Assume that everything will take you two to three times longer than you think. You’ll need a minimum of six months to a year or more to guarantee you have enough time to get everything done.

Your guest list should be the first thing that you decide. You may even want to set up your list in tiers – the “must attend” guests, the “it would be nice to invite” guests and the “if we have room and/or money” guests.

Research how much things are going to cost. Since prices vary greatly by location, you may find that the prices quoted in magazines, even regional ones, are not realistic to what you will actually have to spend. Shop online and make phone calls to vendors to get approximate prices.

Depending on your vision, guest list, and overall budget, chances are excellent that you are going to have to make cuts in some places. Plan a detailed budget and try to stick to it. But if you spend more on one item, remember to cut on another so you don’t start off your marriage unnecessarily owing money.

You’ve watched the wedding TV shows and clipped photos from bridal magazines, but if you aren’t flexible and realistic in your own plans with your allotted budget, you’re going to be disappointed. Bending your plans as necessary will make for a much happier wedding day.

Do you have a to do that we left undone? Please add your ideas . . . we wouldn’t want to leave something unsaid and therefore undone!