The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Planning: Advice, Tips & Tricks

Welcome to The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Planning! If you're newly engaged and feeling overwhelmed by the thought of planning your dream wedding, you're not alone. It can be a daunting task, but don't worry – we're here to help!

In this guide, we'll give you all the tips, tricks, and (hopefully) some laughs to help you navigate the often overwhelming wedding planning process. From setting a budget (because let's be real, no one wants to start their marriage in debt – except maybe Kim and Kanye) to choosing a venue and selecting wedding vendors, we've got you covered. So sit back, relax, and let us help you plan the wedding of your dreams. Just remember, the most important thing is that you and your partner are happy and comfortable – so if you want to walk down the aisle in a dinosaur costume, go for it! The important thing is that you're able to celebrate your love and commitment in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to you.

Step 1: Set a budget – because no one wants to start their marriage in debt (except maybe Kim and Kanye).

Step 2: Logistics – choose a venue, set a date, and make a guest list that won't have the reception hall or budget bursting at the seams. When it comes to the wedding ceremony itself, it's important to plan out the details in advance. This can include choosing readings, music, and vows, as well as deciding on the order of events. And don't forget to plan for the reception – this is a time for you and your guests to celebrate and have fun, so think about things like music, dancing, and games or activities.

Step 3: Research your vendors – look at portfolios, read reviews, and make sure you feel comfortable working with the vendors you choose. Don't be afraid to negotiate – it never hurts to ask for a discount or try to negotiate a better deal, however keep in mind that you usually get what you pay for, great and experienced vendors are worth it and they charge their worth.

Step 3: Get creative – choose a theme, pick out a dress and attire for the bridal party, and select vendors for everything from flowers to creative wedding photography. Make sure to make this process fun!

Step 4: Stay organized – send out invitations, make transportation arrangements, and finalize details with your vendors. And don't forget to delegate tasks to your bridal party and family – they'll be more than happy to help, and it will give them a sense of ownership in the big day. I recommend to make a detailed timeline that you can use as a structure for your wedding day activities. And don’t forget to give your Dallas wedding photographer enough time during the day to create those magical wedding photos ; )

Step 5: Add those personal touches – create a wedding website, choose wedding favors, and design a wedding program. Make sure to plan for the unexpected – it's always a good idea to have a backup plan in case of inclement weather or any other unforeseen circumstances.

Step 6: Relax and have fun – it's easy to get caught up in the stress and the details, but this is a special and memorable time for you and your partner. So take a deep breath, relax, and have a little fun – after all, this is supposed to be the happiest day of your lives!

One thing to keep in mind is that things may not go exactly as planned on the big day. This is completely normal, and it's important to have a good attitude and stay flexible. If something goes wrong, try to take it in stride and focus on the things that are going well. After all, the most important thing is that you're marrying the love of your life – everything else is just details.

So there you have it – the ultimate guide to wedding planning. It can be a stressful process, but with careful planning and a good attitude you can make it enjoyable, and you can create a wedding that is meaningful, memorable, and perfectly suited to you and your partner.

Good luck, and happy planning!

Wedding Planning I do's & Dont's

1. Relax , Okay it is easier said then done but try not to be a super bride, It's easier to think you can do the wedding planning nuch better than anyone else , but you should try to relinquish some tasks to the rest of the bridal party, family and groom (if he's interested:)

Don't arrive at the big day with unpolished shoes, unassembled party favors and unstamped invitations.

Something you might not know, Is that people want to help with your wedding planning! Especially your bridal party, they want to relieve some stress from you and make this an event to remember.

Do take a spa day, relax and drink a Mojito or 2!

2. Cash bar? This notion can actually come off a little rude and off-putting.

The last thing guest want to do is to flip open their wallets when trying to enjoy a celebratory event. Your wedding! Ask your cater for lower cost options, for example only serve beer and wine instead of mixed cocktails that are steep in price. If you want to include a variety of drinks you don't have to include Top-shelf liquor . When invited to a wedding party you don't want to have to pay for the "fun".

3. Don't keep your guest waiting.

It's understandable that there are things that absolutely need to be done or can't be helped. But one thing that you can do to minimize the down time in between is try to make the ceremony and reception in the same location, if not relatively close. If the locations have large gaps, try to accommodate and provide transportation.

Taking formal pictures after the ceremony? Have your wedding coordinator or wedding photographer have a list on hand of the pictures and the arrangements you must have, all other pictures can be taken later during the reception. Remember, while guest are dancing or eating you can always use these moments to borrow your photographer and take some romantic pictures with your groom .

4. Don't watch a marathon of HGTV and" DIY" your entire wedding.

While I do envy the creative, spunky bride, ' DIY" needs to be in moderation, unless you really just enjoy these things then I say "Go for it!" but once again this is your day, and I highly advise delegating these tasks to other members of the bridal party. The idea of DIY is to save money and make your wedding one of a kind, but if you aren't the really hands on type of bride and you are just trying to save money, then DO beg, borrow or simply buy the rest of the things you need. Some DIY creations can end up being more stressful in the end.

Last but not least

5. Do include your fiance.

This is as much his day as it yours, although most people put the emphasis on the bride, this is a life changing event for the two of you.

Don't get stuck on deciding between mini sliders, crab cakes or flower arrangements, instead focus on your future together and in having a great time, in the midst of all this wedding planning ask him what color he wants to paint the bedroom. Try to avoid wedding talk for 24 hours and plan a date night that centers on the both of you.