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This may sound crass but I really believe one of the first things that should be on a wedding checklist is: register! Yes of course all gifting should be spontaneous, at the will of the giver and so on. But guests really do like to plan ahead and set aside enough money to buy a nice and meaningful gift.

Also a bridal registry is essential to any couple who doesn’t a.) want two dozen toasters to return and b.)want two dozen juicers to return. The registry gives the engaged couple a chance to really think about the brass tacks of their future life together. They sit down together and think beyond parties and travels together and ask what do they need to keep house.

Although it may sound pessimistic, a lot of couples simply get too stressed out over wedding plans and elope. If the first thing on the wedding checklist is to register then any tactful well meaning friends can simply buy a gift from the bridal registry and send it to the couple when things calm down. A wedding gift is still in good taste for an eloped couple even though soliciting them with wedding invitations is not. An announcement after the fact is used to spread the word about this change in plans.

Once a couple has registered any casual acquaintance or distant relative who isn’t likely to attend the wedding can simply inquire where the couple is registered. Then sending a gift and a card is a relatively minor gesture but a thoughtful one. Truly the bridal registry is the most thoughtful thing that a couple can do for their friends, family and co-workers. After the wants, needs and various patterns are all picked out then the couple can just go about the rest of the items on their wedding checklist. If they receive the gifts they want then fine, if they don’t then that’s fine too. The wedding won’t be affected any further by this matter.

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Wedding planning is not the same as hiring a wedding planner although both are probably really necessary! Wedding planning should probably be a lengthy process that starts long before a professional wedding planner is hired.

A first step for anyone and for a great many different objectives is to indulge in a mad brain storming session. This can include anyone who is likely to be closely involved in the big day. Simply jot down every concern or idea that anyone may have about the wedding. You may have always dreamed of a beach wedding. Your future spouse has always wanted to hire U2 to play at the reception. Your parents may have basic concerns about an ethnic or religious ceremony.

When you take a look at the notes you might also realize that big name acts are out of budget but you know a priest who likes beach weddings. A further look at the budget makes a cruise lines’ beach wedding unaffordable but your grandfather offers to let you use his beach house and get married on the beach. A perfect budget balance occurs when your cousin’s garage band offers their services for free and they specialize in U2’s music.

After a basic wedding planning is complete it’s time to start researching. Unless this is at least the second wedding that you’ve planned in this decade, a trip to a good library, bookstore or both are
in order. Some of the things to consider are the great new wedding ideas in Martha Steward’s Living as well as Bride magazines. But don’t stop there.

Wedding etiquette is still a fundamental aspect of this sometimes very expensive and formal occasion. Try finding a copy of Emily Posts’ Wedding Etiquette or a similar book on the same subject. A fortune of hurt feelings can be avoided by knowing the traditions and expectations of friends and family.

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Wedding ideas are the fabric that memories will be made of and much of the future depends upon this important life event. Good weddings seem to pave the way for happy marriages. Bad weddings are often just the tip of the iceberg.

This blog will attempt in many entries to come to provide as much information as possible. A new blog is like a blank slate waiting for the myriad ideas and running commentary that make this a unique and thoroughly modern art form.

Each wedding is unique despite their obvious similarities. The choices made to mold each wedding in accordance with the individual personalities of the bride and groom will mold the future of each particular union.

Whether the first time at the alter or a second or even third marriage each wedding should be special. Each of these special occasions carries the weight of tradition and social custom and the expectations of the ages. Fun and fabulous weddings are possible while still bowing to social and religious customs.

So if you are planning a wedding for the first time don’t be daunted. Almost everyone lives through it and most enjoy the process. Consider all options carefully and micromanage every detail. Planning and organization are absolutely necessary! No one can do this alone so seek appropriate help in most matters and professional help in many aspects of wedding planning.

Learn when to say, “Enough is enough.” When wedding plans start to cause potential relationship harm, then it is time to take a breather. It happens in a lot of cases so don’t be too alarmed; just learn to walk away. When people start behaving themselves then get back to work.

Also learn to say, “enough spent is enough spent!” Establish a realistic budget. Ask serious questions about who should pay for what and whether their budget can handle the strain. There are lots of hidden demands made on wedding participants and sometimes there’s a lot of hidden resentment too. When money becomes a factor then scale things back!

Finally, give yourself as much time as possible to plan a wedding. It is almost impossible to start too early. It is the best way to ensure that this very important social occasion goes off with out a error or snag of any kind.

Wedding Ceremony, Reception & Tradition, Wedding Decorations & Centerpieces, Wedding Photos & Pictures, Wedding Poems, Quotes & Jokes, Wedding Favors & Etiquette | No Comments »

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