| Planning a wedding can be supremely overwhelming, | | | | that you'll be paying off for years to come. |
| especially when you're one of those normal folks | | | | You may, however, want to open up a credit card that |
| planning it without the help of a wedding planner. From | | | | you'll use to pay for things for your wedding and your |
| the cake to the invitations, the dress to the first dance, | | | | wedding only. This will help you keep track of your |
| everything has its place, and it all requires organizing. | | | | wedding expenses and might help you rack up some |
| However, there's no need to freak out. The months | | | | frequent flyer miles for your honeymoon! |
| leading up to your wedding will be confusing, crazy and | | | | |
| exhilarating, but most of all, they might just be the best | | | | Next, it's time to decide who makes the cut when it |
| months of your life! So do not stress. This guide will | | | | comes to your guest list. Your attendees, especially |
| help you get inspired to plan the wedding of your | | | | those in the bridal party, end up doing a lot more in |
| dreams. Here are some helpful tips to consider. | | | | your wedding than just standing next to you at the |
| | | | | altar, so you want to make sure that the people you |
| The first order of business is to decide what kind of | | | | pick for your best man and maid of honor can handle |
| wedding you want to have - that's a tall order, isn't it? | | | | the responsibilities you give to them. |
| What this means is to decide upon the tone of your | | | | These roles are a great honor to the people you love, |
| event. Do you want a formal wedding with lots of | | | | so choose wisely. It's wise to choose people who live |
| sparkly lights and a black tie attire? Are you hoping for | | | | close to you, but this isn't always possible. You might |
| something more casual on the beach? Do you want to | | | | also want to discuss how many bridesmaids and |
| fly to Mexico and have a theme wedding? | | | | groomsmen you will want at your wedding - your |
| This is also the time to decide whether you want to | | | | partner might have a different opinion than you on this |
| have a religious ceremony or a secular ceremony. | | | | topic, so you'll want to meet in the middle. |
| Basically, you need to decide how you want your | | | | |
| wedding to feel in general. What will make you and | | | | Now it's time to start looking for a venue! If you're |
| your partner happy? It's a good idea to sit down and | | | | going the outdoor wedding route, look for a scenic |
| discuss this, maybe even do some brainstorming about | | | | beachside location or a beautiful garden in your town. |
| what would make both of you feel great about your | | | | Many venues are booked a year in advance; The |
| big day. | | | | Plaza in New York City famously books years out. |
| | | | | The further out you book, the more likely you are to |
| Next, consider your budget. For the lucky few, budget | | | | get the date and time that you want, and to pay a |
| is no worry, but for most of us, thinking about money is | | | | reasonable amount for it. If you plan too close to the |
| a natural part of any wedding. Start off by searching | | | | date, you might miss out on your favorite location, or |
| for a printable wedding budget sheet - these are | | | | be forced to pay through the nose to book it. |
| pretty easy to find on the Internet. Look at the current | | | | |
| state of your finances and consider how much you | | | | Lastly, enlist your support systems. Planning a wedding |
| can save in each month leading up to your wedding. | | | | is great, but it's also stressful. Having good people |
| Talk to your parents and your partner's parents to see | | | | around you who will help you choose a photographer, |
| if they'd like to contribute anything to your wedding. If | | | | a venue and more are great assets to planning a |
| so, ask them how much they'd be willing to give, or if | | | | great wedding. If you are an extremely busy individual |
| they'd like to pay or something specifically, like the | | | | and have the cash to spare, consider hiring a wedding |
| cake, the invitations or the DJ. | | | | planner who will get things organized for you. You can |
| Lastly, decide if you're comfortable borrowing money | | | | also visit online forums to seek advice from other |
| and going into debt for your wedding. This is a risky | | | | recently married couples. |
| thing to do in such a tenuous economy, but each | | | | No matter how stressed you get, try to remember |
| couple is different. Married couples often fight over | | | | that when the big day comes, all of your effort will be |
| money even when they're not in debt, so it's advisable | | | | worth it. |
| to plan a wedding that you can afford, not a wedding | | | | |