Perhaps the most idyllic and exciting time in a relationship is the engagement itself. But, the actual planning of that wedding can be a far cry from that romantic memory, and can instead be very stressful. Here are some ideas for couples who want to make planning a wedding, just as enjoyable as the thought of the wedding itself.

Marriages between people of different faiths are common nowadays, but it helps to discuss how this will affect your marriage, in-laws and children, before you marry. Talk not only with the person you are planning to marry, but with their family as well to understand their religion.

Personalize your wedding by including things that represent your spouse-to-be, and the bond between the both of you. Pick out a theme that reflects your time together.

For a high-impact look that won’t drain your budget, consider renting diamonds for your big day. This will give you the stunning look that you desire but will not cost you a lot of money, allowing you to stick to your budget.

If you cringe at the thought of purchasing an extremely expensive yet incredibly unhealthy wedding cake, there are other options available. You should consider getting in touch with local bakeries and specialty boutiques to inquire about individual portions that are healthier. There are some bakers who are able to prepare elegant cupcakes that contain less than 100 calories each. They can also use healthy ingredients like fruit fillings, no-calorie sweeteners, and even meringue toppings.

Don’t use a ton of flowers on the tables that guests will be sitting at during your wedding reception. Much of the time, table arrangements will just be in the guests’ way. Make sure to keep in mind that some guests may have flower allergies. Adorn the tables with romantic, non-scented candles instead.

Fashionable brides who love the look of luxury may wish to glam up their bouquets with sparkling embellishments like rhinestones, Swarovski crystals, or even diamonds. This can be achieved through heat-fixed crystals, adding a little piece of jewelry or even using an heirloom piece. To create a cohesive look, be sure that the colors, cut, and the size of any stones you use match or compliment each other.

Evenly disperse all of your invited guests among the available tables at your wedding reception. This means making sure there are no odd numbers at any table. As well, consider grouping tables by the ages of guests. This way those at the tables will have more to talk about.

If you choose to use a wedding cake that is colorful, you might want to place it on top a coordinating piece of fabric. You can tie all of the elements together by choosing fabrics that have unique textures, patterns, solid prints or those made of satin, silk or velvet.

If you would like a relative or a friend to perform your wedding ceremony, you can ask that person to become ordained via an online program. This can make your ceremony more personal, and can save you on an officiant. Check your local laws to ensure that this does allow you to have a legally binding marital union, some locations need you to use an official ordained in a church.

Successfully planning a memorable wedding can help strengthen a relationship. The compromise and communication that go into the planning process lay down the foundation for a lifetime of happiness. Hopefully these tips can help plan your wedding and prepare you for a lifetime of working together happily.