Keepin It Simple

A few tips on how to simplify the wedding process.

1. The fewer the better. Limit your wedding party and the number of invitations. I understand that sometimes this is unavoidable. For your wedding party don't ask your mother's second cousin just because she's the only other female on that side of the family, put people in YOUR wedding party that are special to you and your fiance. I know in the South it is custom to send invitations to everyone and anyone that you have ever come in contact with. Ask yourself this question, do I care if they come??? If the answer is no, then why waste the money on inviting them, they probably won't come anyway. (Getting more gifts is not a good reason to invite people)

2. Hire versatile vendors. Try to find a company that does flowers and food and rentals, it's one or two less people to have to meet with. Get all your printing done at the same place and get to know them, so they treat you good. Try to get your wedding dress and bridesmaids dresses from one place. Etc., etc., you get the idea.

3. Invest in a Planner. Well of course, this is the most obvious solution. In all seriousness a planner can be a vital investment, because they can take care of all the little details, herd the bridal party (since your mother insisted that every 2nd, 3rd and 4th cousin be in the wedding party), confirm with your vendors and just take care of all the non-fun wedding stuff and figure out solutions to anything that may go . . . not exactly as imagined.

4. Don't stress and don't let others evoke stress. Easier said than done, yes I know, but try.

5. In general, be nice. The nicer you can be in the midst of the wedding planning to better it will be for you and your fiance. Things happen, it's part of the process. It's okay for things to go be a little different that imagined, just know that in the end you will be married to the man/women of your dreams!

6. Enjoy yourself! Don't let things become so elaborate and so big that they get out of hand and you can't enjoy it or you are too exhausted because you've stayed up for two weeks straight prior to the big day trying to decide . . . (you fill in the blank).