Tips for planning a wedding

By: Jessica Robinson

Like anything else, planning a wedding takes time and sometimes a lot of money.  Because, like everything else in life, costs simply add up.  When you begin the planning process it can be very overwhelming and stressful.  Follow a few simple tips to plan with little stress.

To simplify your life and the planning process we recommend keeping your planning details to yourself.  Don't post publicly about your plans on Facebook and such.  Everyone has their own opinion and personally, I don't want everyone's input.  Keep plans to yourself and you'll save yourself a huge headache, plus leave much to surprise as guests enjoy your wedding day.

Make an initial guest list and go through it many times.  Ask yourself "have I seen this person lately?"  If not, you might want to reconsider whether they should get an invite.  Weddings are so much more personal these days and you want to share that with family and close friends that are in your everyday lives.  With that initial guest list, you'll have a good idea of where you can host your event.  With a larger number of guests, you'll need to find a venue that can accommodate.  Hunting down a reception venue that fits your needs can be tough.  But, there are many unique options right now.

Browse through colorful and inspiring magazines (such as Well Wed, Southern New England Weddings and La Bella Bride) along with wedding blogs.  Some amazing inspiring blogs are: Style Me Pretty, Wedding Chicks,Well Wed, Every Last Detail, The Knotty Bride and Sparkle and Hay.  While browsing through magazines, you'll notice you select certain things.  You have a style, whether you know it or not... you really do know what you want for your wedding.  I highly suggest, making a collage of sorts (ripe out things you like and recycle the rest of the magazine) of things you like.  Gowns, attendants gowns, shoes, guys attire, flowers, food, etc.