You’ve been planning for this day since you were five years old. Since the first time you wrapped yourself up in a white sheet with a pillow case hanging off the back of your forehead and holding the hydrangeas you picked from the backyard, you were ready to get married. Suddenly less prepared, the time has arrived to make the big arrangements for your wedding, and it’s less simple than you had imagined. Yes, it’s more than bliss and happiness. It’s a war zone.
In every wedding magazine around you will find budget planners, time schedules, and top ten lists on how to get through planning a wedding “stress-free”. Unfortunately, there is no such thing, but there is a way to get through it as painless as possible, while managing to enjoy yourself along the way.
The biggest favor you can do for yourself is to start early. Give yourself about a year to plan the big event. Though it seems like a long time, most wedding sites will require a notice of at least six to eight months. If your dress needs to be ordered in a different size, this can also take about six or seven months. Most booking arrangements (including catering and music) will need to be made in advance, and the extra time allows you to deal with small problems before they become big ones.
Always keep your eyes open for unique items. Arts and craft stores are great for carrying unique silk flowers, petals, candleholders, and much more. Also, don’t pass by those sale tables so quickly. I found my centerpieces on sale at Mervyns. They only carried a few in stock because they were on clearance, but I was able to find them at other Mervyn’s stores, and they were all marked down to 85 percent off!
When attending bridal fairs and wedding shows, be wary of what you sign your name to. At these events you will find hundreds of businesses promoting flowers, cakes, photography services and many other things they know you will need for your big day. If you sign up for something or even enter for a drawing, they will keep your name and contact information, and they will give it out like candy to all the other businesses they are linked with. Don’t fall for the “free” gift gimmick, because it usually comes with a price.
From the moment your engagement, everyone will have his or her own opinion of how you should celebrate your wedding. Though some may be persistent, stick to your guns and plan your big day for you and your fiancé. After all is said and done, the memories of that day will fade in the minds of many of your guests, but they will remain fresh in your hearts forever. Your opinions are the ones that matter, and even the most opinionated friends and relatives will understand that.
You will receive a lot of advice during this time, but there most important is to plan not only for the wedding, but also for the marriage. Always remember how strong your bond is, and enjoy stepping into a new world together.
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