3. Don't break the bank. . . One of the biggest issues surrounding the wedding is the budget. Now, whether you are paying for your own wedding or you are getting assistance from Mom and Dad, no one should ever take on debt to pay for a wedding. Staring out a new life together in debt will only lead to heartache. The budget is also an area of planning that needs compromise. Make a list of the "must have" items. Perhaps the best photographer or videographer is at the top of your list. Or maybe a live band is an absolute must. Now, make a list of the things that you would really like to have, but may be able to live without. If getting rid of chair covers can help to balance the books, then consider eliminating the non-essentials. The details of your wedding will fade for most guests, but what will not fade is their memory of a happy, relaxed and in-love couple, who used their heads when planning.

4. Plan and plan some more. . . What time of year do you want to get married? How many guests will be attending? Will the ceremony be inside or outdoors? Before you even begin to shop for vendors, have a clear idea about what type of wedding you would like to have. And don't buy your dress until you have an idea of your wedding's location! "I bought my dress first with no idea of where my reception would be or what type of party I wanted." says Melissa, a recent newlywed. "I chose a casual dress but then when I chose my reception hall, my dress was no longer appropriate for the venue." Birgitta, a soon-to-be bride, has her own planning tip, "Don't do anything until you have completed your final guest list...my fiancé and I made this mistake and it has come back to haunt us several times in the planning stages. We wish we would have finalized the list first, then we wouldn't be dealing with a situation of too many people, not enough room!" Forethought can save you time, money and many headaches!