5. Delegate some responsibilities

Brides and grooms to be tend to feel put upon to make everyone happy during the wedding planning process. However, no one person can do it all -- particularly if that person has to hold down a job or perform any other societal responsibilities. Now is the time to lean on your friends and family. Task your best friend, for instance, to help pick your florist. Call in a favor from Uncle Arnie, the great gourmand, when it comes to choosing the wine list. Be creative. Invite participation.

6. Don't be afraid to make decisions

You will be faced with many, many options on how to do your hair, arrange tables, set up flower arrangements, instruct your band and/or DJ, and so forth. If you leave these crucial decisions to the last minute, you will get overwhelmed and panicked. Instead, resolve at least some of these open-ended questions early on in the process. This will give you the psychological breathing-room you need to de-stress before you take your vows.

7. Decide on your guest-list as early as possible

One way to simplify your guest-list making process is to break your list down into three categories. Category A involves people who absolutely must be invited to the wedding. (For instance, the bride and groom's immediate family, your best friends, etc.) Category B covers people who almost surely will be invited -- provided there is enough room in your budget to invite them. Category C covers outliers whom you might invite if you get enough no-shows back on your RSVP cards.

8. Get your arrangements in writing

Get signed contracts from vendors. Keep a written record of all of these arrangements, and make sure that you have contact information and photocopies of these contracts available on site. You may need to reference them if something does not go according to plan during the wedding.

9. Have your caterer set aside food and drink for you and your groom/bride to be

During the actual wedding, you will likely be so busy greeting people and partying to eat. But when the band packs up and everyone else goes home, your first thought may not be "let's go to the honeymoon suite," but rather "let's finally get some grub on!" After all, you will likely burn up tons of calories bustling about -- so make sure you save some of your delicious wedding food for you and your honey to enjoy.

10. Have Fun!

Your wedding theoretically should be one of the most joyous days of your life. Take the time to reflect on the moment and to embrace the love and affection that brought you and your betrothed together in the first place.

Page 2 of 2 :: First | Last :: Prev | 1 2 | Next