Some of my readers totally suspected it from my recent wedding posts: I'm engaged! And oh my goodness, what a big job planning a wedding can be, right? From the vows to flowers, from food to photos, it's no wonder that couples often spend their money to hire a wedding planner to do the hard work. So hopefully, if you're newly betrothed and found this page in a fit of frantic Googling, you can benefit from my fried bride brain.

How do you even know where to start? Of course, it's smart to pick a date. If you're like me, you have some idea of what your wedding should be like, but booming those locations and services won't be possible (in most cases) without a firm date. Sit down with your spouse-to-be and talk about which season you'd like to be married in. There's no wrong answer, but do consider the weather, and whether your budget can bear the added cost of a spring or autumn wedding.

Afterward, I've found it helpful to sit down by yourself and make a list of things your event needs. Don't worry: I'll spell it out below. If any of these categories doesn't apply to your wedding, or within some of them you have a must-have vision of what you want, this is the time to make a note. Focus on the must-haves first: you'll be all the more devastated if you can't make them work later!

-Date

-Ceremony Location

-Reception Location

-Rehearsal Dinner Location

-Theme/Colors

-Officiant

-Bridal Party Members

-Guest List

-Outfits

-Flowers

-Decorations

-Food

-Music

-Correspondence (Save the Dates, Invitations, etc.)

-Registry

-Program of Events

And this is just the tip of the iceberg! The fancier the wedding, the more moving parts. Each of these categories has a multitude of possible check boxes that are specific to every wedding, and truly every culture. Stay tuned for my descent into wedding planning fever!

Photo: Pixabay