7 Essential Things to Know before You Start Planning Your Wedding

Congratulations on your engagement! As a soon-to-be bride, you’re going to be spending a lot of time planning your wedding to make sure it’s absolutely perfect. Before you get started, or even if you’re already in the process, know and understand the following 7 things that every wedding-planning-woman should know.

1. You are going to have to learn to say “no”. Often times, those closest to the bride and groom feel that they should have a say in the wedding planning. It can be uncomfortable, but it’s important to learn how to gently tell those loved ones that you appreciate their input, but you’d rather do things your way.

2. You will end up feeling like a nag, probably more than once. It’s up to you to make sure all of your bridesmaids have chosen a dress, and that all of the groomsmen have rented a tuxedo, and that your future husband has written his vows. Before it’s over, you will feel like a nag. Be sure to learn the balance between a bride who is on top of things and a bridezilla!

3. Something will go wrong. In a perfect world, your wedding would be everything you ever dreamed, with absolutely no snags. However, we don’t live in a perfect world. When the DJ doesn’t call you back for a few days or when the caterer writes down the wrong dish, just remind yourself that you’re about to be married to the one you love and that’s what’s most important. The rest, in the long run, is just the small stuff.

4. Learn to negotiate. When you’re planning a wedding, everything is negotiable, from the price of the gown to the best man your future husband chooses. By learning to negotiate, you can make sure your wedding is as close to perfect as possible.

5. Your future husband just won’t care. Most likely, he will not care whether the tablecloths are damask or solid. He won’t care if your dress is vintage or modern. Men typically only care that they’re marrying their true loves, and they want their future brides to be happy. Learn to accept it.

6. Your budget is essential. Treat it as you would treat a cherished bible and follow it to the letter. This will save you from becoming further and further in debt a time when you’re just starting out and need all the extra money you can get.

7. Comparison is the thief of joy. Visiting your friends’ facebook pages and looking at their wedding photos can lead to some serious envy. Maybe your friend had an endless budget was able to secure all the things you ever wanted for your wedding. Don’t compare yourself – enjoy your own wedding independently from everything else and you will be happier in the long run.

The sooner you accept these things to be true, the more fun you will have planning your perfect day!