Planning a wedding can be very stressful, I know, I am planning one myself. No matter how prepared you are there is always something that comes up. I have found some helpful tips that I would like to share with fellow Brides-to-be!

Get a calendar. This is extremely important, whether it’s an electronic or an actual planner, this will come in handy with keeping your appointments up to date and keeping everything in one spot. I received a bridal planner as an engagement present from my Maid of Honor and it has become my Bride Bible! I definitely recommend.

Set goals for yourself. Once I got engaged I started planning right away, I knew my date and I was determined to book the big things by a certain time. I was engaged in May and my goal was to have the Reception Hall, the Photographer, the Florist and the Church all by December. I knew that during the holidays and starting my new job I would be very busy, so my plan was to get the time consuming stuff out of the way first and leave the little details for the next year.

Include your groom. This can be frustrating since you have been planning this day since you were 5 years old! Through my experience planning, I have learned that your groom will secretly want to get involved but will not tell you. It is also important that if you both are putting out the money then you both should decide on things together. My fiancé was very flexible, he was fine with whatever I chose but I made sure he was there for the tours and appointments with each vendor because it is also his wedding! We know this day is all about the bride but the groom should know what’s going on, and who knows, they may surprise you with their suggestions.

Use the bridal websites. There are tons of free websites out there, The Knot, Brides.com, etc. Sign up for a free account. There are so many helpful things on those sites, pictures, reviews, blogs from other brides-to-be, even a check list so that you are staying on the right track! I have used the community blog for several questions that I had and also to see what other brides were doing. Sharing ideas is key and again you might be surprised with the help you get from other brides in the same situation as you.

Know your budget. This is EXTREMELY helpful to you and your vendors. If you know how much you have to spend on each item than you won’t waste your time looking at the expensive things and getting your heart set on something that you really can’t afford. You will only focus on things that specifically fit into your budget. This also helps if you do not know exactly what you want and will narrow down your choices.

Don’t get frustrated. If I learned anything from all this planning is to take your time. It’s your day, you only get married once! Don’t feel bad if it takes you 2 hours to pick out an invitation or you make 3 visits with the same 2 florists so that you can decide on which place you really like! Of course, every bride wants everything perfect and it will be; just take your time! You are not a “Bridezilla” because you want all of the details to be exactly how you want them. There is no crime in perfection and everyone’s perfection is different. Your vendors are getting paid very well so let them work with you; don’t make it the other way around.

I hope you find this article helpful, I am fortunate to have great bridesmaids, family and even friends who are planning their weddings for support. Sometimes the best advice is from the experiences that you go through yourself. Good luck Brides-to-be and happy planning!!

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