 HANDY HINTS and TIMELY TIPS
Planning a wedding can be a lot of fun provided you have all the materials and support necessary. Some people estimate that for every hour you spend planning your special day, one minute of the event will pass by smoothly, and a decade worth of happy memories will be generated. Don't be daunted by the task- enjoy the attention you spend on the details. Make a budget and stick to it. Traditionally the bride's family would pay for the wedding and reception, the groom's family travel expenses and the rehearsal dinner- but this is no longer universal. Discuss with everyone involved requirements, wishes, and budget constraints. Also remember that people who pay for things often wish to exert control over them. Allow plenty of time for planning and follow a planning timeline and get as much done as far in advance as possible, that way you won't be too stressed out just before the big day.
You'll want to make sure every detail is perfect, so make lots of lists and clip magazine articles for ideas and inspiration and store it all in a shoe-box that you can have fun decorating with old wrapping paper or wallpaper. Surf the Net, read magazines, and seriously consider hiring someone to help plan your wedding and reception. At the least, peruse some of the excellent free planning software available. Choose your attendants very carefully- these people will be your backup and support.
You're not the only couple in the world getting married, so be sure to contact your officiant, church, reception hall, rental agency etc. as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
 When hiring caterers, florists, photographers, transportation, music and the like, be sure to check their references and make sure there won't be any hidden costs. Make sure that you can work together creatively as well as financially. Be specific as to what you want and need (such as favourite songs, whether you want candid or posed shots and which shots are important to you, allergies, family traditions, theme) and be sure to bring in that shoebox of ideas! And don't forget to get every agreement in writing and make sure that you and the other party has a copy- that way you both know exactly what is expected of the other, and when. Keep photocopies of estimates and receipts for deposits in a safe place. Find out exactly what the quoted price includes (for example, delivery?), what is the deadline for making changes, what is the payment plan, do they set up and take down, what services they offer.
Remember that communication is key. If you don't express your needs and establish parameters, no-one will be happy with the final result. This is true when negotiating with professionals, your family and partner for the rest of your life together. Put aside one day just before the wedding for you and your partner to remind yourselves of why you're going through all of this, relax, and most of all, have fun!
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