How to Plan a Big Wedding

Relax and enjoy planning your big wedding.

Your wedding may be the best day of your life, but it can be stressful coping with all the planning that's involved. If you have a large family and a lot of friends to invite, you'll need to hold a big wedding. If you don't know where to begin, don't panic -- take a deep breath and break the planning down into easy steps so you can stay calm and enjoy preparing for your big day.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with internet
• Wedding magazines

Instructions

1. Write down a list of everyone you want to invite. Sit down with your fiance and write down the names of all the family and friends you want to share your special day with. Ask both sets of parents who they want to invite early on. (This will save a lot of arguments later!) When your list is complete you will have an idea of how many people to expect and how big a venue you will need to look for.

2. Look for one or multiple venues if you decide to have the ceremony and reception in different places. Look online and in wedding magazines to find out about places that hold weddings in your area. Make a list of venues that you like and are big enough for your wedding and visit them. If you can't find a venue that is large enough, look at venues with gardens that allow you to put up a marquee for an outdoor wedding. Decide which one is your favorite and get it booked for the date of your wedding. It's wise to do this as far in advance as possible as popular venues book up fast. You should book your venue at least six months before your big day; some venues may be booked a year or two in advance.

3. Look for a caterer if your venue doesn't offer catering services. You may need to hire a portable bar for the day too if your venue does not serve drinks. Check online and in wedding magazines for details and reviews of local caterers. Ask your friends and family for recommendations. Insist on having a tasting before booking so you know you're satisfied with what you'll be paying for.

4. Sort out the entertainment. If your venue is not providing music for your reception, get quotes from local DJs or bands and book the one you enjoy the most. Sort out any music you want for your ceremony -- whether it's a string quartet, a guitar-playing friend or your own CD player, there will be something to suit your budget.

5. Send out save-the-date cards to everyone on your invite list at least six months before your big day. You can send the invites closer to the time, but it's nice to let your guests know the date of your wedding early so they can organize their schedules and book hotels. Order your invites now.

6. Book a photographer. Make a list of photographers who work in your area and look at samples of their work. You can do this at their official website or by asking for samples. Decide who will capture your big day the best and get him or her booked. Photographers can be pricey, so if your budget won't accommodate a professional, ask a friend or guest to snap shots.

7. Decide if you want a theme. Choosing a theme -- such as movie-style glamor or English tea party -- can help with your planning. It narrows down the items you're looking for and therefore makes planning such a big event much easier. It also gives the whole event a polished, professional look and if you pick a theme that reflects your personality, it will make it more personal for you and your other half. If you can't decide on a theme, you could choose a color scheme. If you choose red, for example, have your bridesmaids wear red, order red flowers and include red in your favors.

8. Look for your dress. This may be the most important outfit you will ever buy, so choose carefully. Look online and in wedding magazines for inspiration about the style of dress you want. If you have a theme, look for a gown that ties in with it. Visit local bridal stores and try on a lot of dresses. You may find that you hate the look of your dream dress once you're wearing it and you love a style that you never thought you would. Order your dress at least six months in advance to allow time for fittings and alterations.

9. Pick bridesmaids' dresses and suits for the groom and groomsmen. Again, look online and in magazines for ideas then visit local stores to try dresses and suits on. Choose outfits that will look good next to your dress and complement any theme or color scheme you have.

10. Choose your transport. If you are having one or more wedding cars, book at least six months in advance. Look at ideas online and in magazines then ask local companies for quotes. If your ceremony and reception are at different venues, you may want to book transport for your guests to help them get between venues. With so many guests to account for, you don't want anyone to get lost.

11. Pick your flowers. Browse magazines and websites for ideas about what flowers you like. Once you know what you like, visit or call a few local florists for quotes, then book one for your wedding day. Do this as early as possible -- at least three months before.

12. Organize the finer details that you're including in your day. If you are having wedding favors, seat covers or need to hire crockery, cutlery or glasses, book these at least three months in advance. Choose items that match any theme or color you're having. Book a hairdresser and makeup artist if you are having one and order your wedding cake. Buy your wedding shoes, jewelry and wedding rings for you and your soon-to-be spouse.

13. Send out your invites two to three months before the wedding day. Remember to include an RSVP date so people confirm in time. You may need to know exact numbers two weeks to a month in advance to give to the venue or caterers. Set a reminder on your phone or computer to contact people who haven't responded on time. Explain politely that you need confirmation for the venue and that you hope they can attend.

14. Reconfirm all details of your wedding two weeks before. Make sure everything is going to be where it's supposed to be at the right time. Over the final days, sort out any last-minute details and try your best to relax as the date approaches. Book a spa day or a massage before the wedding -- if you can't afford that, pamper yourself with fancy new bath products.

15. Enjoy your wedding day. You've calmly and meticulously planned everything so it should all go smoothly; now it's time for you to look beautiful and have fun. If something does go wrong, remember that saying your vows and getting married is what counts. Just keep smiling and have the best day of your life.

Tips & Warnings

• It's a good idea to draw up a checklist and tick details off as you book them -- that way you won't forget anything.

• If you have a large budget, hire a wedding planner to help you. If you have a small budget, ask friends and family for help.

• Communicate well with both sets of parents to make sure their needs are being met to avoid arguments.

References

• The Knot: Planning
• Brides.com: Ideas
• You & Your Wedding: Planning Essentials

Resources

• The Knot: Local Wedding Resources
• Wedding Channel: Local Vendors and Reviews