WEDDING PLANNING TIPS (1)

TEN (10) AREAS YOU SHOULD NOT OVERLOOK

WHEN PLANNING YOUR WEDDING

AREA #1 - BUDGET

A wedding can be quite expensive, and in the bubble of excitement, many times the bride-to-be begins to loosely book vendors and make purchases, only to discover that all of the money is spent and there are still things yet to be accomplished.  If you don't have deposits/and or final payments for the cake, the photographer, the caterer, the band or your dress, you are not going to have that dream wedding you longed for.

Planning your wedding is business, and a very serious business, and should be carefully budgeted for.  DO NOT SPEND money you don't have and maintain a tracking system of all of you expenditures.  You'll be happy you did...especially on your wedding day!

 AREA #2 - MARRIAGE LICENSE

All marriage license rules are not the same!  Know what they are in the municipality you will be obtaining yours from.  Marriage license requirements are time sensitive and you don't want anything preventing you from getting married on your planned date.  FIND OUT WHAT THE RULES ARE AS SOON AS YOU KNOW YOU ARE GETTING MARRIED...particularly those not marrying for the first time.

AREA #3 - INVITING GUESTS

Remember your budget (there's that word again) when creating your guest list, and be realistic about the number of people who will attend.  Expect 75-80% of the number of guests you invite to attend your wedding, and prepare for it.

AREA #4 - INVITATION POSTAGE  
More times than not, your invites will require extra postage.  Check with the post office, by getting an invitation weighed for correct postage before dropping them off for delivery.  Your invitations will be returned to you for insufficient postage if not correctly stamped.  The return condition is not usually a pleasant sight.  Time is of the essence and you don't want any delays with getting your invitations out, and responded to in a timely manner.

AREA#5 - BEING SUPERWOMAN

Oh boy...do I remember trying to wear that cape.  Don't try to do it all by yourself...I repeat, don't try to do it all by yourself.  Take all the help you are offered...and ask for help.  No matter how small the task seems, every bit of assistance helps.  There will be plenty for others to do; addressing invitations, making phone calls, and so on.  When you are offered assistance, accept it with an attitude of gratitude...You'll be glad you did!!!

AREA # 6 - RELIGIOUS CEREMONY

If you are having a religious ceremony in a church, make certain you discuss the wedding date and requirements with the officiant very early in the process of planning.  Make certain of their availability.  Some requirements can occur over a period of time and you don't want to wait too late in the game to get started.  Also, inquire about attire restrictions that may exist...i.e. open shoulders, etc.

AREA #7 - ORDERING YOUR DRESS

Whether you're having your dress custom made or you're buying it ready made off the rack, give yourself plenty of time for the process of having a proper fitting dress.  You will probably have multiple fittings before your dress is "just right."  If time allows, begin the ordering process of your dress 5-6 months in advance of your wedding day.  Don't forget advanced ordering for the bridal party too.  They will also require multiple fittings before the wedding.

AREA #8 - OUT OF TOWN GUEST

Prepare well in advance for your out of town guests.  Hotel reservations for them should be in  the final stage, at least 7-8 months prior to your wedding day.  Include the hotel information in your invitations, so that your guests can book their rooms.

                                                                             
 AREA #9 - BEAUTY PREPARATIONS

DON'T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE.  You're taking a great risk when you wait until the very last minute; such as the day before or the day of, for treatments such as facials, eyebrow plucking and the likes.  Breakouts have been known to occur from non-routine facials.  You want to avoid potential swelling from brow plucking close to your wedding day and crash diets that could lead to health risk.  This is not a memory you want to have of your wedding day.  PICTURES DON"T LIE!

AREA #10 - REMEMBER YOUR PROPOSAL DAY

So the question was popped "will you" and the answer was "yes."  You must not forget what all this preparation is all about.  It really is,  preparing for a new life together.  You will be husband and wife.  Remember to be loving toward one another during the process and know that it is all worth it!