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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.

Posted by Hope on Wednesday, August 15th, 2007 at 11:35 am.