Hello from Kathy at Your Dream Day! Planning a wedding can be a whirlwind, but I'm here to guide you through it with some expert advice. Let's dive into some essential tips to ensure your wedding planning is as joyful as the big day itself!

1. Budget and Date: Set these early and stick to them. Every budget has a perfect vendor match, so don’t worry about missing out.
2. Vendor Referrals: Trust referrals from people you've already hired or those close to you. Be wary of paid referral lists; always ask how vendors get on those lists to avoid conflicts of interest.
3. Professional Coordination: Managing a wedding is vastly different from other events. Ensure your coordinator has specific wedding experience. Consider taking a class or workshop to understand the nuances of wedding planning.
4. Booking Timeline: Prioritize your bookings to avoid last-minute scrambles. Reception venues and photographers should be booked well in advance.
5. Guest List Management: Your guest list significantly impacts the budget. Invite those important to your future, including key professional contacts, but don’t feel pressured to extend beyond your closest circle.
6. Invitations: Send these out 3-4 months in advance, and keep registry information off the invites to adhere to etiquette norms.
7. Band Contracts: If you’re having live music, include a no-alcohol clause for the band to maintain professionalism throughout the event.
8. Take Breaks: Regularly schedule downtime with your fiancé to reconnect away from wedding planning stresses.
9. Rehearsal Dinner: This should be intimate, limited to those in the ceremony and their partners, though you might extend invites to early-arriving guests.
10. Emergency Kit: Prepare for minor mishaps with a kit that includes essentials like a needle and thread, stain remover, and safety pins. A professional wedding planner typically has a comprehensive kit.
11. Stay Nourished: It’s easy to forget to eat on your wedding day. Plan specific times to eat to keep energy up throughout the day.
12. Enjoy the Process: Remember, your wedding is a celebration of love, not a stress test. Lean on a professional wedding coordinator to help you enjoy your day to the fullest.

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