Identifying key vendors.

Start researching them as early as possible.

Some photographers and wedding venues are completely booked up to a year in advance, so let them know you're interested.


Look at dresses

This is in no way a required first step, but it's the surely the one thing you most are anxious to do.

Before you book a bridal salon appointment, buy some wedding magazines, browse wedding dress websites and ogle dresses to your heart's content.

Once you've gotten your wedding gown fix and have a better sense of your bridal style, plan to start shopping at a later date.


Consider your budget.

Everything going forward will hinge on numbers. You and your fiancé need to talk about how much money you can put toward the wedding and honeymoon.


Choose a style.

When you envision your dream wedding, Glamorous? Garden? Destination?

Having a range of time in mind will help narrow down the kind of wedding you want to have and the best venue to carry out that dream.

Browse locations online, set up a few appointments after the holidays and take your time.


Manage expectations.

Everyone is going to have an opinion. We've certainly inserted ours into this article.

This is your day and what was right for your cousin isn't necessarily right for you.

Try to excise any advice that might be helpful.


For your wedding party.

Get together with your fiancé and start talking about who you want to serve as your bridesmaids and groomsmen.