Courtesy photo

• Keep reality in focus — know your budget and stick to it. It is easy to get wrapped up in having an extravagant wedding, but remember the day is really about you and your partner.

• If you’re thinking of a specific color, keep in mind what flowers are available during the time of your wedding, and that flowers in season are less expensive.

• If you don’t have a wedding planner, enlist a friend or family member who isn’t in your bridal party to help you prioritize and plan.

• Choose a theme or symbol first to solidify the vision of your wedding, as it will make the party planning process easier.

• Ask for references of potential vendors before booking. 

• If you have older wedding guests, make sure there are plenty of places for them to sit down. 

• If you’re having a large number of guests with children 10 and under, hire a babysitter to watch them during the ceremony. Or set up a children’s table or room at the reception, complete with crayons, coloring books, small toys, and games.

• Be cognizant of guests and their dietary restrictions — food allergies, people who are vegetarians or need gluten-free options. Make sure there is something for everyone.

• Seat people with similar interests and ages together, and put an even amount of people at each table as people tend to pair off in conversation. You don’t want to leave anyone out.

• Thank you notes are as important as your invitations. A great time to write them is on the plane ride to your honeymoon destination while the memory is still fresh.

(This list was provided by David’s Bridal.)