any | | | | accomplished, the rest is mere details. |
| unnecessary arguments. If you need to, meet | | | | At this point you can start to book dates and |
| with them separately to keep the peace.) | | | | facilities, try on dresses, and meet with florists or |
| Next to each item on the list mark who is | | | | photographers. Throughout your planning, refer to |
| responsible for each item, keeping in mind that | | | | your budget constantly. This will help you stick to |
| they will probably have a limit to what they are | | | | your plan and relieve some of the stress while |
| able to give to you. It will help to make a | | | | planning your dream wedding. Most importantly, |
| separate page with a breakdown of each party, | | | | have fun, this is your day, enjoy it. |