Cheap wedding planning should be practiced for those who are having a wedding on a budget. Don’t ever feel like you are having to settle or “make do” with mediocre wedding accessories. Just learn how to bargain shop for your special day, and you will save tons of money in the long run!

If you’re one of those lucky gals whose fiancé wants to have input on everything from choosing linens to the height of the heel on your pump, then read no further. Give your honey his wedding to-do list and go get a manicure. If you’d like your Price Charming a little more involved, however, then try the following.

1. Ask yourself why you want your fiancé involved. Is it because you feel it demonstrates how much he loves you, or simply because the task overwhelms you and you want help? The answer to this question will determine how you will ask your fiancé to be involved. Is it important to you that he have input into which photographer you choose or would you rather his assistance be in a more detailed-oriented realm (like picking people up at the airport or making sure all the vendors are paid on time)?

2. Keep your wedding planning conversations with him brief. He probably wants to be involved, but an hour of debating the merits of freesias or daisies in your bouquet will have his eyes glazing over. When his input is desired, keep the chat to 15 minutes. If nothing is resolved, bring the topic to the table the next day. If nothing else, you’ll wear him down from sheer tenacity. 

3. At the beginning of the planning process, ask him which aspects of the planning he wants to be in charge of. This will allow him to select areas that interest him (saying selecting a DJ verses choosing cutsie wedding favors). 

4. Get him involved in the selection of food and alcoholic beverages. If you make a “date” out of tastings, he’ll be happy to go along. And the old adage is still true–the way to a man’s heart (or at least keeping his interest) is through his stomach. 

5. Narrow down his choices to two or three before asking for his input. Present him with any more choices of photographers and his eyes will glaze over looking at all the samples. 

6. Whatever you do, ALWAYS give him say in his wedding day attire. No matter how reluctant he is to participate in the other aspects of wedding planning, more than likely he’s going to balk at you telling him what to wear. 

7. If he tells you to simply delegate some vendors/tasks to him, then do so willingly, but be sure you give him ones that align with his interests. If he’s like most men, he’ll be more invested in looking for the DJ, wedding-day transportation, arranging the rehearsal dinner and tuxes than shopping for flower girl dresses. Most guys will want to have a say in their honeymoon destination, so you might want to have him come up with options for that too. 

8. Let him know you value his opinion. He just wants you to be happy, and he may think that the way to make that happen is to defer to you on all of the decisions. If you tell him that’s not the blessing he imagines it to be and that you’re excited to have his input, then he’ll be more prone to offer it. Caveat to this: you’re going to need to listen to his input and honor his suggestions from time to time! 

9. Make it easy for him to participate. Make sure you have a mutually-agreed upon system for organizing the wedding planning so he’s not off doing one thing while you’re doing something counterproductive to it. 

10. Remember to keep dating your fiancé during the wedding planning process. Sure you’re excited and maybe the wedding day is all you think about, but maybe you should relegate some of that chit chat to conversations with your mother and bridesmaids. Set aside at least one evening a week for a “No Wedding Talk” date night. He’ll be much more interested if you don’t flood him with wedding talk 24/7.

She may say yes, but man! That is one mechanical and boring proposal. If you are truly in love, take the time to make your proposal memorable. This is a landmark moment in relationships and needs TLC.

Yeah, you can do the simple drop to one knee and blurt out the question bit. Just don’t forget to set the mood first. Your lady will appreciate you even more for taking the time to “set the stage” if you will.

If your lady is the sentimental kind, why not put together various things that will remind her of the various events in your relationship. For example, why not put all the stuff in a box and go through the contents with her. You can have a “remember when” afternoon with each of you identifying the napkin you wrote her number on, the card from the first bouquet of flowers you sent her, and so on.. Make sure to carefully conceal one more item in the box that you will bring out. Of course, the last item is the ring. Now’s the time to say the lines you’ve been rehearsing.

Too tame you say? Why not take it up a step? Take her on a tour of your favorite places. Make it a day out. Start in your favorite restaurant, do the things throughout the day that you enjoyed most while getting to know each other (try to choose the most romantic ones). How about ending your day by recreating your first dinner date? Pop the question after dessert.

Not inclined to go out in the foul weather? No problem. How about creating a treasure hunt especially for her? Start by creating a note that may simply say something like follow the rainbow to find gold. Next lay her a trail of something she loves that she’ll definitely follow (in this example, how about skittles). Put a few more notes in between that say how you feel like, “you color my world”. Of course at the end of the trail when she opens the door, there you are, in perfect position and saying the loveliest phrase any women can hear.

Of course, you may just prefer to literally ride off into the sunset with her. Take her on a trip with to a place you’ve both wanted to go. As you watch the sun set, ask her to marry you.

It doesn’t have to be anything too elaborate, but your lady will definitely appreciate the time and effort that you put into it. It’ll also help you avoid funny incidents like losing the ring as she flips open her table napkin, if you think the deed through. In the end, it’s still all about one question and the fervent hope that she’ll say yes!

Do I need a Seating Plan?

If your wedding reception is small & informal then a seating plan may not be necessary. However, if you are having a large number of guests & a formal sit down dinner then it is a good idea to draw up a seating plan so that you guests can find a table quickly & efficiently. Many of your guests will want to sit with family & friends so a seating plan will prevent a mad rush of guests all trying to sit together at the same tables! Having a seating plan that places people who will get along together will help to create the happy atmosphere that you want for your wedding meal & will make a difference to your guest’s enjoyment of the day.

Within your wedding planning you will find a number of options available for your seating plan. These range from:

No plan at all – best for standing buffets or small & informal events. Assign guests to tables – you allocate guests to tables but the choice of seat is theirs. Assign guests to seats – you specify the seats at which each guest will sit.

When it comes to deciding on a seating plan, bear in mind that you should do what you think will make your guests most comfortable.

The Top Table Dilemma

The traditional top table is a long table on which sits the bride & groom in the center & the rest of the wedding party beside them. Whilst this is still the favored choice, there are other alternatives being used as family structures become more complicated.

Traditionally the top table would look something like this:

Chief Bridesmaid–G.Father–B.Mother-Groom-Bride-B.Father-G.Mother-Best Man

Alternatives are used where parents are divorced & maybe remarried or have a new partner. Another popular choice is to do away with the top table altogether & just have a table for the two of you.

Top Tips for Other Tables

1. Seating families or close friends all on one table may not do much to encourage mingling between guests, although these guests will be relaxed. Sitting people who don’t know each other may be daunting for those concerned & again may not do much for the atmosphere. The best advice is to mix the tables up so that there is a combination of new & old friends. Consider your guests ages & interests also & try to seat like for like together, they are more likely to get on & have fun that way.

2. Singles can be a dilemma, especially if a large number of your guests are couples. It can be tempting to try a little matchmaking but this could back fire, making both parties & you uncomfortable & embarrassed. Avoid a singles table & try to place them on tables with other likeminded guests whom you think they will get along with.

3. Etiquette rules apply depending on the shape of the tables you are using. For round tables sit male & female guests alternately. If you are using long tables sit couples opposite one another & alternate male/female along the table.

4. Reserve the tables closest to yourselves for close friends & family.

5. Make sure each table has a name or number to identify it. You could theme them according to things relevant to you both, for instance name after your favorite places you have visited together, or your favorite films. Your venue may make these cards for you, but make sure they are shown on your seating plan.

6. If you want to assign a specific seat to each guest then you will need to write out name cards which you can then place at each setting. Aside from the traditional name card, you can use menus or wedding favors for the same purpose.

Creating your Seating Plan

Start putting together your seating early in your wedding planning. You can start even before you have had back all of your RSVP’s as you will know already who is definitely coming.

When you start ask your venue for a plan of how the tables will be arranged on the day & decide on which shape of table you will use. You will also need to know how many guests you can seat at each one.

Putting together your plan can take some time & may involve many revisions to get it right. A good tip is to write each guests name down on separate pieces of paper & do the same for each table. You can then arrange the tables out & assign guests to each one. Experiment by moving them around until you find the right layout for you. In recent years there have been numerous software programs developed to help with organizing your seating plan which can save you time & a great deal of stress as well!

Do I need a Seating Plan?

If your wedding reception is small & informal then a seating plan may not be necessary. However, if you are having a large number of guests & a formal sit down dinner then it is a good idea to draw up a seating plan so that you guests can find a table quickly & efficiently. Many of your guests will want to sit with family & friends so a seating plan will prevent a mad rush of guests all trying to sit together at the same tables! Having a seating plan that places people who will get along together will help to create the happy atmosphere that you want for your wedding meal & will make a difference to your guest’s enjoyment of the day.

Within your wedding planning you will find a number of options available for your seating plan. These range from:

No plan at all – best for standing buffets or small & informal events. Assign guests to tables – you allocate guests to tables but the choice of seat is theirs. Assign guests to seats – you specify the seats at which each guest will sit.

When it comes to deciding on a seating plan, bear in mind that you should do what you think will make your guests most comfortable.

The Top Table Dilemma

The traditional top table is a long table on which sits the bride & groom in the center & the rest of the wedding party beside them. Whilst this is still the favored choice, there are other alternatives being used as family structures become more complicated.

Traditionally the top table would look something like this:

Chief Bridesmaid–G.Father–B.Mother-Groom-Bride-B.Father-G.Mother-Best Man

Alternatives are used where parents are divorced & maybe remarried or have a new partner. Another popular choice is to do away with the top table altogether & just have a table for the two of you.

Top Tips for Other Tables

1. Seating families or close friends all on one table may not do much to encourage mingling between guests, although these guests will be relaxed. Sitting people who don’t know each other may be daunting for those concerned & again may not do much for the atmosphere. The best advice is to mix the tables up so that there is a combination of new & old friends. Consider your guests ages & interests also & try to seat like for like together, they are more likely to get on & have fun that way.

2. Singles can be a dilemma, especially if a large number of your guests are couples. It can be tempting to try a little matchmaking but this could back fire, making both parties & you uncomfortable & embarrassed. Avoid a singles table & try to place them on tables with other likeminded guests whom you think they will get along with.

3. Etiquette rules apply depending on the shape of the tables you are using. For round tables sit male & female guests alternately. If you are using long tables sit couples opposite one another & alternate male/female along the table.

4. Reserve the tables closest to yourselves for close friends & family.

5. Make sure each table has a name or number to identify it. You could theme them according to things relevant to you both, for instance name after your favorite places you have visited together, or your favorite films. Your venue may make these cards for you, but make sure they are shown on your seating plan.

6. If you want to assign a specific seat to each guest then you will need to write out name cards which you can then place at each setting. Aside from the traditional name card, you can use menus or wedding favors for the same purpose.

Creating your Seating Plan

Start putting together your seating early in your wedding planning. You can start even before you have had back all of your RSVP’s as you will know already who is definitely coming.

When you start ask your venue for a plan of how the tables will be arranged on the day & decide on which shape of table you will use. You will also need to know how many guests you can seat at each one.

Putting together your plan can take some time & may involve many revisions to get it right. A good tip is to write each guests name down on separate pieces of paper & do the same for each table. You can then arrange the tables out & assign guests to each one. Experiment by moving them around until you find the right layout for you. In recent years there have been numerous software programs developed to help with organizing your seating plan which can save you time & a great deal of stress as well!

The following 5 tips are intended to guide you through your wedding planning as smoothly as possible:

1. DON’T GO OVER BUDGET!
We’ve seen it happen time and time again. Newly wed couples thing they have everything figured out to the penny. But when the wedding is over they’re left with unpaid bills and unexpected expenses. The solution? Don’t go over budget! Plan everything for your wedding in advance: the cost of the caterer, DJ, photographer, and any other vendors you intend to hire. A word of advice: Don’t invite your cousin’s sister’s husband’s brother if you can not afford to feed him and his family. Start with immediate family and close friends-continue from there. It’s really rude (and embarrassing) to dis-invite someone at the last minute (because you discovered you can’t afford it!).

2. ORDER WEDDING ATTIRE EARLY
Picture it: The Groom’s Best Man is wearing a tuxedo that’s three times too large for his body. The Bride’s Maid’s dress is so tight , she can barely breathe! These are horrific scenarios that actually do happen and need last minute resolutions. Don’t put yourself through this chaos. Get everyone fitted for their dresses and tuxedos as early as 6-8 months in advance. Ladies-don’t forget wedding accessories!

3. BOOK ACCOMODATIONS EARLY
In some tourist frequented cities, guest accommodations need to be set up to a year in advance! Call resorts/hotels and book a set amount of rooms for your guests on a specific date. Be certain to have enough rooms for all of your out-of-town guests. Shop around for several accommodations, as your guests may be on a budget too! Especially if they just paid to travel to your location.

4. GET A MARRIAGE LICENSE FROM YOUR OWN COUNTRY
If you’ve decided to have a destination wedding-don’t arrive at that destination without a marriage license. Most states have a 30-60 day turn-around rate with marriage licenses. It’s worth the wait. Why, you ask? Different countries have different marriage customs and requirements. Nevertheless, you should bring your new marriage license with you wherever you are going to marry. If you are re-marrying, bring your divorce papers as well.

5. BEAUTIFICATION CAN GET UGLY
Bad tans, allergic reactions to hair dye or other chemicals can be a nightmare. Don’t until the last minute to get a pre-wedding ‘make-over.’ Facials and waxing can also leave unwanted blotches, burns, and breakouts for those wedding photographs! Make all beautician appointments a week or two in advance. Part of good wedding planning is being the ‘early bird’ make sure everything is in place nice and early inthe planning stages.

The wedding is that ceremony which celebrates the union between a man and a woman, a moment of great happiness and optimism, when life finally doesn’t seem such a lonely place anymore. The wedding customs vary, sometimes greatly between cultures, from the spiritual and civil meaning of the event itself to the way both the groom and the bride and everybody around is dressed, how the procession manifests (music, poetry, prayers) and so on.

In modern society, many people turn to wedding planning advise, to ease and speed things up, but we’ll get back to that later. For now, an interesting fact has captured our attention: a part of the origins of the symbolism of wedding dates back from past centuries, from the times of clans and knights and it’s almost like a tale, which went like this: The young head of a clan gathered his best or most trusted friends (from which comes the custom for a bloke to have his best man besides him at the altar…) and went on a little quest to kidnap the rival clan’s girl he desired. He brought her to his village and used a rope to tie her up, so she wouldn’t run away (and that’s how the wedding ring custom came along). And, like any tale ends, the two youngsters were to spend their lives together. Of course, those days they didn’t have to worry so much about how the napkins would match the satin ribbons on the chairs. In fact you don’t have to do it either if you use the wedding planning advise given by professional websites like eventsbyoccasion.com. In memory and honor of our predecessors, a handful of practical and smart people have come up with a simple web-based solution to all your needs, all in the reach of a click of your mouse: free wedding planning advise online!

Nowadays, this specialized website has thought about all the worries and problems concerning the delicate matter of organization that appear together with the idea of marriage. Among the many provided services, they also supply a great and simple 3-step method to suit your wedding planning advise needs: first, you select your residential city, then you select a category (in our case, “Weddings”) and then a list of catering firms in your local area is revealed. The third step consists in the facility of posting free ads.

Getting free wedding planning advise has never been easier! No more wasted time and nerves wandering around throughout the city searching for firms you looked up in the paper. You can forget that pain in the neck coming from your angry fiancée, bugging you in the middle of your meeting to see whether you’ve arranged for the cushion chairs instead of the simple ones. That’s all in the past now!

All you have to do is log on the web, visit this site eventsbyoccasion.com and look for the service that will suit your needs best. It all gets as easy as it can by simply using free wedding planning advise. And to make your wedding experience complete (in attention of men!), eventsbyoccasion.com provides a full bachelor party event column, including bars, bands and DJ’s…but the ladies don’t necessarily have to know about that, do they? You can also easily set up the honeymoon of your dreams.