THE DON'TS

Don't: procrastinate in your planning - hire all of your wedding professionals as soon as the date is set. The best wedding vendors are scooped up 1-2 years in advance.

Don't: hire your wedding professional until you have a working budget. Know what you can afford and if you are pressed for money, budget more for the items that are going to matter the most and less for the non essential "frills".

Don't: hire professionals just because they're the cheapest - Like everything in life, you get what you pay for. Your wedding is one of the most important days in your lives, make sure that the memories you have will be good ones.

Don't: hire the first professional you meet - check out a minimum of 3 for a proper comparison.

Don't: be afraid to ask questions. If you are unsure of something "ask". A lot of times wedding professionals assume that because they know what to expect at a wedding that the bride and groom know as well. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with any part of your wedding plans, don' t wait until it's too late to ask questions.

Don't: assume anything! - get everything in writing. CONTRACT - CONTRACT - CONTRACT.

Don't: make decisions without consulting your mate - it's his or her wedding too.

Don't: invite everyone you've ever known. - weddings are expensive.

Don't: worry about everyone else's advise - its YOUR wedding.

THE DO'S
Do: give yourself plenty of time to plan.

Do: outline a realistic budget and timetable. These are mandatory to keep you on track.

Do: organize all of the pieces of the wedding. A binder which includes separate tabs for wedding professionals, appointments, contracts, gown/dress swatches etc. is a great investment.

Do: prepare and follow a timetable of events, including appointments, deposits & payments, review contract terms, fittings, etc..

Do: coordinate every aspect of the wedding day. To ensure your wedding day is truly "your special day" every item must be coordinated. Do not leave important decisions to someone else. This is your day and you are in control.

Do: hire professionals that you are comfortable with. If you are not comfortable speaking with someone, or if it seems like your questions or inquiries are just brushed off, then it would probably be a good idea to seek out someone else.

Do: take breaks during planning. If you begin to get stressed or irritated, take a break, step back and work on something else for a while. Often times decisions made under extreme stress are later regretted.

And finally,

Do: enjoy yourself. This will be one of the most memorable times in your lives. Be sure to spend plenty of time with your friends, family and most importantly, your fiancé.