#wadvice

Set boundaries. When you do start the planning process it is important that you have a sit-down with all parties involved and discuss the big picture from responsibilities to budget. The biggest piece of advice I hear from brides everyday is that communication and organization are key. Not only does this help everyone get on the same page but also it avoids future conflicts.

It’s all about you and your beloved. Period. Too many couples say they lose sight of this and get wrapped up in trying to make everyone else happy but themselves. Remember this is yourwedding. As harsh as it sounds, you have to come to terms with the fact that you aren’t going to please everyone and setting boundaries as mentioned above can help.

Prioritize. Make a list of the things that are important to you and rank them. Working on a limited budget? Splurge on the things that matter and figure out how to save with things that don’t. Obsessing over a designer dress? Then see if a friend can make you an amazing play list so you don’t have to pay for a DJ. A flower aficionado? Make sure your florist can re-use flowers from the ceremony in the reception.

Make sure your ring is insured. If not, get it insured—stat!

Set a timeline. The second I got engaged everyone kept asking me if had I set a date yet… This question is inescapable so be sure to have an idea as to when you would like to tie the knot. I suggest picking your favorite season or time of year since you may have to be flexible in case your venue is booked on the exact date you were imagining.

Get inspired! Decide on your style, ideal location, and overall aesthetic. Do you prefer modern, rustic, or uber traditional? I used sites like Pinterest to put together visuals of what I wanted my day to look like. (You can take a peek at my wedding board here.) My favorite websites to browse for inspiration are 100 Layer Cake, Style Me Pretty, Once Wed, and Ruffled. Just be forewarned that you can get sucked into these websites for hours on end. There are so many creative ideas out there! Even if you’re not planning a wedding, there are lots of cute décor ideas you can incorporate into your home or even your next birthday party.

Set a budget. Figure out who is contributing to your wedding and how much they can give. This is crucial since it will affect every single decision thereafter. It may be a bit uncomfortable, but you have to get it out of the way as soon as you can so you can get to the fun part—planning!