Planning Basics

Woo-hoo! You're engaged! Let the planning  begin. First things first, you'll have to take time to sit down with your fiancé and talk. Grab your agendas  and pencil in a good chunk of time to spend chatting about the wedding. This pre-wedding planning is very important and you should take as much time as you need to work out the basics. What you both want in your wedding? Do you want to keep it small and intimate with only your nearest and dearest? Or do you dream about a large and lavish affair with all your friends, family, and associates included? Is it to take place in your backyard or a banquet hall, on a beach or in a garden? These details are the first priorities to tackle since they will dictate how everything else unfolds, from the china  to the flowers,  dresses  to the menu.

Check out wedding magazines  or search the Internet to help you get some ideas rolling. The Online Resource Guide will point you in the right direction. You may also want to peruse the Wedding Guide Directory which includes all the guides on weddings at ShopWiki. Or, if you want ideas for a particular topic, you may click on the links at the top of this page to learn more about attire, vendors, etiquette, etc.  Books  are another option, especially for learning about traditions and cultural norms, but you'll probably get more up-to-date information on style and trends from magazines like InStyle Weddings  or Modern Bride. 

Once you have established a rough idea of what you do and don't want for your special day, you'll need to choose a wedding date and a location. After your date and location are set, you can start planning all the other details. Below are your planning essentials.

Stay On Track Use this countdown checklist  to find out when you need to get things done, what to prioritize, and what to leave until weeks before the big day.	Get Organized Organization  is key when it comes to planning. Read this article, especially if you aren't hiring a planner or if you aren't naturally über-organized.	Budget Do not pass go. Do not collect $200 until you read this! It is imperative to know your limits and how to work within them before starting planning.	Stay Stress-Free Find tips and tricks on how to stay on your toes, keep your cool, and not get overwhelmed. After all, nobody wants to be a bride or groomzilla.

What Next?

If you have made it through the basics listed above, you'll want to get into the nitty gritty of the planning process. Here are the next few things to take care of so that you can plan the wedding of your dreams!

1. Create the Perfect Guest List
2. Consider Hiring a Wedding Planner or Consultant
3. Start Scouting for Vendors
4. Draw Up an Amazing Gift Registry

Other guides that might be of use to you in the initial planning stages include the following:

• At-Home Weddings
• Destination Weddings
• Formal Weddings
• Interfaith Marriages
• Military Weddings
• Organic Weddings
• Outdoor Weddings
• Same-Sex Weddings
• Seasonal Weddings
• Second Weddings
• Theme Weddings
• Vegas Weddings

International Resources

For this resource in your home country, please see:
FR: Les indispensables pour un mariage