Well, the big day is approaching and there is so much to do. Set the date, reserve the church, hire a band, get a dress, find a caterer, a photographer, a floristthe list goes on and on. For many new brides planning a wedding can seem like an overwhelming task.

Just remember, you are not alone! You have friends and family that love you and are usually more than willing to help. Even if your friends and family cant help, just follow my simple tips and you will be on your way to having the wedding of your dreams.

Tip #1: Allow Plenty of Time

Weddings should generally take about a year to plan. It is possible to do it in less time (I planned mine in three months) but remember you also have to live your life in the meantime. By allowing around a year to plan, you will have more time to shop for deals, and to book everything/everyone that you want to have as a part of your wedding, and hopefully you can avoid a meltdown!

Tip #2: Get a Wedding Planner

A wedding planner does not necessarily have to be a professional that you hire. It can be your mom, a friend, or a very thorough book/guide with a wedding checklist. There are also a lot of wedding resources online that will give you a timeline, a budget guideline, and a list of vendors in your area. There are also many great books that can give you the same information.

Tip #3: Set a Budget and Stick to It

It is very important that you decide how much money you can spend before you start buying things. By setting your budget first, you can decide how much money you want to spend on each aspect of your wedding. This will help out a lot when you are shopping for services and items for your wedding. It will also help you make sure that you dont spend the first year of your marriage figuring out how you are going to pay for your wedding.

Tip #4: Make a Database of Your Guest List

Take all of your guest names and addresses and put them on your computer. You can use a simple word document, or get advanced and make an excel spreadsheet. This will save you a lot of time when it comes to mailing invitations and thank you cards. By having your names organized, it can also help you keep track of who has been mailed an invitation and who has R.S.V.P. It will also ensure that you dont loose anyones address when it comes to mailing out thank you cards.

Tip #5: Dont Be Afraid to Ask for Help

My final tip is my most important one. It is way too stressful for you to try to do everything by your self. It is impossible, even for a control freak, to get everything done by herself, and live everyday life. Like I said before, there is always someone willing to help, just dont be afraid to ask!