BellaOnline Forums Relationships Weddings My wedding date is set – now what?

I always appreciate the 'save the date' cards. It's always nice to get important dates on the calendar early.

And don't forget to start planning your hair style. "says the Hair editor"

Save the date cards are a really good idea for summer months - I like the fridge magnets, those don't get lost!

But also, August is a popular month for weddings, so start thinking about where you want to have your ceremony and reception. The reception hall will probably be the harder to book, so that's the one you need to jump on first.

If they ask for an estimate of how many guest you are expecting - you can usually figure 75% of in-town invites to attend and 50% of out-of town invites to attend. This is just a ballpark number to give them in the beginning, they'll want a firmer number closer to the actual date.

Congratulations!

Congratulations! You've got more time than some, so make the most of it now, so things aren't quite so hectic as your big day gets closer. If you don't already have one, invest in a wedding planning guide. It's a worthy idea to put all your wedding information in one organizer. You can always ignore the the calendar schedule section, or complete it in less time.

The organizers help keep you on task and list out many things you may not otherwise consider. You may want to contact a wedding coordinator for a consultation, if you don't want to use one for the wedding. You can get a ton of information in an hour or two to help with your planning.

I generally start with my friends in asking them to describe their fantasy wedding, reminding them to be open and prepared for acceptable compromises along the way. Once you and your fiancee figure that out, it's just a matter of getting as close to that as you can on your budget with compromise. Start with the Save The Date cards and then make it a point to get 2 or 3 items/ideas worked out each week.

One little gem I always share - you'll probably have tons of suggestions, many of which you won't care for. Just smile, reply "Thank you for that idea!" Keep a note pad in your organizer. If necessary, you can write the suggestion down and throw it away later. There's a saying "Weddings and Funerals, bring out the Best and Worst in families." Smile, and let things roll off your back. Concentrate on the good stuff and keep any negative stuff at bay.

If you get stuck, or find yourself in a "sticky" situation, write about it here. There's a ton of experience on this forum you can benefit from.