Ask for help – Don’t demand it
This is one of the biggest pet peeves of relatives and friends.
I was once friends with a woman who emailed me a list of errands and only called to find out if I’d finished them. I did not attend her wedding, nor did I send a gift.
Never assume that your posse is ready and willing to engage in such a massive affair. They had lives before your engagement — those lives haven’t stopped. This extends from your mother to your third cousin-twice removed.
Sure, maybe you and your seven sisters have planned your weddings since before you could walk, but you still have to ask. This demonstrates common courtesy, which is, sadly, not so common anymore. It shows you acknowledge that your friends and family have lives and you appreciate any time they can spare. One again, people are more willing to help if they believe they’re truly assisting you and not simply pacifying a giant baby. And once you’ve received that help, you — you guessed it — say thank you.
Also: Check out How to deal with bridesmaid troubles >>
Be organized
This should go without saying, as most girls have this event planned down to the last orange-walnut scone. But for the organizationally challenged, there is hope. Any local bookstore will have a plethora of wedding binders and planners.
Most of us cannot afford an actual wedding planner — you know, the living and breathing kind? If you can, more power to you and you have less of an excuse for stressing than anyone else (you have someone to stress for you!).
But for everyone else, there’s good ol’ fashioned paper and pen. Once you set your date, there’s only one thing to think about: Your budget. Your budget will determine the size, amount of people, level of noise, how many port-a-potties and, well, you get the idea. Write everything in your calendar. Set reminders in your cell phone. Keep track of your receipts, your contracts, your RSVPs… your sanity. Invest in a good planner and you should be just fine.
Also: Check out 7 tips for hiring a wedding caterer >>
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