1. To have a smooth running wedding, plan enough time, for what’s important to you. Ask the professionals you are hiring how much time they will need to perform their duties and then make up a tentative schedule. You can also ask your wedding photographer for assistance in this area, because he/she is one of the few professionals that sees every wedding from start to finish.

2. When ordering services for your wedding and reception, make sure you get all the details “in writing!” No matter how small the details, make sure it is in your contract. There is nothing worse then expecting something to be a certain way and finding out at the last minute that you have to pay extra for it or that it is unavailable on your special day.

3. When ordering wedding invitations, keep in mind that you need only one per couple/family. You may want to send older children living at home, their own invitation. We recommend that you order about 15 extra invitations to allow for mistakes when addressing or names you may have forgotten about. You should also realize that larger invitations usually require extra postage, which can add up quickly.

4. If you do not want to invite the children, just name the card to the couples. When an invitation does not include “and family” or specify children by name, guests should never assume it is all right to bring their children to the wedding. Since many guests are unaware of this, you may choose to have printed on your invitations a line that states: “Adult Reception.” It is improper to print “no children” or “adults only” on the invitation.

5. It is considered inappropriate to include in your invitations where you are registered. Instead, pass the word through family and friends. It’s okay to tell someone if they ask you. Many people feel at a loss when choosing wedding gifts, and would prefer to purchase something you picked out yourself.

6. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, send out thank you notes as you receive gifts before your wedding. This is especially important for those who send their gifts in the mail or by other shipping methods. A thank you note assures the person that their gift reached you. For gifts received during or after your wedding day, thank you notes should be sent out within one to two months. Since the task may seem daunting, try to set aside 15 or 30 minutes everyday to work on them until you’re finished.

7. When making your honeymoon plans with your travel agent, make sure you get your flight and room confirmation numbers. Wait about a week, then call the airline and hotel to reconfirm your reservations. Don’t panic if they don’t know who you are. Sometimes travel packages save flight and room reservations in blocks, just make sure you’re included in the block.

8. If you have bridesmaids of varying shapes and sizes, keep in mind that its unlikely there’s one dress that’s going to flatter everyone. You want everyone to look their best, right? It’s a nice idea to pick the designer, fabric and color, then let your bridesmaids choose the cut that looks best on them. You can give them as much or little leeway as you like, but remember that a comfortable bridesmaid is a happy bridesmaid!

9. To honor a loved one who has passed away, place a lit candle or a single flower in a vase on the alter to represent the presence of the deceased. A moment of silence or a special prayer during the ceremony are other ways to reflect on the loved one. In your ceremony program, mention the person or people by name. Also honor the living.

10. It is rare to find anyone giving less than a $100 gratuity to the minister/officiate, and it could be more depending on the minister/officiate. Be sure to discuss the fee “before” the wedding. The donation should be given to the best man prior to the ceremony who will then give it to the minister/officiate after the ceremony.

11. Have real, live butterflies or white doves released around you as you step out of the church, creating a true fairy tale effect. Your guests will never forget it! Neither will you. Check your local yellow pages for companies offering this service in your area.

12. Instead, of a traditional guest book at your wedding, consider enlarging an engagement photo and setting it in a wide matte. There should be pens close by, so your guests can sign around the picture on the matte. Once framed you will be able to frame it and see it forever! Another idea would be to have someone designated to take a Polaroid picture of each guest as they enter. Have them sign the back of the picture with their name and address, then place them in a photo album.