Planning a Wedding – Top 5 things to do to get started

So you are planning a wedding - congratulations!

Once the ring is placed on the finger the roller coaster ride leaves the gate and your journey begins. From here you can make one of two choices: you can plan ahead early and coast on the kiddie roller coaster or you can blissfully enjoy the engagement and leave the planning to the last minute which ultimately leads you on a ride with stomach turning dips and crazy loops. I would recommend the kiddie roller coaster option. Granted I am not one for crazy roller coasters. Above is a picture of me and my son on the kiddie roller coaster in Ocean City, MD. This was not a pretty sight.

I am in favor of planning early to help assure that you get the choices you are looking for and limit the amount of stress you feel during what is supposed to be the most joyous moment of your married life.

There are a few things I would recommend every newly engaged couple do as soon as they get engaged:

1. Set a date quickly. It is really funny to observe the families of the newly engaged couple. For months, certain members of the family know that the engagement is coming. They anxiously await the selection of the ring, the asking of the parents, and then the planning the right moment to pop the question. As soon as it is official and the ring is on the brides finger the question is posed "So, when is the date?". It is from here that the newly engaged couple will be continually asked until the date is set or the couple has mastered the art of avoidance with Aunt Gladys.

2. Pick a location. It is important to select a place that will work for the time of year you are planning you day, travel if you are having a destination wedding or inviting guests from out of town, and to begin to look at possible wedding reception locations. Inevitably, the location you select will not work for everyone but you want to leave enough time to do your research and enjoy the experience of planning.

3. Pick a reception location. I know it may sound crazy but good wedding receptions options book up fast. Some more popular options are reserved two years in advance! Don't be the bride who does not get their first choice and plan early. If your first choice is already taken, then you will have plenty of time to pick another option that may work even better for you.

4. Decide on your theme. It takes a long time to really plan out your whole wedding day and not forget some of the details. By deciding on your theme, you will begin to look at wedding decorations that will match that theme. These could include wedding place cards, favors, and wedding cake toppers. You will have plenty of time to look through all of your options if you begin with a basic plan to work within. It is good to take advantage of some of the great bridal events that are happening in your area. They usually occur twice a year. Most newspapers also have wedding related series. The washingtonpost.com is currently having a series called Wedding Week 2008 which features articles on just about everything.

5. Set your budget. There are so many wedding supplies, ceremony and reception costs that come with planning your wedding that you often don't think about. If you set a budget you will be able to work within the amount you can spend and will make the best choices for your day. There are some great wedding planners out there such as the Easy Wedding Planner, Organizer & Keepsake by Elizabeth and Alex Lluch. Use them. They could really help you by reminding you of the details and when you need to have them done.

Lastly, this is a very exciting time in you life as a couple. No matter how crazy the planning can get remember why you are having this big day. It is not for Aunt Gladys or for your parents, it is for the two of you and no matter how big or small you wedding will be it will be wonderful because it is yours.