1) Get a date book! This is a great, practical tool for wedding planning. If you already have one for work, get a separate one just for the wedding. If you don’t, it’s time to start the habit! Here you should list all of your notes, vendors, dates, and schedule. This way you have one resource and all of your information in one spot. Keep it with you so you can jot down any ideas you may have during the day.

2) Split the responsibilities. After all, it’s your partners wedding as much as it is yours! They may or may not want to be very involved, but having input on the big details gives them a chance to voice their opinion. This day is about the two of you, so be sure that it represents both of you.

3) Arrange time. This is a big one. Either you are so scared about the process you put things off, or are so involved that you don’t do anything else. Both are unhealthy. To keep a sane balance, organize time to think only about the wedding.

1) Manage your time. Be realistic, if your dream wedding day has always been April, but you get engaged in January, the most realistic decision is to set it for April of the next year, or later in the year if you can’t wait. Wedding planning is time consuming, and in order for everything to go smoothly, you need to allow the time to make it happen.

2) Bring an entourage when shopping for your wedding gown. Outside input is always great, especially when it comes to fashion. You may have adored strapless gowns since you were a little girl, but when it comes time to try one on, your friends can be the first to bring you out of your dream and tell you the truth. It’s about looking good, and opinions can always reaffirm your doubts.

3) Have a cheat sheet. On the day of your wedding, its great to have a note on hand of every number for your vendors. This is just in case the driver gets lost on the way to the church, or you are looking to hire your photographer for an extra hour.

- Create your budget.
- Choose a date and time, researching all the details.
- Create your guest list.
- Choose a location for both the ceremony and the reception.
- Create your wedding party, including your bridesmaids.
- Have an engagement party.
- Choose a gown.
- Choose reception catering: food, dessert, and drink.
- Choose a wedding band or other entertainment.
- Choose your vendors, conduct interviews with photographers etc.
- Sign up for your wedding gift registry.
- Tackle the rentals, including chairs and tables etc.
- Choose wedding attire: bridesmaids etc.
- Plan your honeymoon.
- Send your save the date cards.
- Choose your wedding bands or rings.
- Order your formal invitations.
- Design your wedding cake and choose a baker.
- Rent attire for the men.
- Book wedding transportation.
- Choose and buy wedding guest favors.
- Arrange hair and makeup in case you are hiring a professional.
- Get your marriage license.
- Get your dress fitted.
- Plan reception and ceremony seating.
- Arrange your bachelor parties.
- Arrange rehearsal dinner.

- Smart seating: be sure you seat your guests in both the reception and the ceremony in proper locations. If your great aunt is hard of hearing, put her in the front so she is sure to catch the entire ceremony. If your flower girl’s parents aren’t immediate family, put them in the reserved rows for the family anyway, this way they can be closer to their daughter in case she gets nervous.

- Ask about restrictions: if your church doesn’t allow flash photography, and you don’t ask, you may be in for a big surprise on your wedding day. Be sure your ceremony, and reception, goes within the guidelines of your venues. This way you won’t be taken off guard last minute, and have plenty of time to change what needs to be changed.

- Prepare the legal aspect: depending on the state, or country, the marriage license laws are different. Some have to be ordered 3 months in advance, but are only valid for 6, which gives you a small window to do what you have to do. Check what the laws are in your town.