The process of beginning to create a guest list should naturally begin with creating a list of the closest beloved family members and friends to the couple. This is the most obvious starting point because these are the people who the couple truly wants to have with them to celebrate on the day of the wedding. Depending on the size of the family and the number of friends the couple has this list may be very long, very short or somewhere in between. Regardless of the size of this original list, it will include those whose presence will truly be appreciated at the wedding.

Next the couple will have to consider who is footing the bill for the wedding. If the couple is paying for the wedding themselves, this makes the guest list easier. When the couple pays for the wedding they are not obligated to include guests requested by either sets of parents. However, they may still wish to do so. When one of the parents or both sets of parents are contributing to the cost of the wedding, the guest list becomes trickier. This is because the parents may wish to include additional guests. These guests may include friends or colleagues of the parents. The parents may also wish to include more relatives the couple may not know well but whom the parents feel should be included on the guest list. The parents may also wish to include acquaintances who have invited the parents to the weddings of their children as a form of reciprocity.

Regardless of who is paying for the wedding the couple will have to consider inviting those who invited the couple to their own wedding. Whether or not the couple chose to attend the event, there is social pressure to include these individuals on the guest list especially if the couple sees the other couple on a regular basis or they share common friends who may mention the upcoming wedding. In this case it is a matter of politeness and not wanting to offend those who thought highly enough of the couple to include them in their own wedding day. However, when the budget is tight, it is acceptable to eliminate these people from the guest list especially if the wedding reception will be a relatively small one.

Couples also need to consider the relationships among members of the guest list. This is especially important if there are members of the guest list who will not likely be able to behave civilly at the wedding ceremony or reception. This is most often the case in families where there has been a bitter divorce or some other type of family dispute. It may also be the case among former friends who have had a falling out. These situations can be very tricky to handle and it may be necessary to leave some people off the guest list to avoid uncomfortable situations for the couple as well as other guests. In an example where the brides parents have undergone a difficult divorce and it is not feasible for them both to attend the bride would have to decide to have only one of them present or neither of them. This is a difficult and very personal decision which will have to be given careful thought before the final decision is made.

The process of planning a wedding typically begins at least one year before the actual wedding day. The first task couples should accomplish at this time is selecting a date for the wedding. This is important because many reception halls book up early so choosing a wedding date at least a year in advance can prevent the couple from missing out on their dream location. It also helps to ensure friends and family members have plenty of time to make arrangements to attend the wedding. During this time the couple should set their budget, book the location for the reception and begin shopping for a wedding gown.

Approximately 8-10 months before the wedding date the couple will begin making some serious decisions about the wedding. They should formalize a theme, select bridesmaid dresses and create a gift registry. The couple should also interview and select a number of service providers including a photographer, videographer, caterer, and entertainers such as a band or a DJ. The couple should also create their guest list during this time.

Approximately 5-7 months before the wedding date the couple will still be making important decisions and plans for the wedding. Now is the time to order wedding invitations and finalize the guest list. The couple will also want to begin interviewing cake designers and will want to select one soon because good cake designers may book up months in advance. Plans for the honeymoon should also begin during this time. Couples will also want to reserve a block of rooms in a local hotel at this time. By reserving a large block of rooms, the couple will likely be able to secure a discount for their guests and will also save their out of town guests the trouble of having to search around for hotel accommodations.

Approximately 3-4 months before the wedding the whirlwind of planning begins to slow down but there is still work to be done. During this time the couple should shop for and order wedding bands and select a florist. The couple will also want to shop for and order favors at this time. They will also want to select and reserve the groom’s and groomsmen’s attire. During this time the couple should also meet with the caterer to finalize the menu. It is also finally time to send out invitations for the wedding.

Approximately two months before the wedding date the planning preparation picks up. Now is the time for the couple to make plans for the rehearsal dinner. The bride will also have to start scheduling her fittings as well as fittings for the bridesmaids and flower girl. The groom should confirm the reservations for his attire and the attire of his groomsmen.

One month before the wedding the couple is into the home stretch of planning. They should apply for their marriage license and confirm details with all wedding service providers. The bride should also meet with her hair stylist and make-up artist to decide on wedding day styles.

The last two weeks before the wedding is a virtual whirlwind of events. The couple will have a lot to do and will likely need help from others to accomplish these last minute details. They will need to call guests who have not yet responded, provide a final headcount to the caterer, create seating plans, confirm floral deliveries, confirm honeymoon reservations and pick up wedding gown and tuxedos.

The first step in the process of planning a wedding is not to panic. It is very easy to get caught up in thinking there is no way you can handle planning a wedding but this is not true. Couples have been planning weddings for years and they are no more organized or more talented than you are. Even if planning events is not your strong suit, I promise you can pull this off. You may need a little more help than some people will need but you can do this.

The problem most couples have when it comes to planning a wedding is they just don’t know where to start. They start thinking about all of the little details involved and have trouble prioritizing the list of tasks they need to complete. The easiest way to solve this problem is to buy a book to assist you in planning your wedding. There are all kinds of books which you may find useful. Most couples really like using wedding planners which include timelines to assist you in the wedding planning process. These are structured like calendars but you can start them at any time of the year and work backwards from your wedding date to determine when you need to accomplish certain tasks. These types of planners let you know how soon before your wedding date each tasks should be accomplished. These planners also provide you with advice on where to begin and which tasks to complete first. Most wedding planners also provide you with areas for taking notes and storing receipts. Other types of books many couples use are more like textbooks and cover everything from creating a budge to etiquette and timelines to assist the couple in the wedding plans and preparations.

Hiring a wedding planner to assist in the process of planning the wedding is the first step for those couples who feel as though books, websites and advice from family members will not be enough to help them plan their wedding the right way. Hiring a wedding planner can be expensive but if the budget allows for this luxury it can also help to eliminate a great deal of stress for the couple. The wedding planner can not only help to keep the couple organized and on schedule but can also make recommendations for locations and service providers. The wedding planner can also handle negotiations with service providers. This can result in a significant savings for the couple especially if the service providers are in the habit of offering discounts to the wedding planner based on the amount of business she brings to them. In some cases these discounts may even more than offset the price of hiring the wedding planner in the first place.

Finally, when a couple first begins to start planning a wedding they have to consider whether or not they are open to input from friends and family members. This is important because the couple is likely to receive a great deal of unsolicited advice at this time. They have to decide whether they are open to this type of advice or whether they need to decide on a way to politely decline offers of advice and assistance. This may not sound significant but once the couple begins to get inundated with offers of advice and assistance they will realize how important it is to have a strategy for dealing with this in place.

Most brides and grooms begin the process of planning their wedding by searching for locations for the wedding ceremony and the wedding reception. Before the Internet became so widely popular this was typically accomplished by spending a day, or several days, driving around to different reception halls and banquet facilities to select a suitable location. The happy couple would have to remember details about each location to make the best possible decision after seeing several options. However, with the Internet couples can visit websites for all of the reception halls in their city in a matter of minutes. Most of these locations have detailed websites with pictures and floor plans available. Most even have calendars showing availability. Couples can narrow their choices down to just a few local options they want to visit before making a final decision. They can even use the Internet to begin planning a destination wedding. They may not see the venue before the wedding arrangements are made but through photographs and videos they can be sure they are selecting the right location.

Once a date has been set and a location chosen, most brides immediately move onto dress shopping. Here is where planning your wedding online really comes in handy. Whether you have only one store nearby selling wedding attire or you have too many stores to visit using the Internet to shop for your dream wedding dress is idea. Those who live in areas where there are limited options for finding the perfect wedding dress will love the options available to them when they shop online. Those who have live in areas where there are many stores selling bridal attire will also prefer shopping online because they can narrow their options down to a more manageable number before they even leave their home. This can be a huge relief because remembering details on dresses can be incredibly difficult especially for brides who try on a number of similar dresses. After several stores the different dresses may start to blend into each other in the bride’s mind and she may find herself getting confused. However, if she starts shopping online she can just keep several windows open at a time to easily compare dresses. Sure the bride will still want to try on dresses but it will be much less overwhelming if she has allowed decided on just a few options.

Selecting a theme for a wedding can also be done online. Not only can couples find a variety of different options available to them but they can begin piecing together different items that will really help to define the theme. For example they may find wedding invitations at one location and dishware for rent from another location. When the couple begins to put these different items together online the theme really starts to take shape. The favors given at the wedding usually reflect the theme so once the couple decides on a theme and finds enough items to pull it together they can begin shopping online for favors. This is so much easier than traipsing around to many different stores where stock may be limited. When shopping online for favors, the couple can search all over the world for the perfect favors for their guests in a matter of minutes.

Planning a destination wedding may be a little more difficult than planning a local wedding for a number of reasons. The most obvious reason is it is not possible to just hop in your car to check out reception halls, churches or other ceremony locations. However, thanks to the Internet it is not impossible to research a specific area. Most reception halls have websites with pictures, floor plans or even virtual tours which can give the couple a good idea of how the place looks. Couples can also read reviews of locations. This can be really helpful because the websites will likely only show the best features of the location. However, couples who have had their wedding may be able to provide insight into problems they experienced.

The couple may wish to take a trip or two to the location of their destination wedding but most of the planning can be done remotely. The easiest way to do this is to employ the assistance of a local wedding planner. A local wedding planner will obviously be skilled at handling and coordinating all of the details involved in planning a wedding but as an additional advantage she will also be familiar with the area. She can provide recommendations for ceremony and reception locations, recommend local service providers such as photographers, DJs and bands. She can also act as a liaison between the couple and the locals to facilitate the planning of the wedding.

When planning a destination wedding it is also important to consider how the location of the wedding will impact the guest list. If the couple lives near friends and family members and the wedding is being planned in a different location this can adversely impact the number of guests who will attend. If the wedding was planned locally and guests just had to drive to the ceremony and the reception it is likely more friends and family members would be able to attend. However, if the wedding takes place far away guests will likely be required to purchase plan tickets and make hotel reservations. This makes the attending the wedding significantly more expensive for the guests and may result in fewer friends and family members attending.

Destination weddings that take place in a foreign country can also have a negative impact on the guest list. This is because the travel costs will likely be higher. Also guest will be required to obtain passports if they do not already have these documents. For these reasons couples who are considering a destination wedding should carefully consider whether or not they will be disappointed if fewer guests attend the ceremony and reception because of the location.

Finally, there is one unique advantage to having a destination wedding. This is that the couple may opt to have their honeymoon in the same location. They will not only likely receive discounted room rates if they have their wedding reception at the hotel but they will also be able to begin their honeymoon immediately after the wedding instead of having to travel to another location. They can also have friends and family members stay for a few days before or after the ceremony for an extended celebration.

June is the best month for weddings, so here are 25 of the best places to tie the knot.

25. New York Public Library

( Photo Credit: theknot.com)

A library can be a romantic place to get married. Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw got married there and you can too in the grand venue with towering ceilings and old-school grandeur.

24. The Oberoi Udaivilas

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This Indian resort is a beautiful destination for couples getting married. This estate is a perfect destination wedding.

23. Lake Placid Lodge

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This New York state is the best place for a cozy wedding. You can have wine from the brink wine cellar at your lakeside reception, too.

22. Montelucia Resort

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This desert destination in Scottsdale, Arizona is a  beautiful backdrop for a wedding. The elegant ballrooms and mountain scenery make Montelucia a must-visit for nuptials.

21. Babylonstoren

( Photo Credit: buzzfeed.com)

This farm hotel has rustic beauty that makes this South African venue ideal for a wedding. The organic farm-to-table food is also a special treat.

20. Rayavadee Krabi

This Thailand resort is an exotic destination for a wedding. The wildlife and coconut trees are a beautiful addition to any wedding ceremony.

19. Rockhouse Hotel

( Photo Credit: theknot.com)

This Jamaican getaway is perfect for an island wedding. The romantic setting of a wooden bridge over the Caribbean ocean makes the Rockhouse Hotel a top wedding destination.

18. The Gramercy Park Hotel

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The rooftop terrace is a beautiful venue to host a wedding. The New York hotel has art to admire and world-class food to enjoy as well.

17. Sunset Key Guest Cottage

( Photo Credit: brides.com)

This Florida resort is the best for a June beach wedding. This private island also has cottages for guests to enjoy the scenery, too.

16. Castello di Vicarello

( Photo Credit: theknot.com)

This Italian getaway is a dream wedding venue. You’ll feel like royalty in this Tuscan castle.

15. The Hay Adams Hotel

( Photo Credit: brides.com)

This Washington, D.C. hotel has a great view of the White House and stunning décor. The Hay Hotel is a wonderful destination for a wedding.

14. Mt. Hood Organic Farms

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If you want to have a great wedding that’s also environmentally friendly, head to this farm in Oregon. Enjoy a mountain view and enjoy organic food at the reception.

13. Fox Theatre

( Photo Credit: brides.com)

This Atlanta venue is a great venue for a wedding. The Egyptian Ballroom is an elegant place to exchange nuptials.

12. Ladera

( Photo Credit: theknot.com)

This St. Lucia venue is paradise. The Caribbean Sea is a perfect backdrop for a wedding.

11. The Inn at Palmetto Bluff

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( Photo Credit:brides.com)

This venue has Southern charm all over it. This South Carolina inn is the best place for an intimate wedding.

10. Molenvliet Wine & Guest Estate

( Photo Credit: theknot.com)

This Cape Town venue is a romantic venue in its majestic setting. The winery is the best outside of France.

9. The Newberry Library

( Photo Credit: weddingwire.com)

This library is a romantic venue for weddings. The historic Chicago library is a unique top wedding destination.

8. Café Brauer

( Photo Credit: brides.com)

This Lincoln Park Zoo venue is another unique and beautiful wedding destination. This Chicago venue is a top choice for nuptials.

7. Vaux Le Vicompte

( Photo Credit: theknot.com)

This French castle is a fantasy wedding destination. The spectacular view in addition to a horse-drawn carriage makes this venue perfect for weddings.

6. Parker Palm Springs

( Photo Credit: brides.com)

This California venue is a beautiful sunny setting for a wedding. The design only adds to the beauty.

5. Alila Ubud Resort

( Photo Credit: theknot.com)

This Bali resort is an exotic locale for a wedding. The tropical scenery adds to the beauty of the venue.

4. Haiku Mill

( Photo Credit: brides.com)

This Hawaii venue is perfect for a wedding. The chandeliers and flowers add to the venue’s jaw-dropping beauty.

3. Viceroy Anguilla

( Photo Credit:theknot.com)

This Anguilla property has sandy white beaches to enjoy for your wedding. The beauty of the venue make the Viceroy a popular destination to get hitched.

2. Mandarin Oriental

(Photo Credit: brides.com)

This Vegas hotel offers a more elegant way to get married in Sin City. The luxury resort is an excellent venue for a wedding.

1. Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

( Photo Credit: fourseasons.com

The Hawaii venue is the best wedding destination in the world. This luxury resort has breathtaking views overlooking Oahu and numerous amenities like a private lanai in a secluded cove for the wedding of your dreams.

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Starting about two weeks before the date of the wedding, the couple will begin to take care of a number of last minute details. Two of these details are related to the guest list. Although the couple likely asked the guests to RSVP by a certain date there will always be some guests who do not do this. Now is the time for the bride and groom to call these guests to see if they will be attending or not so they can give a final headcount to the caterer. Most caterers require this information approximately two weeks in advance. The couple will also want to meet with the DJ or band at this time to provide a song list. This will include song selections for the entrance and special dances as well as songs the couple would like to see included during the wedding. Two weeks before the wedding the couple will also want to complete seating arrangements and call service providers such as florists, limousine drivers and cake decorators to confirm all plans and deliveries.

One week before the wedding the couple will still be hurrying around taking care of last minute details. The bride, in particular, will be particular busy. The bride and her bridesmaids should have their final fittings by this time and the gowns should be picked up. The couples should pack for their honeymoon and organize travel documents at this time. The week before the wedding is also the time to confirm the details for the rehearsal dinner and pay the balance on the reception hall.

The day before the wedding is a very busy one but the couple should have some time to relax. The bride should get a manicure and pedicure and assemble her gown, shoes and accessories for the next day. The groom should also assemble his attire and may want to get his hair trimmed as well, if necessary. Both the bride and the groom should try to get a good night sleep in preparation for the big day ahead.

One the day of the wedding there is still a number of things to be done but most of this should be delegated to a trusted friend or family member. In addition to dressing for the wedding the bride will also have her hair and makeup done. There will also be a need to have someone check the reception hall to make sure everything is set up properly, someone should meet the florist and assure she has access to the reception hall to set up the floral arrangements.

Model Autumn Jones
Model Brittany Lynn

One huge mistake many couples, in particular brides to be, make is not delegating any of the wedding planning to anyone else. Brides to be often get so caught up in the planning of the wedding that they may even leave the groom to be out of the planning process. This almost always winds up in the couple feeling overly stressed out about the wedding process and possibly even overlooking some important details. Delegating some wedding planning responsibilities alleviates this problem but it can be difficult to start delegating. This is because the couple may be concerned things will not be done right if they don’t handle the details themselves. That is why the first step in learning to delegate is to decide which responsibilities the couple is willing to delegate. For example most brides will not want to delegate the responsibility of selecting a wedding dress to anyone else but they may be willing to allow a bridesmaid to schedule appointments at bridal shops and schedule fittings after a dress is chosen. Likewise the couple is not likely to ask anyone else to select the wedding cake but they ask a trusted and responsible friend or family member to pick up the cake on the day of the wedding. In general most brides and grooms to be are not too concerned with allowing friends and family members to handle simple tasks which are not incredibly important to the wedding.

Favors are another aspect of the wedding planning process most couples are willing to delegate. Some couples may be willing to allow a trusted friend or family member to shop around for favors and select appropriate favors for the wedding. Still other couples may be comfortable asking a friend or family member to shop around for favors but not to make a decision. The couple may wish to make the give the final approval for the favors that are chosen. Still other couples may not want to allow others to shop around or decide on favors but would be willing to delegate the task of wrapping the favors.

The tasks the couples are willing to delegate will vary considerably from one couple to another. Some have complete trust in friends and family members and are able to delegate fairly large tasks while others are more apprehensive to delegate even the simplest responsibilities for fear that the tasks will not be completed on time or the tasks will not be completed well. However, the more comfortable the couple is delegating the easier the process of planning the wedding will be.

Finally, any couple who decides to delegate any tasks should be sure they are delegating to responsible friends and family members. The couple may have a group of really great friends and family members but if these people are not responsible the tasks may not be completed. It is also important that any friend or family member asked to complete detailed tasks which will have a significant impact on the wedding should have tastes that are similar to the couple. This will help to ensure decisions that are made represent the couple accurately.