Planning a Stress-Free Wedding -

Congratulations! You're engaged to be married. Excitement is in the air and everything is wonderful! You have so much to look forward to and lots of planning to do. Of course you want everything to turn out perfectly ? it is every bride's desire!

A wedding is the usually the most exciting, heart-palpitating, rite of passage for the bride and groom up to that point in their lives. Most likely, it is the first time the couple is co-mingling finances and spending a considerable amount of money on any single event.

The planning process is usually a first-time experience. With so many fine points to see after, it is not surprising that overlooking a few important details can change a wedding day from spectacular to disaster.

Today many modern couples choose to hire a wedding planner to help them with their wedding from the beginning stages right into their honeymoon. A wedding planner looks out for her bride and groom the same way a good lawyer looks out for their client. Throughout the entire process she seeks their best interests. She takes a lot of pressure off, allowing them peace of mind by expertly managing all of their need-to-know, need-to-ask, and need-to-do wedding details. A wedding planner has experienced the planning process many times over and knows the pitfalls to avoid. She has relationships with vendors who have proven to be talented, reliable, and trustworthy, again saving the couple a lot of time and stress by providing vendors that are just right for their wedding. Through her insight and extensive contacts she can find you whatever is needed to make your wedding distinctive, reflecting your style and personality. Her goal is to make you shine on your wedding day, and to leave your guests impressed!

Some important advice for couple who choose to plan their wedding themselves:

Ask a lot of questions! Review each of your contracts carefully to get what you want in writing before signing the dotted line. Vendors might say what you want to hear, but make certain the contract is straight-forward and clearly specifies the preferences you discussed.

Examples of some questions you should ask are:

1. Exactly what kind of cake are you getting? Before you sign, confirm that your contract includes the style of cake, decoration, filling, etc. the vendor verbally agreed to provide you with. Many a bride has been ?surprised? with the cake that was provided with their ?all-inclusive? wedding package.

2. What does open bar mean? The contract should specify exactly what choice of liquors and types of mixed drinks will be served and for how many hours. Make sure that open bar is not ?vendor speak? for wine, beer, and juices only.

3. What type of flowers will be provided in my bouquets, centerpieces, etc.? Have it put in writing the type and quantity of flowers and "fillers" that will be used in your bouquets, boutonnieres, floral arrangements, etc. and what substitutions if any are acceptable to you.

Even if you've planned your wedding yourself, I recommend having a professional wedding coordinator on hand to oversee your ceremony and reception details. On that most important day, there are no "do-overs". You, your friends and family should be enjoying every moment of your wedding and not be distracted with coordination issues or resolving unexpected "situations". After all, shouldn't your wedding day be fully enjoyed and fondly remembered by each and every person who attended?

by Ginette Parkin