So, you're getting married! First, big congrats to you both! Nothing else compares to the feeling of getting engaged...well, except maybe that moment when you walk down the aisle! How well you plan for your wedding day plays a big part in how your wedding day unfolds.The whole planning process is pretty exciting: yummy cake tastings, looking thru hundreds of bridal magazines, the countless hours looking at hair styles, wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses and colors and oh, those glorious flowers. Flowers are a huge part of your wedding because they set the mood although you don't have to break the bank and simple is oftentimes the most special. Some of the latest trend are so cool, too. For example, adding brooches to the bouquet can definitely up the "specialness" quota. You can find some fantastic vintage brooches, reasonably prices, or perhaps your grandmother has a heirloom piece tucked away just waiting for you to discover!

Following are a couple of tips to get your wedding headed in the right direction because pulling it all together can be a daunting task in the beginning. I really feel like I have the smartest and most savvy brides around and all of this information I have learned along the way comes from each of them. Passing it on to you in hopes that you find it helpful.

Tip #1
Make an inspiration board. An inspiration board is a collection of colors, textures, pictures, etc. that you work from to develop your style. Lately, Pinterest has become a great resource for my brides. So much inspiration on that site, so check it out. It eliminates confusion about choices. Just stick to your scheme of the colors, textures, etc. from your board. Tons of info on the net about pulling together an inspiration board. You will be so happy once you get it completed. In the end it prevents lots of frustration and gives you confidence about your selections.

Tip #2
Create a wedding day timeline.
Even if you have a wedding planner (which honestly is NOT the norm today), it helps to create a schedule of how your wedding day will flow. Once you get to the "getting ready" moment on your big day, things start to move very quickly. Don't leave the wedding timeline up to your venue, dj, etc. They know basic timelines, etc. but the specifics really should be determined by you. Your photographer is a great resource in this area. Following is a guideline that I like to share with my brides. Adjust it to your own wedding timeline and don't forget to factor in any travel time if the wedding and reception are at separate locations.

*Groom/PreWedding/Getting Ready Photos 30 minutes
*Bride/Prewedding/Getting Ready Photos 30 minutes to one hour
*Ceremony 30 minutes
*Receiving line if you choose this(some brides
choose to forgo this and simply do a reception entrance) 30 minutes
*Family Pictures 30 minutes
*Wedding Party Photos 15 minutes
*Special Couple Photos (Think Wedding Album!!) 30 minutes to one hour
(During cocktail hour)
*Reception Entrance/First Dances/Announcements 30 minutes
*Dinner 1 hour
*Toasts 30 minutes
*Slideshows (optional) 15 minutes
Cake Cutting 15 minutes
Bouquet/Garter Toss 30 minutes

The order of how these events unfold at your reception will be determined by your DJ unless you make these decisions in advance, which I suggest that you do. You will feel less stressed knowing what to expect throughout the reception.

Tip #3
Start your wedding day feeling calm and relaxed. Limit the number of people (family members, especially the ones with kids!) in your bridal suite. It's your day. None of my brides, of course, but I have head horror stories of unruly children getting ready in the bridal suite, leaving a few brides to retreat to the bathroom in tears! So, kick back with your bridesmaids and have fun. Keep it light. Even if you are already a parent, be sure to delegate the childcare to others on that day. Also, consider writing a secret note in advance to your groom and tuck it away for him to find as he's getting dressed. It'll be a great reminder that soon he'll be looking at the most beautiful girl in the room: YOU!

And when it's time to walk down that aisle and you make your entrance, whether it be inside a huge cathedral or you're stepping onto the sand at the beach, stop, breathe and take a look around...savor the moment. Experience the happiness that comes with your wedding day. And I will capture it all for you to look back on this moment for the rest of your life together.