^{The months leading up to a wedding are busy for the bride and groom who are trying to book a caterer
and florist, organize the guest list and arrange a ceremony and reception venue. For some couples,
wedding planning becomes stressful – but it doesn't have to be! Follow these wedding planning tips to
help make your nuptials hassle-free:}

^{The best way to minimize wedding stress is to start planning as early as possible. Reception halls and
popular ceremony locations are often booked over a year in advance, so avoid disappointment and look
into wedding locations as soon as you can. Decide on your wedding theme and colors soon after the
engagement so you can book a decorator and florist at least six months before the wedding.  Keep a
wedding checklist so you can ensure that you're not forgetting anything.}

^{If you can afford it, hiring a planner is a surefire way to make sure all the last minute details are
covered. You can hire a wedding consultant who will take care of most of the planning from start to
finish, or an assistant who comes only for the wedding day. A wedding planner can assist you with
sticking to your wedding budget, hiring the best catering company for the reception, and getting a deal
on wedding day rentals.}

^{It's often difficult to keep on track with your wedding budget. Spending a little extra here and there
may not seem like too much at the time, but it quickly adds up. Before you begin wedding planning,
figure out exactly how much you have to spend on the wedding, and break down costs so you know
what you can realistically afford for wedding music, food and favors. If you do go over budget on
something, you'll need to decrease costs somewhere else. Resist the urge to splurge on unnecessary
items, and remember that budget breakers like designer shoes and expensive wedding gowns are only
worn for one day!}

^{To save money on your reception, consider doing the decorating, centerpieces and favors yourself.
Using your own two hands can drastically save on wedding expenses. Look online or flip through
bridal magazines to get inexpensive ideas. Craft stores carry everything you'll need to put together
beautiful favors and centerpieces. Wedding favors can be simple yet still elegant. Get the bridal party
together on the night before the wedding and decorate the reception hall, or have a glass of wine while
working on wedding favors.}

^{About a month before the wedding, make sure you confirm all of your wedding services. A booking
mistake at your wedding hairdresser or miscommunication over the cost of the table linens could spell
big trouble on the wedding day. Also, ensure that wedding vendors have all of the delivery locations
and times for the wedding day. They should always have a contact number of a family member or
friend for the wedding day, just in case there are last minute problems or delays.}

^{While careful wedding planning won't guarantee that you won't encounter a small hitch or two on your
big day, wedding planning tips can help eliminate a lot of the headaches that can happen!}