Gettin’ Hitched
Part 1

So he's popped the question, and you've said "yes!". Now what? There's a lot of planning and decision-making in your near future.
To help you out, we've put some tips, links and a list of must-have books together for you.

Wedding Planning Tips

• Start Planning Now!
  The bridal industry is expecting a great increase in the numbers of weddings held this year (2000). If you're planning on getting married this year, keep in mind that you'll be competing with many other brides for the same caterers, reception halls, churches, photographers, etc.
• Be Flexible
  Because of the "wedding glut" - you may have to make some compromises. When choosing such things as caterers, photographers, etc. be sure to have a few on your list that you'd like to use vs. just one.
• Organize Your Planning
  Because you'll end up talking to so many people and will have notes on a variety of things - it's best to begin in an organized manner. You can purchase a wedding planner, or use a regular notebook (just make sure there's a section for each part of the planning process). Once you've determined what has to be done and when, keep very good notes. You'd hate to realize that you forgot to give the photographer a deposit when he doesn't show up on your wedding day!
• Prioritize
  Determine what is most important to you on your wedding day. Is it your dress, the reception, the church? Write these things down, listing them in order of what you're least flexible on to most flexible. The items at the top of your list are where you should spend the most time (and possibly money.) The items at the bottom of your list are jobs you can give to helpful friends and family.
• Budget Early
  Weddings can be extremely expensive. And these days most couples are footing the bills themselves. Even if  your family is willing to help out financially - it's good to determine how much you are willing to spend.  Once you've set a dollar amount - subtract 15-20%. What remains is the amount you should work with. The   remaining 15-20% will be your cushion to help with costs you didn't count on. (And there are always expenses you didn't count on.)
    Example: You've determined $10,000 is your limit. Plan your wedding as if you can only spend $8500. If you need extra at the end - you'll have $1500.   If you're really good with your budgeting and only go over by a couple hundred dollars use the remaining "cushion" money to reward yourself. Either on your honeymoon, buying household items you didn't get as gifts, etc.
• Don't be Afraid to Ask for Help
  Planning a wedding takes a lot of time and energy. When friends and family members offer to help - let them! Just be sure to give them very specific jobs. One person can gather invitation samples for you to look through. Another can make phone calls checking on availability of caterers or churches, etc.
• Don't be Afraid to Turn Down Advice
  Families get funny when it's time to plan a wedding. Everyone has their own ideas on what food should be served, what colors to go with and what kind of music to have at the reception. Always remember this is your wedding. While some advice can be helpful (especially from people that have gotten married and can give you references), don't feel pressured to have a formal sit-down dinner if you want a buffet.
• Remember to Have Fun
  This is your wedding. Hopefully the only one you'll ever have. Enjoy the planning of it. The day itself goes by so fast - it's nice to also have the good memories from the planning.

by Trixie
February 2000

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