by Catherine Aubie

Created on: December 02, 2008

It's finally happened! He popped the question and you're getting married. This is the best feeling ever - until reality sets in. Uh oh you're getting married, how do you plan a wedding? Where do you start? Who do you call? Where do you get things? When do you get them? Oh no that blissful feeling is starting to be replaced with an overwhelming fear of not knowing where to start or what to do.

Some brides take this time to call a wedding planner, tell them their colours, ideas and just provide input when asked for it. This is a great way to have very minimal stress on your wedding day but can be costly and you may have just as many hassles from the wedding planner than if you were to do it yourself.

Now there is no need to pay for those expensive services because there are wonderful wedding planner books. These books can range in price from $20 to $100 depending on how detailed you would like the book. In these books you will find a budget - one of the most important things of the day. There will also be guidelines of when to order cakes, flowers, dresses, tuxes and places to write fitting information. Keep in mind that these books are guidelines and if you live in a smaller town or city things may not have to be ordered as early as the book suggests. These books will also have a section that you can write your guest list into along with the responses. Another helpful section of the planner is a section to write any engagement or wedding gifts you have received so you can be sure to send out Thank You cards. Another helpful tool that the book will guide you through is the responsibilities of the groom's parents, the bride's parents, the wedding party and other members of your special day. Usually each books also has a list of popular music for first dances, wedding party dances and father/daughter dances. Some books may even have website links to speeches, music and making your own favours. Typically in each book there will also be a checklist of everything (down to the smallest detail) that needs to be done to make your wedding day run smoothly and just how you planned it.

Utilizing these 'Wedding Planner' books is much more cost effective than hiring a wedding planner and you still have a hands on feel to your wedding day. Remember this day only comes once in your life, so take a deep breath, grab your planner and have fun with it - because in the end that's what really counts.

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