Sensible Gown Shopping: "Don't schedule a trip to more than one gown salon per day. It's a wearing task, so to speak, to crawl in and out of those cumbersome gowns. You need to be fresh and relaxed for each visit.  And while few, if any, salons are going to let you take pictures in different gowns unless you have placed an order, most won't have any difficulty with you taking notes while in the salon. Afterward, go for coffee or tea with your mom, groom or accompanying friend. Sit down and review your notes about what you liked and disliked while the experience is still fresh in your memory." (From Great Wedding Tips from the Experts, by Robbi Ernst)

(Click here for more gown tips.)

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Interviewing Caterers: "One of the best tips we got was to ask the caterers you interview what size events they typically handle. They all will say "we can do any size" -- but, do you really want a caterer whose average event is 25 people handling your wedding for 300? (Or the "mass production" caterer whose average event is 500 handling your intimate reception for 75?) Don't be satisfied until you get a clear picture of the caterer's typical business -- and consider it in your evaluation."
                                                                                         - Kevin, married 2002

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Feel free to eliminate "traditional" items that have no meaning for you (for example, we didn't feel a need for special transportation from church to reception), so that you can put more of your budget into the things that do.
                                                                                          - Ellen, married 2002

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On Whether Friends Should Provide Wedding Services: "All too often, we professionals hear, "I have a friend who is a really good baker. She offered to bake my wedding cake. For free!" Is it wise to entrust your wedding day to friends? Do you want to take the chance that if something goes wrong, it could mean the end of a friendship? I always tell brides and grooms that when it comes to determining their vendors, they should rely on professionals. Have your friend assist in some way; for example, let him or her sing a solo at your ceremony, but don't make him or her the primary musician. If your friend becomes ill at the last minute, or otherwise can't sing your favorite song, then you will still have professionals providing music." (From Great Wedding Tips from the Experts, by Robbi Ernst)

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Take 30 minutes of quiet, alone time to write down everything you want for your wedding -- prioritizing everything. Ask your fiancé to do the same. Then compare lists. You´ll be surprised at some of the differences - and by knowing in advance what's really important to both of you, you'll be able to avoid conflicts and ensure that you both have the meaningful, joyful wedding of your dreams.
                                                                                     - Carrie, married 2002

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It's not unusual for some of the professionals you'll be interviewing to think of your wedding in terms of a total budget -- to get an idea of what you'd most likely spend on the different services to be included. But, whether your budget is $10,000 or $100,000, you will no doubt find some services more important to you than others. Don't be pressured into spending big on items that have little meaning to you -- and don't feel that just because your budget is modest, you can't go "high end" on one or two items that have special meaning for you. It's your day . . . plan your budget with the mix that reflects your personality and preferences.

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Send a Save the Date Card: If you are planning a wedding around the holidays or during the summer, consider sending a save the date card. This simply says, "We're getting married, don't make other plans, we want you to be there!" People will love you for this; if they live out of town, they can purchase less expensive travel packages by booking in advance. A save the date card should go out as soon as you have set the date; the formal invitation comes later. If for some reason the wedding is called off, don't forget to send a simple announcement informing your invitees."  (From Great Wedding Tips from the Experts, by Robbi Ernst)

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"Ask your stationer to get the envelopes to you early so you [or your professional calligrapher] can begin addressing them; you don't have to wait until you have the invitations themselves to begin this task. Also . . . some stationers are able to do calligraphy by computer software; be sure to ask about this."  (From Great Wedding Tips from the Experts, by Robbi Ernst)

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"Be sure to ask if any renovations are planned at your venue - as we unfortunately found out, scaffolding is hard to disguise with any amount of flowers!"
                                                                                           - Mary, married 2000

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"When auditioning bands or DJs, be sure to confirm that the ones you hear are the same ones who would perform at your wedding."           - Peggy, married 2002

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"Don't forget -- your DJ doesn't just play music, he or she is the emcee of your reception! It's not worth it to save a few hundred dollars on a budget DJ -- spend the time to find and interview true professionals, and the money they justly command for their services."     

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Featured Tips Newsletter: How to have MORE wedding for LESS MONEY!

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