There are three main stages in planning a successful wedding. They are as follows:
Budget, Budget, Budget
Most agree this is the essential first step. Different formulas are offered to arrive at a final figure. Then couples are advised to apportion their cash according to what they can afford: practical, sensible advice.
Set your priorities and plan your budget around them. If being married in a designer gown is all you have ever wanted, get the gown. You may have to forgo the exotic floral arrangements and Uncle Tom will have to do the video. Such is the price of beauty.
Maybe you and the groom want a huge party with 200 guests, but that leaves your catering allotment on the low side. Invite the guests and plan a picnic theme. You can still have good food, presented more simply.
Talk to your Parents
After you know the direction you are going to take, have a meeting. Sit down with both sets of parents and any significant others. This is not as easy as it sounds. It’s a big moment for all involved and they might have a vision of their own. Now is the time to use your diplomacy skills.
Explain what you have planned so far. Let them know that you and your fiancé would like to accommodate any special requests they have, if possible. It may turn into a “wouldn’t it be nice?” dialogue. This is when you need to hold on tight to your step one decisions. Be kind yet firm.
Enjoy the Ride
This is only at the bottom of the list because it is absolutely the most important and you should never forget it. Planning your wedding should be fun. Relax.
Don't get hung up on personally handling details that can be delegated to the experts you hire. Listen to them and allow for their proficiency. They have done this hundreds of times and know what works. On your wedding day they own the stress of performance, not you.
Trust in your intuition and common sense. Do what you think is best, not what the wedding books say is best. If you love red roses but read they are inappropriate at casual daytime affairs such as yours, use them anyway. Perfect means: perfect for you.
Preparing in this way is not a surefire way to make your planning problem-free. There will always be issues that arise. Remember this step three and keep going!
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