Weddingbee boards

DO include your wedding party and family in wedding planning (people usually enjoy to be in the loop and feel left out and disconnected if all they have to do is "show up"), but know where to draw the line (e.g., don't invite 8 BMs to find BM dresses or your wedding dress).

DON'T lose sight on your big day--it's important to plan sufficiently before hand and let someoneo else take the reigns (whether it's a DOC or a trusted family friend) on the day of so that you can enjoy the day you get married instead of worrying about whether people know that they're supposed to wait until after the cocktail hour to enter the reception tent, etc.

DO give yourself plenty of time--you have the rest of your life to be married, so they're is (usually) no rush; enjoy your engagement and the planning process without putting too much stress on yourself.

DON'T become consumed by wedding planning--it's the fastest way to alienate your fiance, friends, and family; they have interesting lives as well, so be sure to stay connected with them!

I can't wait to see your blog!  Be sure to update us when you have it up and running!

Two more: DO wait at least 24 hours between meeting with a vendor and booking them--it usually makes no difference (i.e., you're not usually going to get passed up), and it'll force you to decide whether this is really "the one" for you.  It's easy to get caught up in their pitch and the excitement, but the 24-hour rule will allow you to think about the decision more objectively, and help you to decide if you should continue searching.

Whether you need to or not, DO keep a checklist, even for the tiniest tasks (e.g., "send follow-up thank you to prospective caterers")--it will give you such a sense of accomplishment and it's fun to see all of those checked boxes!

Okay, seriously... last one.  In contrast to one recommendation above, I would say DO consider using a credit card with a rewards program for as many payments as you can, with the caveat that you MUST avoid at all costs the temptation to keep a balance on it, even a little one.  Don't spend the money unless you have it in your wedding account, ready to pay off.  We're getting free airfare for our honeymoon because we've used our mileage program credit card for as many purchases as possible.  It's like getting an extra $2000 gift just for being a savvy consumer!  I have read about other couples using the Starwood Hotels AMEX for their wedding and then being able to pay for their entire honeymoon hotel expenses with points.

Do give yourself time for breaks. My fiance and I are five months out and we just got back from a long weekend with friends in LA and it was the best. We are now refreshed and ready to deal with more wedding stuff. Also do make time for the two of you. Go to a movie or dinner, just because you are spending time together wedding planning doesn't mean it is quality time.

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