Step One: Fall in love and say YES to the “marry me?” request!

Step Two: Communicate! Communicate! Communicate! Talk through your ideas, plans and BUDGETS with all those who will be involved; however, the day is about the two of you and the love you share for each other (this is important to keep in mind).

Step Three: Once you have a realistic budget and a joint vision, begin the search for vendors (spend time discussing how you plan to use your budget…is it important to have your dream dress (even though it eats up half your budget) or is it more important to have your dream caterer?).

Step Four: Who to book first? Ceremony and reception location come first, photographer and entertainment come second (do your research, don’t book on a whim…your vendors will either make or break your big day!). Once you have these vendors booked, the rest can come later.

Step Five: Remember, perfection is a word that should be taken lightly. Flexibility and the ability to make lemonade out of lemons is rather handy while planning.

Take advantage of family members who have planned before you and utilize your vendors to guide you; however, don’t wear out your welcome. Although it may be hard to believe, your bridesmaids may not want to discuss peonies vs. hydrangeas at 3:15AM. The same rule applies to your vendors; excessive calling and weekly meetings may burn up their excitement to make your day extraordinary. Ask your vendors if there is a timeline they like to follow as they assist you.

Remember, wedding planning is joyous and strenuous together; and how joyous it will be when you don’t have to worry because you have left the stress behind with your proficient planning!

You can also find this post featured on http://www.djjer.com/blog-0/bid/29631/All-the-Details-in-Planning-Your-Wedding-and-Event

Table Centerpieces (and floral) by THE FLOWER MILL, Cake by CHEF APRIL AUSTIN, linens by SIMPLY DIVINE LINENS

Keeping with our week of winter wedding inspiration, we felt it was necessary to feature a BRIDAL SHOWER idea from Hostess with the Mostess! Silver & Lilac Wonderland!

While visiting the site, feel free to browse around for more winter ideas!

For the next week we will be sharing ideas, thoughts, DIY’s and more about planning and implementing a winter wedding!

For some early inspiration…

Candles make such a huge impact in a reception hall. They set the ambiance, they make it feel special and so often you can rent, borrow or purchase what you need for a modest cost.

I love this table decor, the tea light votives are something you can rent from your florist or a decorator (such as Envision Wedding Studio or Ideal Wedding Center). You can also purchase them (with a 50% off coupon) from a craft store such as Hobby Lobby.

These two centerpiece arrangements are lovely, the varying heights of cylinder vases add interest to the table, the floating floral or greenery adds color to the vases and the floating candles set the perfect ambiance. A WOW impact with minimal floral purchase, mostly rentals and a little creativity on your part!

This display of vases, votives and floating candles is stunning! Perfect for the mirror display area at Callaway’s Event Center, behind your head table or even outside the Callaway’s Event Center wrapping around the entrance (wouldn’t that be a wow factor)!

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box with candles! Ask your florist, event decorator or even your reception venue for ideas (they will surely have plenty to share)!

Reusable bags are everywhere, grocery stores, department stores and private businesses. Why not use them as a wedding favor for guests? Available in just about in color, they are durable, long-lasting and can be used for grocery

shopping, gym clothes or any quick tote-and-go request!

Make them personal with a customized wedding tag from My Wedding Labels.

Place them in a lovely basket so as guests depart, they can grab a bag to go. Leftovers bags, no problem! Now you and your new husband have lovely bags to your first trip to the grocery store as husband and wife!

It is always fun to learn the meaning of flowers, then your floral selection for bouquets and centerpieces goes so much deeper than their looks.

In the language of the flowers, depending on which source you use, the dahlia means gratitude, dignity, and pomp. Here are even more specific meanings:

double dahlia—participation

single dahlia—good taste

variegated dahlia—I think of you constantly

white dahlia—gratitude to parents

yellow dahlia—”I am happy you love me”

Next time you and your florist visit, ask about using the Dahlia in  your floral bouquet/decor!