1. Pick a date

• Look at your and your fiancé’s calendar. What is the best time of the year for you to take time off work (if there is any)? Are there any special dates you need to avoid, such as national or religious holidays, etc.? You may have a specific date in mind, only to find that the venue you fell in love with is already booked. Consider selecting just the month to give you more flexibility.

2. Hire your event planner

• This is a service that you think you don’t need. However, there are lots of details to manage and you want to enjoy your big day and not stress over the details. It may be a great help to have someone with experience to coordinate a flawless event. To select an event planner, you need to select someone that you can work with cooperatively with from beginning to end.

• Consider Make It Yours! to assist with such things as vendor selection and coordination; wedding stationery beginning with save the dates, invitations, through to thank you notes; management of the unexpected; proper etiquette for your style of wedding; and day-of management. We will take your ideas and make them a reality to truly make your wedding day just the way you want it.

3. Start your guest list

• Whether you have small intimate gathering of 50 or a big bash 300, you will need to have an estimate of the number of guest before you can decide on venues. Keep in mind that you need to allow your single friend or family to bring a guest. Also, don’t forget to check with parents and grandparents on their “must invite” lists. You may be surprised!

4. Develop a budget

• This may seem like a tedious process, but it’s absolutely necessary so that you don’t go crazy and spend your or your parents’ life savings. There are several websites that will walk you through this process.

5. Pick your venue(s)

• First, decide if you want a destination wedding or a local one. After that decision is made, then select your ceremony and reception sites. Some venues accommodate both. Once this decision is made, then the fun begins.