PLANNING YOUR WEDDING

YOUR ENGAGED! Congratulations. Maybe it was a suprise, maybe it's long overdue - but this really is a fun time of your life. Enjoy it!

As you start to plan your wedding remember this - it's not the end of the world. Keep your head. And write yourself a note right now that says "I'm so excited to plan my wedding" with the date and your signature. Put it in your purse - then on that day (OH believe me, it will come) but, on that day when you are stressed, overwhelmed and could care less what shade of light blue is in the ribbon of the table arrangements - pull out that note... it will give you a laugh!

Now to the fun... planning a wedding requires patience and creativity. You must be ready for the coordinating event of your life time and a time management task like non you've ever enountered. Along the way you'll meet people you've never knew of - from the dress fitter and ice sculptureer, florist and postmaster!

You have more experience than you think because you've coordinated other events and possibly you've been a bridesmaid. That is excellent training ground, funny thing was, when I started planning my wedding, more people popped up saying they'd plan it, yet these were some of the most unhappy people I remember as they were planning their own weddings! I say rely on the experts and get a good wedding organizer or hire a wedding planner. Wedding suppliers will be a wonderful resource in planning your big day because this is what they do every day. My advice, listen to what they say, but make your own decisions.

Before you can book a venue or start contacting suppliers you must decide on your budget. Then you must decide on what your "can't do withouts" are... for example my sister wanted the aisle to be filled with beautiful flowers. It was. I wanted the extravagant cake. It was. If you have your one budget buster, it's the thing I've always dreamed of, it will make your planning and budgeting easier. HINT: the flowers your bridesmaids carry can be used as table centerpieces.

Your family and friends can be a teriffic source of talent for your special day. It was not too long ago that weddings were small town events so why does it seem strange to have Aunt Alice use her beautiful writing on the envelopes instead of printing labels? She may love the opportunity to be involved, offer to pay her, and when she refuses, remember her with a special gift.

There are so many fun ways to personalize your wedding with reception gifts and fun just come up with your theme and GO!

Wedding gowns are a tricky topic. There are many great bargains to be found at second hand shops. Really? Yes, many are filled with wedding gowns. Think about it, what are you going to do with your gown after the wedding? Mine is boxed. What's the point of that... some other bride may love to wear it! Think about this option for after your wedding. The quicker you sell it, the likely hood it may still be a current fashion style. Also look on line for bargain wedding gowns online and on ebay, you may be able to find (or sell) your bridesmaid gowns. Even though you say "you'll be able to wear it again" how many bridesmaid gowns do you actually see again in public? Outside of the radio program hosting the ugliest bridesmaid gown contest!

Once you've got a budget look for the venue as soon as possible. The venue will be dependent on if you are having a religious or civil ceremony. You'll want it close to the reception venue. By all means think of your guests. If you're serving alcohol make sure you have a hotel near by. If you've planned your reception right all of your guests will have a wonderful time. We had our reception at the hotel and the next morning were able to have breakfast with the gift opening included in the price!

Once you've set your date - tell people! It may seem strange to alert people to an event coming 11 months down the road, but believe me you want to get on their family calander. Other events come up and this is your special day it would be sad to have guests turn you down, only because they had a prior engagement.

Finaly, consider taking out wedding insurance. Why? The "I'm so excited to plan my wedding" note doesn't work for everything.

Good luck and remember the wedding is a party, the marriage is the reward.