Issue date: 1/24/07 Section: Weddings

Although a wedding is supposed to be the happiest time of your life, planning it can be one of the most stressful. Knowing where to begin is the first step to an unforgettable occasion.

According to an article in the Winter 2007 issue of InStyle Weddings magazine, as soon as a couple is engaged, they should decide on a budget and decide the basics of the wedding. This includes deciding if the wedding will be formal or informal and the time of day.

The book "The Very Best Wedding Planning Guide" by weddingsolutions.com suggests that hiring a wedding consultant may be worth the money. A consultant can do as much or as little as is needed, and can save the couple money and stress. A consultant generally charges anywhere between $500 and $10,000 for their services.

According to InStyle Weddings, the couple should set the date, with input from families and important guests, 9 to 12 months before the wedding. Couples should also book a location for a ceremony and reception at this time. They should decide and meet with a celebrant, and check into requirements for a marriage license. Attendants should be chosen then as well.

The weddingsolutions.com book suggests consolidating guest lists and separating them into three categories: "must be invited", "should be invited", and "would be nice to invite." From there, the couple can make a final decision based on budget and space constrictions.

The magazine suggests that the couple should send save-the-date cards and order invitations and other wedding stationary 6 to 9 months before the wedding. They should arrange for a caterer, photographer, and band or DJ.

Also at 6 to 9 months, the bride should choose her dress and arrange a fitting, and also choose shoes and other accessories. Bridesmaid's dresses should also be chosen at this time. The honeymoon should be booked, as well as hair and makeup appointments.

4 to 6 months before the wedding, InStyle Weddings says that the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner should be planned, and transportation arranged for the day of the wedding.
2 to 4 months before the wedding you should order wedding bands, order favors, shop for attendant gifts, and select clothes for the groom and his attendants.

2 months before the ceremony, invitations should be mailed. This is also the time to confirm that things are running smoothly with the bridesmaid's dresses and finalize details with the caterer and musicians for the reception.

The couple should continue to confirm details until the day of the wedding, when the bride will be free to dress, get her hair and makeup done, and enjoy the ceremony.

Other helpful hints the weddingsolutions.com book offers are keeping a calendar with all important dates and activities, such as showers and parties, and developing a system early for keeping track of payments made.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools