Never Been To A Wedding Yet Planning My Own!

Contact a Wedding Planner! Do you have your ceremony and reception venues? If so, do they have a planner in house? The planner should be able to first, give you all the infomation, and second have you come to another wedding/reception to show you what to expect with yours. You will not be a traditional guest, but the planner should have an assistant that you can stand in the back with just to simply observe. This is very common for Planners to have other people "observe" at an event - this is how some people will choose if that is the planner for them... just make sure you have all of your ducks in a row.... let us know if you need any other help! Best of luck! ~ Simple Elegance Texas

Hire a wedding planner!!! Or you can go to theknot.com and they give you a great checklist and budgeter and a free wedding website.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Definitely look up wedding checklists. I primarily used the one on WW, but there are more out there. If you are planning on making anything yourself (i.e. invitations, favors, etc.) be sure to estimate how long each task is going to take and when you need to have each done by. I had only attended one wedding before I started planning mine, and I think it turned out great. I did a lot of research online, and it really helped me stay organized. Also, I did not have a wedding planner.

Thanks for all the suggestions... unfortunately hiring an outside wedding vendor is not in the budget for me. I will be sure to look up some of those checklists... Any other suggestions as how to not go insane? hahaha

Ask friends and family to help out with stuff. I had two of my bridesmaids and my mom help with stuffing invitations. We got them done so much faster than I thought.

Also, try not to procrastinate. It will only stress you out more. And, if you are feeling stressed out, take a break from planning. Watch a movie, go out to eat with your fiance, etc.

Have a family/friend member prepare your food if possible, keep it simple..exp:rosemary chicken, caeser salad, dinner rolls, pasta or potatoes..etc. It will save you big bucks and guests will be very happy.

Instead of buying a cake, look into doing your own cupcake tower...modern, fresh looking and also inexpensive.

Remember keep it simple,effective and have a good time, this is your day about the love of you and your husband...the love and good company are the most important factors involved

~Michael Coy Photography

I was in the same position i couldn't tell you the first step to planning a wedding all i knew is that i wanted to get married but i checked out www.theknot.com and it has helped me with everything, i also hired a wedding planner, but thats because i am in school and i dont really have the time to do the running around part but WW or the knot is very helpful

Since hiring a planner is not in your budget, a wedding checklist should be the next best thing. Also, do your research when hiring your vendors and don't let the price influence your decision making. Sometimes you short yourself on the quality of service provided. Best wishes!

Go to all the bridal shows...they always give you checklists and will be the best source for ideas in person.

So far is been hard Im doing everything i can its hard I cant wait untill the day come lest then 4 mo how can i pull this off this is my !1 wedding

Congrats! I'm sure you will be ok. Here are a few suggestions that may help...

Look through all of your contracts and note the dates that payments are due and information has to be guaranteed for each vendor - find a way to remind yourself when these dates are approaching.

If you haven't already, start collecting addresses for invitees and put them into a spreadsheet along with how mnny people in each party are being invited and a space for their response and meal choice (if this is applicable)

Talk with your photographer about a picture timeline and mmake other arrangements using that as a guideline (when to set up your hair/makeup appointments, have lunch for the bridal party, transportation pick ups/drop offs, etc.).

Make a list of duties that have to be done that day and assign them to various people so you will not have to worry about them

Don't hesitate to contact me if I can answer any questions or be of any more help!

Best Wishes,

Stacey

If you cannot hire a planner for full service, I suggest looking into a day of coordinator, just so they can be there to make sure everything is ready while you are getting ready. My best advice is organization, organization, organization! If you stay organized and prioritize your checklist and plan ahead, you should be fine.

There are many month by month to do lists. I have one I got off of this site and I make sure I get everything done for the month each month.

I would use the checklists they are very helpful. And asking for outside help is great too. People are definately will to help if they can. And yes if you are getting stressed out definately take a step away from the planning and breathe. It can be very overwhelming at times so when you need that break make sure you take it. Planning a wedding is almost like a second job. It is and can be very time consuming. You just need to know when it is becoming too much. All my best to you!

A good, professional wedding DJ can help you plan and coordinate many/most of the reception activities. That will take a huge burden off your shoulders. Check with your DJ. S/he might have some great suggestions to help you plan.

Good luck!