Great Wedding Planning Tips

When planning the guest list, remember that you do not need to invite your co-workers. If there is some one that you work with that you are very close to, that is one thing but inviting 100 people from the office is just a waste of your money on the invitations because only the ones that you are close to will come anyway. The exception to this is if you only work with 10 people. If it is a small close environment like that, most of them will come, if you have been there for a while.

The first step in planning a wedding is deciding how much money you are going to spend and make a budget.

When planning your wedding budget allow 25% more for extras that you haven't planned for.

The music should start thirty minutes before the ceremony. Guests should be seated as they arrive. Groom's parents should be seated five minutes before the ceremony and the bride's parents should be seated immediately before the ceremony.

Order the invitations four months in advance. Invitations should be mailed four to six weeks in advance. Take the invitations to the post office to be weighted for sufficient postage.

On your wedding day bring along an emergency kit with a needle and thread, safety pins, hairpins, hairspray, nail polish and extra pantyhose.

Start shopping for a wedding gown six months in advance. You will need several fittings before it is perfect.

Do your hair and makeup before putting on your wedding gown. The very last thing you should do is put on your wedding gown.

Plan your honeymoon six months in advance. Make all arrangements and reservations well in advance.

Instead of throwing your bouquet, give it to the woman at your wedding who has been married the longest.

The invitations should be mailed four to six weeks before the reply date on the reply card.

If your budget is small, share your joy and happiness with only family and your closest friends.

Is your wedding budget small? The decorations will already be up when you have a holiday wedding.

When selecting a caterer try to sample their food before hiring them. If it is a restaurant, go there to have dinner before you hire them.

If you are having a dinner, use place cards for the tables. It will require a little time on your part to figure out seating, but it will cause much less confusion for your guests at the reception.

When buying a wedding dress don't forget to include extras in the price, like alterations, cleaning, ect.

Invitations should always be addressed by pen, preferably a black fountain pen.

Take extra copies of the passages to be read at the ceremony, someone may will misplace or forget their sheets.

Press flower petals between two glass plates for a unique setting.

Go to a Bridal Show to see what is new for weddings.

An announcement is sent to anyone that lives too far away or will be unable to attend the wedding, but would want to be informed about it. Do not send someone an invitation and an announcement. Unlike an invitation, announcements should be mailed the day of the wedding.

For your wedding day, a classic French manicure is a good choice. Choose soft beige or pink nails with opaque whitened tips for a great classic look.

Be fair to all the girls in your wedding party when selecting the gowns. Choose something flattering for all of them. A-Line gowns are flattering all body sizes and types.

Remember that it is his wedding, too. Some men do not want much to do with the planning but I have found that over half want to. I have also found that most brides ASSUME that he wants nothing to do with it.

If you are using a wedding consultant, make sure that you are all on the same wave length. This is the first day of the rest of your life and it should be as you have always wanted it.

Plan your budget first. The rest you can fit into that budget usually within $100 or so.

When choosing music for your wedding, remember that the music will set the mood. Choose the type of music for the mood you want to set.

The bouquets your attendants carry should be identical and the men should wear boutonnieres on their left lapel.

If you and your fiancée have a disagreement, work it out without involving either set of parents.

If your special day turns into a rainy or wet day, here's a quick tip for saving your dress. Use a large garbage bag and cut two holes in the bottom for your legs. Step into the bag, placing your dress in the bag with you, and pull the bag up to your waist. Secure in place with a belt.

Remember to choose a special song for your first dance together as husband and wife. 

When shopping for your wedding dress, state your price range at the beginning.

Here's a great idea for a bridal shower! Ask each guest to bring a favorite recipe and a utensil used to make it. For example, a meatloaf recipe and a loaf pan. The hostess could give the bride-to-be a recipe box to go with all the new recipes.

Remember to always send a "Thank you" note for all wedding gifts you receive.

When choosing a wedding date, take your guests into consideration. Avoid family birthdays, anniversaries, ect. Also think about those that will be traveling.

View his or her photographs to see if you like their style of photography. If you do, book as early as possible.

Planning a wedding takes a lot of time. If you don't have the time, hire a wedding consultant.

When you are meeting with a florist for wedding flowers, know what your budget will be and the colors you have chosen.

Eat something before your wedding. Even though you might not feel hungry,  try to swallow just a few bites. You don't want to faint on your big day!

Make detailed photocopies of your wedding day schedule beginning that morning and continuing until your departure for your honeymoon. Give copies of the schedule to all parents as well as everyone in the wedding party.

Don't hesitate to ask family and friends to help with preparations. Choose the appropriate task for the person you are asking.

Consider having posed pictures taken before the ceremony, when your makeup and clothes are fresh.