| ign="center"> | | | | the little details of the wedding, such as apparel. |
| Of course, every detail of any bride's wedding is | | | | 7.) Wardrobe — Of course, for many brides, it's |
| important. But, there are some steps that you can go | | | | all about the dress. But, you don't want to forget about |
| over in advance to make the months ahead as simple | | | | what your wedding party, as well as your groom will |
| as possible. You can use these steps to help outline | | | | be wearing. You may want to match the wardrobe |
| the planning of your wedding. | | | | with the theme and colors of the wedding. Keep in |
| 1.) Budget — One of the biggest mistakes that | | | | mind the time of year that your wedding will take |
| brides' make is not setting a budget. You should set | | | | place. Think about your shoes and jewelry, and factor |
| the maximum amount you are able to spend. If you do | | | | these into your budget. |
| not have an amount set, you could be very | | | | 8.) Invitations — You will want to get your invite |
| unpleasantly surprised at the end of your planning. You | | | | list together fairly early in your planning. You will need |
| do not want to be spending your honeymoon trying to | | | | an estimation of the number of guests who might be |
| figure out how you will foot the bill, or worrying about | | | | attending for seating, food, etc. Keep In mind that your |
| debt. | | | | budget will rely deeply on the amount of guests at |
| 2.) Date- Think about the date that you would like your | | | | your wedding. Think about what your invitations will be |
| wedding to be. At first, you may want to pick a month, | | | | like. Will they include reception cards, maps, or other |
| and work from there. Be sure to allow yourself enough | | | | elements? Also look into the price of your invitations. |
| time to organize the details. You don't want to stress | | | | Decide whether you will order invitations, have |
| yourself out pulling everything together right before the | | | | someone you know make them, or make them |
| wedding; and guests from out of town will want to | | | | yourself. |
| have plenty of time to make plans. Be careful in | | | | 9.) Rings — Don't let your wedding rings get lost |
| choosing a date. Be sure that it is not a busy time of | | | | in the mix. You will want to figure these into your |
| year, such as a holiday or during graduation, etc. | | | | budget as well. It would be wise to do some shopping |
| 3.) Wedding Party — You will probably want to | | | | around. You will want plenty of time to pick them out |
| choose your wedding party early on. You will need to | | | | and get them sized before your wedding. |
| know who is in your wedding party when planning the | | | | 10.) Food — Food will be a major element in |
| wedding ensemble, etc. People's lives get very busy | | | | your budget. You will want to determine the food |
| and things come up, so keep them updated on the | | | | arrangements for your rehearsal dinner and reception. |
| events to come. You will probably want to pick a maid | | | | You will also want to start determining where you will |
| of honor, man of honor, flower girl, ring bearer, | | | | have your cake made, and what style of cake you |
| bridesmaids, and groomsmen, as well as any other | | | | would like. |
| special attendants. | | | | 11.) Music — Decide if you will want music during |
| 4.) Location — It is a good idea to think about | | | | your ceremony and reception. There are many |
| where you would like your wedding to take place. | | | | different options when it comes to music. You could |
| Would you like to have your wedding in a church, or | | | | simply have somebody play recorded music, or you |
| would you rather have it in another location, such as | | | | could hire somebody to sing or play music at your |
| outside or in a special location? Keep in mind, that if | | | | event. The latter will, of course, be tighter on your |
| you are not the member of a church, marriage | | | | budget. Another option would be to have a DJ or a |
| counseling or other special arrangements may be | | | | band at your reception. Make sure you know the |
| required to be married there. If you are having a | | | | details of their fees. |
| reception, look into where you will want have it. | | | | 12.) Vows — Many of us get lost in the planning |
| Contact each establishment, and see if the date that | | | | of our wedding, and forget what the big day is all |
| you want is available. Ask about prices and booking | | | | about. Sit down with your partner and talk about your |
| information. Some reception sites will have discounts if | | | | vows, and what they mean to the both of you. You |
| you also have them cater the food at your event. | | | | may want to write your own vows, keeping in mind |
| 5.) Officiator — The location of your wedding | | | | that this special event is no joke, and is an important |
| may determine who will be the officiator of your | | | | decision for you both in the rest of your lives. |
| wedding. The preacher or pastor of a certain church | | | | 13.) Extras — After you have thought about all |
| will most likely officiate your wedding if it is held there. If | | | | the major steps in the planning of your wedding, you |
| you are having your wedding in a different location, | | | | can tie all the little details together. Here are some |
| you may want to hire an officiator. You can check | | | | things you may want to include in the big event: |
| with your local clerk magistrate to see if he will attend | | | | programs, ring bearer's pillow, cake topper, flower girl |
| weddings off site. Make sure that you know about all | | | | basket, flowers, etc. You will also need to check into |
| fees required for your officiator. Most will want to be | | | | applying for your marriage license. |
| paid before the event. | | | | I wish you all the best in the planning of this very |
| 6.) Theme / Colors — You will probably want to | | | | special event in your lives. Don't forget why you are |
| pick a theme or set of colors for your wedding. This | | | | getting married in the first place, and have fun |
| will set the tone and décor for the event. For many | | | | designing your wedding. Don't be afraid to include your |
| brides, this is an important decision, as it will set the | | | | partner in the process, and remember that it is their big |
| mood of their wedding. It will also determine many of | | | | day, too! |