Unfortunately, many people experience too much stress during wedding planning to enjoy what should be one of the happiest times of their life. Here are some wedding tips to make sure that your wedding is everything you want it to be.

Realize that religion is going to play a major role on your actual wedding day and moving forward in your marriage. Be sure to discuss this with your partner, as well as their family, in order to really understand their views, especially if different from your own.

You can not serve everyone’s favorite top-shelf drink or you would quickly exceed the price of the dress, so consider what you like, and what will keep you within your budget. Open bars are typically very expensive, especially when they are open for long time-periods. Inquire at your venue what your alcoholic beverage serving options are.

Online wedding gown purchases can be easy on your wallet, but give yourself enough time for alterations as needed. I spent $100 on the gown I purchased for my wedding, but spent another $200 for altering it. Figure in this additional cost while making your budget.

Of course, the focus of your wedding should be on the person whom you plan to marry. This is a huge commitment, and rushing into things for the sake of being married may be catastrophic. Think about this person and what things will drive you crazy, along with what you can’t live without.

Try talking to local and specialty boutiques and bakeries about individual-sized portion cakes if you don’t want a fatty and expensive cake. Some bakeries will even ship fresh cupcakes with fewer than 100 calories per serving as well as healthy options like gluten-free ingredients, fruit-filling instead of frosting, no-calorie sweeteners, or even tart meringue toppings.

A reception held around lunchtime is a great idea. Most people will make plans after the reception, which minimizes the amount your guests may drink. Lunch receptions are usually cheaper than dinner ones, and you can use this to either get better food or apply funds towards another aspect of the wedding festivities.

A wedding cake can serve as a beautiful work of art, making a great focal point for a reception. Add a coordinating table cloth, and you are sure to have a great presentation. You could even select a patterned or strongly textured fabric to focus attention on the cake and its beauty.

You can have a loved one go online to become ordained so that they can officiate over your wedding. This adds a personal touch to your ceremony, and also saves you on the costs of an officiant. Make sure to check with the local officials first to see if it’s legal in the area.

You can look for local talent in many places; Craigslist is a great start to find people. Before you hand over any money, both bride and groom should meet with them ahead of time, in person.

If you have children involved in your ceremony, be sure to outfit them in comfortable clothes. Choose softer fabrics that fit loose enough to prevent discomfort. Shoes, especially if new, should be comfortable and broken in. Attention to this detail will give the children a chance to focus on their role in the wedding as opposed to fidgeting with their outfit.

Plan ahead for your wedding, so that you can relax about it and enjoy the planning process. Above all, remember why you’re doing this, and that getting married is a happy and exciting milestone in your life. The wedding is the first step toward your life together, so be prepared and it should go smoothly!