Planning For A Wedding

Preparing for a wedding can be exciting and exhilarating yet at the same time stressful and emotional. Planning is the key factor while preparing for your wedding. Get yourself organized, get a wedding planner if necessary, follow suggested timelines and allow plenty of time to deal with untoward or unexpected surprises.

Setting a date

Typically, Saturday and Sundays are good days to have a wedding. However, now weekday weddings are becoming common and often, hotels, photographers and transport companies offer discounts for such days other than weekends. The decision of when to hold the wedding is also dependent on the availability of the church, registrar's office, hotel or other such venue. Ensure that the place is free before you confirm the date.

Determine your budget

It is imperative to set a limit on expenses before you start planning. Decide what aspects are important and determine your budget accordingly. You can even open a special wedding account and set up a regular savings scheme.

Wedding theme

Decide on the theme - formal church wedding, beach wedding, relaxed intimate occasion at a country hotel, Vegas wedding etc. Your theme can be determined by any of your favourite things as well, a fragrant flower, color of you liking, shared interest or hobby. Whatever, the theme or style it may be, your personal touch will make your wedding a memorable one. Invitations, decorations and the venue may also depend on the theme you choose.

Key players at your wedding

Best man and chief bridesmaid should be decided upon carefully as they play an important role and help you to organize events at your wedding. Friends, family and other loved ones are also key players, so involve them as much as possible. Delegating some responsibility will help to lessen your burden. Use professionals like wedding planners and organizers if need be; their advice and experience will smoothen the process and ensure that you don't miss out on anything important.

Plan and time your wedding photos appropriately

If you want your own collection of wedding photographs, hire a professional to take pictures at a suitable time. Ensure that your guests are occupied with drinks and entertainment while you are busy with the photography session. You can even place disposable cameras at different locations to encourage your guests to take candid shots.

Your guests are an important part of the entire ceremony

Do not ignore them, be thoughtful and ensure that they are entertained throughout, while waiting in the receiving line, while going through all your first dances, when your photos are being taken etc. You will always remember your special day; make sure they remember it too.

Wedding favors add a nice touch to the wedding

They are a token of gratitude and appreciation for your guests' time spent at your wedding to make it a memorable one.

Choose your florist, designer etc

Ensure that you have chosen your florist and decided upon the flowers you intend to use at your wedding. Decide on your designer and outfits for you and your bridesmaids. All of this may depend on a special theme or style if any that you may have selected for the wedding.

Do whatever works for you

Are you conservative or modern? Invitations may depend on the theme, may be formal or informal. Bridesmaid dresses may or may not match. Your rehearsal does not have to be the night before. Make decisions that you are comfortable with, that make sense to you, your guests and your budget.

Relax and be yourself

Weddings can be a time of excitement, stress and frustration. Although every wedding couple has the highest expectations of perfection for their special day, remember that the wedding reception is a party to celebrate the marriage. Don't overstress such that you spoil the day. Relax and enjoy!

The wedding day is your special day; a day that you have been waiting for. With so much to look forward to, make the whole planning and organizing process part of the fun. Don't be overwhelmed by it; enjoy the experience!