Tips for taking the stress out of planning

1.Keep hitting the 'pause' button.

2.Don't feel pressurized into making decisions.

3.Remember your initial priorities - write them down and out them in a place where you will see them.

4.Keep the wedding in perspective.

5.Buy a wall planner and write down important dates.

6.Buy a folder with pockets to keep all the paperwork together.

7.Handle tasks in a sensible order. Focus on what needs doing, one step at a time.

8.Plan the ceremony. Then make the difficult and expensive decisions, e.g.

• Reception and number of guests
• Colour schemes / tone for the day
• Bridal outfit
• Bridesmaids' dresses
• Groom's outfit
• Photography
• Cars
• Stationary
• Flowers

9.Try to be sensitive to your families' wishes.

10.Build some planning-free zones into your diary, such as going out for a meal with your fiancee and agreeing not to mention the wedding.

11.Buy some fizz or party poppers to remind you that this is a celebration. Crack open the fizz and pull the party poppers if you're feeling stressed!

taken from 'Rules of Engagement' by Katharine and Richard Hill.