Advice for Brides-To-Be, Part II

As promised, here are some additional tips for those recently engaged. These focus more specifically on the planning process, but brides-to-be should not forget to care for themselves on the personal side of the wedding planning experience.

1. Make the Essential, Primary Decisions
Determine your wedding style, establish a budget, and then hire a qualified planner. While many brides feel that a planner is unnecessary or that they can handle the entire planning process on their own, what they fail to realize is that it takes over 250 hours to plan a typical wedding! How many modern brides have that much free time on their hands these days? A planner will not only save you time, but can also save you money with their wealth of experience with a variety of vendors. With so much to do and so little time, a knowledgeable planner will assist you in making your wedding day an unforgettable experience. After all -- you only have one day to get it right.

2. Select a Location
Where will the wedding be held? With many people now living away from their hometowns, decisions have to be made as to where the wedding will take place -- the bride's hometown? The groom's hometown? The current place of residence? A destination event? Three major factors will help guide your decision: your personal preference, the budget, and the convenience for your guests.

3. The Ceremony
What type of ceremony will you have? Although many couples still want the traditional/religious ceremony, there are so many options: non-traditional, non-denominational, multicultural, civil, inter-faith, and commitment ceremonies. Be sure to find the right officiant for your choice of ceremony.

4. The Reception
What type of reception will you have? Would you prefer a simple reception or a grand one? Will you want to hold it indoors or outdoors? Will you be serving dinner, cocktails, lunch, or brunch? Will the food be served plated or buffet-style? Will you want to dance during the reception? If so, would you prefer a DJ or a band?

5. The Decorating
To decorate or not? If so, will you make it elaborate or simple? The latter is usually dictated by the choice of venue as some venues have rich decor and may not need any additional decorating. Whatever you decide, be sure that it is the right fit for you and your wedding style.

6. Meet With Vendors
Your planner can assist you with vendor referrals to fit your personality, style, and budget. The planner can even accompany on your visits with vendors and can advise and/or make recommendations when needed. Your wedding planner is there to assist you in bringing your vision to reality, however, you must be very specific in communicating your vision to both your planner and each vendor in order to ensure your wedding style comes to life accordingly.

7. Chose Your Bridal Party
I have had one experience where the bride "fired" her maid of honor two days before the wedding! That being said, be sure to chose your attendants wisely. Weddings tend to bring out the best and worst in people and there will be bumps along the road. So, be sure to carefully select who will make up your "wedding dream team" and do not ask an individual merely out of obligation. Chose those who will really want to make your wedding day memorable.

8. Figure Out the Legalities
Laws vary from state to state, as well as from county to county. A marriage license is typically required, and your marriage is not official until the officiant returns a signed copy back to the city or county from which you obtained the license. In many cases, both you and your fiancee must appear in person to obtain the marriage license, a fee is typically involved, and some counties still require a blood test. Be sure to understand the protocols in your state and county.
>>Suggested reference: Marriage License.com

9. Determine Whether You Will Register for Gifts
Will you register at a local store or at a national chain? In-store or online? Be sure to consider accessibility to your guests. If gifts are not for you, you might decide to register to have money donated to your favorite charity instead. This is very common among couples who have been living together and already have furnished homes and/or don't need gifts for other reasons.
>>Suggested reference: Wedding Registry Tips from The Knot

10. The Rehearsal
The rehearsal is a must for all of your attendants, the parents, and the officiant. You must remember to make sure that everyone is prompt for the rehearsal! I have had a number of occasions where we have been forced to start a rehearsal without the entire bridal party in order to fit into the time constraints of the venue. Remember, everyone needs to get a good night's sleep to prepare for the wedding day -- if your rehearsal is the night before, you don't want to keep your attendants out too late!

These ten tips are key to the wedding planning process. Hopefully, they will help guide you through this wonderful (yet stressful) time! I'll be back soon with a third post for tips post-wedding!

Advice for Brides-To-Be, Part I

It's official -- you are engaged! You cannot wait to share this time-honored tradition with family and friends! You are exhilarated, as you are about to begin planning for that wedding that you have been dreaming about since you were a little girl. As you begin the journey of planning your wedding, you will need to outline your wedding priorities and define your style; there are so many things to consider! However, it is very important that you do not forget to take some time for yourself. These are just a few of the tips I would like to share today... check back soon for Part II!

1. Relax
Nurture yourself, meditate, exercise or do some yoga, get plenty of sleep, write a journal, read, pray, light some aromatherapy candles and soak in the tub. Take a deep breath and take a moment to absorb and appreciate the beauty around you -- this is your time!

2. Pamper Yourself
Join a spa or book visits for a massage and facial. Don't wait until the week before your wedding to get a trial manicure, pedicure, or hairstyle. Take the opportunity to visit your hairstylist early to try out several different styles for the wedding day. Visit a makeup artist and formulate your wedding day look.

3. Maintain a Balanced Diet
Many brides turn to crash diets for pre-wedding weight loss, but before you venture down that path, start eating right and exercising and you will see the pounds melt away without turning to unhealthy habits. Drink plenty of water, cut back on caffeine, and do not start any weight loss programs without consulting your primary care physician.

4. Focus on Your Health
Schedule appointments with your doctor, dentist, dermatologist, or any other specialist you may need.

5. Communicate With Your Fiancee
Stay connected! Spend quality time together -- play a board game, have nice dinners out or at home, watch movies, take walks, or have a spa day together (many spas offer couple sessions). Set aside some time to discuss your wedding plans throughout the engagement and planning period. Communicate often, and effectively!

6. Connect With Those Around You
Embrace and include your closest family and friends during the wedding planning process. This is the best time to learn who will be willing to help you plan, as well as a good time to relate what you expect of them on your wedding day (i.e. be a member of the wedding party, etc).

7. Document It All!
Don't wait until the wedding day to take pictures. You should capture your wedding journey! A camera is a must-have from the engagement, through the planning process, into the wedding day, and during the honeymoon.

Stay positive, stay focused, live, love and laugh... and don't forget to check back next time for more detailed tips regarding the planning process itself!