Recently engaged? Five tips to help you get started.1
by Liz Itah
Is the mere idea of planning a wedding stressing you out? Don’t worry! Just relax and remember that your wedding day is intended to be one of the best days of your life. Here are five tips to help you get started.
- Be firm. This is your day. Don’t let over-zealous family members take over. They may decide to make your wedding the one they never had. Try to be accommodating, but firm. Always remember that this is your big day not theirs.
- Budget! Budget! Budget! Did I mention budget?! Keep in mind how much or little you have to spend. Are the families going to chip in or are you flying solo? Try to set a realistic budget for yourself and stick to it. Allow yourself the ability to splurge on what you consider to be the must haves
- Get a wedding organizer. There are hundreds of great books out there, not to mention the countless web sites that offer free planning guides and reminders to help plan your special day. You can also hire a wedding planner who may provide a great deal of assistance if you are considering having a wedding more than 200 miles away from home. By simply looking around, you will be surprised to find that you can make your own guide with a printer and a few good web sites. Try http://www.bestweddingsites.com/ For_The_Bride/ and http://www.advol.com/wedshops/budget.htm for starters. Both sites have a great budgeting and planning worksheets that you can print for free.
- Choose a date. This is probably one of the most critical items on your to-do list. Whether the date is 6 weeks from now or 2 years away, have a general date in mind. If you are on a tight budget try to be more flexible with your big day. You will find reception halls are cheaper on less popular days.
- Start dress shopping! Possibly the most fun of all your to-dos. Make sure to shop around. Go with someone you trust when shopping for the dress. You want someone who will be honest, frank and has your best interest in mind. This is very important since most bridal shops have a non-returnable/ non-refundable policy on all their bridal gowns and accessories.
At the end of the day, just remember to have fun. With all the stress that you will endure you should be able to step back and realize what a wonderful experience the whole thing is. Keep your planning as stress free as possible. Try surfing the Net before you start running around. Dresses, favors and reception sites are available around the clock via the Internet. Family, friends or a wedding planner can help ease some of the pressure, not to mention that they might have some money saving ideas. Your day will come and go so quickly, be sure to treasure every moment.
1. This article came from About.com, Online: http://weddings.about.com/library/blessential1.htm