Make sure that your wedding ceremony and reception reflects your personality as a couple. Too many weddings are out of the box, it seems. You don't have to have a big theme wedding, but it's good to incorporate your interests into the ceremony and wedding reception.
Budget with care. The wedding industry is out to make a profit, and you can easily be tempted into spending lots of unnecessary money on items you don't need or you can get less expensively elsewhere. To avoid budget headaches, make a plan in advance and stick to it. Shop around and find out where the various items you'll need for your wedding ceremony and reception can be found most affordably.
Remember that the ceremony is the focus of everything. Too many couples forget that the ceremony is the important part of your nuptials. The wedding reception is the celebration afterwards. Don't stress out about making a big, fancy reception happen if you don't feel up to it. Make sure that you've put the most though into the music, readings, and wedding vows at the ceremony – that's the most important part.
Make alternative plans. If you're going to have an outdoor wedding, for instance, it's vital that you have an additional location planned in case you get rained out. Make sure that someone else you trust has a list of the phone numbers and wedding vendors you're working with in case something doesn't show up on time. You don't need to be worrying about your wedding day and trying to get the bouquets delivered too.
Involve your groom. The bride doesn't have to plan the wedding alone! A marriage is a partnership, so start it out as one by planning the wedding together. That way, your fiance won't feel left out of his own wedding ceremony. Take time to talk about all the details and each of your preferences, and compromise if they're very different. Someone who wants a small, quiet ceremony can feel trampled if their fiance prefers a big blow out.
