Should you be getting married soon, I hope you have a wonderful day, with a wedding that is all you ever wanted. May it be the start of an exciting and beautiful new chapter in your life. Of course, good wedding planning is essential. Not only will it ensure your big day goes by without a hitch, but planning will also relieve you of some of the more common wedding day stresses, such as the last-minute panic when you realize you haven't double-checked the catering arrangements.

Here are some do's and don'ts I think you will find useful.

DO start planning your wedding as early as possible. Of course, you have probably been planning your wedding in your head since you were a little girl, but realistically speaking (when you are engaged and not just dreaming about it), start to plan each aspect of the wedding in good time. Here is a wedding planning checklist to help you, with all the things you need to think about in the leading to the big day.

DON'T forget to work to a budget within your planning. Know how much you have to spend, and stick to it, even if you have to make compromises for your dream wedding. It's no good bankrupting yourself at the start of your marriage, after all! From the wedding dress to the wedding venue, and for all the other things in between, spend wisely, and perhaps use a wedding calculator to ensure you don't go over budget.

DO save money where possible. Weddings are notoriously expensive, but there are ways to save money. You don't have to hire extra services when you know people who are perfectly able to do certain jobs for you. I am thinking of the catering and wedding photography, as examples. You don't have to spend a ton on things such as your wedding invites when you can shop around online and get luxury wedding invitations at an affordable price. You don't have to pay a huge fee when hiring a wedding venue, as you can usually get discounted rates when you avoid peak wedding dates. The more money you save leading up to the wedding, the more you have to play with for your honeymoon and all those other expenses as you start your married life.

DON'T forget to ask others for help with the planning. Wedding planning is a stressful time, so get your family and friends to help you. Whether it's helping you find the perfect wedding ring, or giving you a hand in planning the decor for your chosen wedding venue, benefit from those people who have the wisdom and skill to support you in the things you need for the big day. Alternatively, hire a wedding planner. It's another expense, but having a professional on hand to help you will reduce a lot of the stress you will be feeling in the run-up to the wedding, as well as on the day itself.

DO double-check everything. In the days leading up to your wedding day, make sure everything is how it should be. Check with the wedding venue, and make sure there have been no double-bookings made in error. Check-in with those people who are helping you with your day, and make sure they know their responsibilities. And make sure your guests know where they are going, with a gentle reminder about your wedding day just in case they have forgotten. After double-checking all the necessary details, you can then relax and enjoy the days leading up to your wedding.



Know any other wedding planning do's and don'ts? Be sure to let us know, for any of the other readers preparing for their special wedding day. Thanks for reading!