In this series of articles we're going to cover one of the most difficult and time consuming things a person can do, planning a wedding.

Many people wonder why when planning a wedding you're told to start a year in advance. Well, after reading this series of articles you'll realize just why that much time is needed. Planning a wedding, for the person who has never done it before, can be an overwhelming and daunting task. Just making the checklist of things to do can take days or weeks. Hopefully, this article series will make some of the work a little easier.

The first thing you need to do when planning your wedding is to pick a date. If you think this is easy, think again. There are many variables that factor into the date you pick and what obstacles you may run into on that date. For example. Want a February 14 wedding for Valentine's Day because you think it's romantic? Try not to forget that if you're living in a severe cold weather climate that you may very well end up having your wedding in a blizzard or not at all, especially if your guests can't make it. Are you a patriotic soul who wants a July 4 wedding? Well, you better remember that this is a big holiday and getting a hall for this date may not be so easy. Also, don't forget that many of the people you will want to invite may have plans for that day, which is usually very big for family get togethers and barbecues. So pick your date carefully.

The next thing you'll need to do after picking the date is to notify your clergyman to make sure that he is available for that date. Again, if you're picking a popular holiday this may present a problem. If your regular clergyman can't make it for that date then you'll either have to find someone else, or, if you are set on this particular person then you're going to have to pick a different date. This is why picking your date is so important. Everything hinges on it.

After notifying your clergy the next thing is to set a budget. This may be one of the hardest things you will do. Everyone wants a big lavish wedding. But not everybody can afford a big wedding. You have to look at what you can afford regardless of how large your circle of family and friends is and how many people you want to invite. Once you know how big or small your budget is that will pretty much determine everything from this point on, to what hall you choose to how expensive a wedding dress you'll buy.

Then comes the task of choosing your guest list. This is going to be largely influenced by your budget but even in the case of an unlimited budget there are only so many people you will be able to invite. The hall itself may have a maximum capacity. The best thing to do when making your guest list is go through immediate family first. Remember, you have two families to think of, the bride's and the groom's. Somewhere along the line compromises will have to be made. Make them together. Remember, this is both your wedding day.

In the next article in this series we'll pick up with setting a time for the ceremony, picking a location for the ceremony, rehearsal and reception.

-------------------------------------------------------
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Weddings
-------------------------------------------------------