Planning a wedding can be a daunting task to the uninitiated - a category within which most wedding couples incidentally fall. Brides soon discover why wedding-planning has become a specialised profession... There is just so much to do!

As with any non-negotiable deadline, stress-levels build each day as the wedding date looms closer. Not getting everything done on time is an automatic fail, with no prospect of a do-over. Feeling the pressure yet?

All is not lost though... If you approach it with some sense of method, it becomes much easier to maintain a "handle on things" despite that seemingly endless list of elements to consider. Here is a simple strategy to improve your chances of staying sane during this exciting adventure:

      Take It One Step at a Time

Approach and do things one by one, in a logical order, so you don't take on too much too fast and end up with everything snowballing around you. Don't engage any vendors before you've confirmed your date; don't design your cake before you've envisioned your flowers; and don't book a band before you've settled on a venue.

Tip: A logical flow of priorities should more-or-less follow the following pattern: Date > Marriage Officer > Guest-list > Theme > Venue > Invitations > Attire > Décor and flowers > Caterer > Beverages / Bar > Band / DJ / PA system > Master of Ceremonies > Photographer > Car-Hire > Other

      Network vendors

If you feel overwhelmed by the task of sourcing the best suppliers and service providers, let one vendor lead you to another. Your venue manager can tell you which florist is brilliant, and your MC should know which DJ's pack the dance floor.

Tip: If you feel that a professional service is too expensive. Hire an amateur and cry later.

      Get Organised

Create a ring-binder folder specifically to contain all your contacts, correspondence, contracts, invoices, etc.  It is also a good place to keep all the magazine clippings and fabric samples you use for reference when consulting with your suppliers.

Create an e-mail address specifically for wedding-related correspondence. Free e-mail accounts like G-mail, and webmail.co.za make this a very easy task that will do wonders for keeping track of your e-mails.  

Tip: Make sure that you get all quotations, agreements and booking confirmations in writing.

      Draw up a time-line

A time-line with checklists is a good tool to facilitate a big-picture view of your progress. Your schedule should highlight milestones as well as deadlines for all elements of your wedding.  Do this by listing all your elements on a spreadsheet and note important milestone dates for each element. An example:

WEDDING DRESS

First fitting         - 15 May

Second fitting    - 15 June

Finalised by      - 25 August

Your deadline is 25 August, but having earlier milestone dates allow you to have perspective on your progress.

Tip:Spare yourself the anxiety associated with last-minute arrangements. Deadlines should be at least seven days before the wedding.

     

Delegate

Your friends and family want nothing more than to see you having the best wedding day ever! Let them know how they can help to make it a reality. Don’t hesitate to ask your sister to take responsibility for all things décor. Make your best man or brother responsible for settling payments on the day.

Tip: Do not personally discuss or make payments on your wedding day.

Let Go!

After all the planning and intimate involvement with the details of your big day, your next big challenge awaits.... Letting go! I have seen way to many grooms and brides failing to enjoy their own reception, because they get involved in the fine points on the day. Whether you chose vendors based on referrals, your gut, or proven credibility - the fact is that those decisions are made and you have to back your decision by putting your faith in your vendors. If anything is not done by bed-time on the eve of your big day, then let it go! All that's left to do is to enjoy your special occasion.

Tip: In the days leading up to your big day… Exercise! It is probably the cheapest, most effective and healthiest way to reduce stress.

Till next time... Keep smiling!