Don't lose focus of what your wedding is ABOUT.  It is to celebrate your love for each other.  Don't worry about impressing your guests or worrying about who will like or not like your wedding.  Just concentrate on planning a day you both will enjoy and never forget.

This is your wedding.  If someone suggests or tries to plan something into your wedding that you don't like - SAY SO.  Just explain to them as politely as possible.  Most people will understand.

Don't fret the little things.  Oh no!!  They put BLUE ribbons on your souvenirs instead of PINK!!  Hahahah.  Just an example - don't fret if the little details aren't exact.  No one will even notice - and even if they do - it's not the point of the day and they won't remember.

Do remember your 'other half'.  As much as they say the planning is all up to you - let them in on things as you go along instead of them finding out after it's too late to change it.  Most of the time they might say, "Whatever you want, honey."  You might end up suprised as to what they want for their special day, too.

Your wedding should be a reflection of YOU.  Plan your wedding to fit you - not some pre-planned wedding 'outline'.  Choose things for your wedding that reflect you and your other half's personality - food, music, decorations, etc.

Remember the word BUDGET.  Even if you plan on spending a good amount of money on your wedding, BUDGET.  Don't waste money on little things where you could be spending it toward something much more important.  (Example: Those little swans with the candies for each guest are oh so cute and only $15 a piece! - this money could be better served toward music, food, your honeymoon, etc)  Know what is most important to both of YOU when you plan your budget.

Make sure everyone is clear as to how you want your ceremony to be done.  Everyone should be at the rehearsal, and if they absolutely cannot attend, have a member of the wedding party contact them to ensure they understand the plan. 

Remember your guests.  Yes, this is your day - but take time during your reception to wander around the room to give a special individual thanks to your various guests.  You are special enough to them to come and enjoy your day with you.  Make sure they know how special they have made you feel by attending. 

Okay...here it is...MUSIC.  This is my little advice on your ceremony music - and probably not what you'd expect to hear from me.  DON'T use too many songs during your ceremony.  Yep - you read that right.  Keep in mind that for every song you plan into your ceremony, you are adding another 3 to 4 minutes.  While that may not sound like much, it means that much time of your ceremony that you are standing up in front doing nothing and your guests are getting shifty in their seats.  Don't get me wrong - your ceremony music is important - just keep it simple.  The best spots for your songs (other than your processional and recessional, and music played while guests are arriving, of course) is a song just prior to the processional, a song during the lighting of the unity candle, and perhaps a song immediately after the ceremony as guests are walking out. 

BUDGET TIPS

Make your own table decorations!  It's fun and you can keep one and give the others to people who want them.  Use the theme of your wedding to come up with something fun - example: cowboy boots from a 2nd hand store, spraypainted white, with silk flower arrangements in them.

Make your own invitations.  If you have the time, this can be a fun project.  You can order the stuff to do it on your computer at home from the internet or even buy from Ebay.

Reserve a 'block' of rooms at a hotel plenty in advance.  Many times you can receive a discount rate for guests coming in from out of town.

Don't worry about your bridesmaids shoes looking exactly the same.  People are not looking at their feet as they walk down the aisle.  Just have them all wear the same color.

Do your own hair and make-up.  Well, do what you CAN on your own.  You can let your bridesmaids help you with your hair and make-up instead of hiring someone to do it for you.

Rehearsal dinner potluck. If your family is laidback and would enjoy it, have your rehearsal dinner be a potluck.  Believe me - moms, grandmothers, aunts, etc LOVE to show off their 'best dishes' for special occasions.

Most importantly - enjoy your day, try not to worry.  Just let it flow and it will all end perfectly - with a little "I do" and a kiss to seal the deal.  Good luck to all in their wedding planning!

~Lindsay