"Eight Rules to Live By" Planning your wedding is an exciting time but often can be stressful and frustrating if you don't plan well.  Here are some tips to help your planning process – advice straight from experts who have years of experience in the business.
1. Hire a Professional Wedding Planner.
Direction and insight from an expert will focus your planning during each stage of the process. After you hire a wedding planner, discuss your budget with your planner.  Let your planner help educate you regarding vendor pricing so you can access if your budget is accurate or if you need to make any adjustments prior to proceeding.
2. Determine Your Priorities.
Discuss your priorities with your finance so you spend your money wisely.
3. Establish a Budget Before All Else.
Prior to signing contracts with wedding professionals, establish a reasonable wedding budget.
4. Compromise.
Don’t stress out if your finance does not want to be involved in the planning process as much as you wanted.
5.   Set Boundaries.
Everyone has an opinion on how a wedding should be. Let your relatives and friends know you appreciate their advice but they need to respect your opinions as well.
6.   Be Organized.
Stay focused and stay on track with the items your wedding planner gives you to complete. Enjoy the last month of your wedding instead of running around going crazy – plan in advance! 
7.  Enjoy the Process.
Do not let the many details overwhelm you. Always remember the reason for your special day.
8. Value the Opinion of your Wedding Planner.
You may not have gone to a wedding lately and do not realize that weddings are changing.  Your planner can provide you with invaluable advice as to what is current with weddings – what is in and what is out.  Listen to your wedding planner - value their knowledge and expertise.


"Bridal Show Survival Tips"
Consultants / Planners

"The Ring's on Your Finger" ...NOW WHAT? So he popped the question; you've called your parents, grandparents, sibs, and best girlfriends, and scheduled a manicure (unpolished nails and your new bling just don't mix). Now it's time to make some basic decisions. Here is some simple advice to keep in mind as your engagement period turns into a wedding planning marathon.

Always remember the "big picture." Don't let stress get you down, or worse, cause a total breakdown. It's especially easy to lash out at those we love most when we're stressed. But that's no way to spend your engagement. Keep in perspective what your planning for and enjoy time with your fiancé. Schedule time for dates amidst all the appointments and fittings – in short: have fun together.

Don't fret if you run into some snags. Before it's all over, something will go wrong. Emotions run high for everyone – not just the bride – but also both sets of parents who are letting go of their children. Along the way, you'll find that some people involved in your wedding have different expectations or wishes than you. Take it in stride, compromise, and try to avoid hot-button issues.

If no other time, conflict may arise when it comes down to the dollars and cents. Make a budget from the start and stick with it as best you can. With the advice of your wedding planner, you can find vendors who suit both your style and your budget.

During the engagement months, you may feel swampped by dates and details to keep track of, and so many things to do, you don't know where to start. This, of course, is when having a wedding planner becomes priceless. But also take this simple advice: organize. Maybe you're not normally the type to carry around a day-timer or PDA; now is the time. Shop around for a calendar or device that works for you. Keeping yourself organized will certainly ease the stress levels. You'll be glad you did.

Although it's so tempting to rush out and pick out your wedding gown, just wait. Take a deep breath. Have fun, try them on until your heart's content; but just wait to make a final decision because the cost of your wedding gown can be a big factor in your wedding budget. So, get on with it. Start planning. Announce your engagement. Chose your bridesmaids. Show off your ring. Count down the days until you're his.