If you have never planned a wedding, you may quickly feel that the process is overwhelming at best, and maddening at worst. It may not even matter if you are planning the event for yourself or for a dear friend. The tips laid out in this article should provide all the guidance you need to make that special day as unforgettable as possible.

Consider getting married outside of wedding season. The traditional season for weddings is May through September. Wedding venues are more expensive during these months. Book in advance if you must schedule your wedding during this time.

To make your wedding more personal, include a theme that encompasses you, your future spouse, and the things that are most important to your relationship. Choose a theme that matches your time together!

One of the things to consider for your wedding is transportation. It is good to have taxis or limos to help guests get back to their hotels or lodging after the reception. This helps those who have drank too much.

If you cannot justify the cost of a thousand-dollar wedding cake, consider contacting a local bakery and inquiring about single-serving portions, like cupcakes or cake pops. Many bakeries can provide wedding cupcakes that come in at 100 calories or less per serving. Other healthier options include gluten-free pastries, no-calorie sweeteners, and icing alternatives, such as meringue or fruit spreads.

Make sure to shop multiple photographers before picking the right one to shoot your wedding. You don’t want to end up with a photographer that you’re not going to be happy with. If you would like good tips on finding the best local photographers, make sure you read all the reviews online, and solicit advice from family and friends.

If you have a destination wedding, offer a basket full of goodies delivered to guests in their rooms. Also include practical items such as maps of the area, disposable digital cameras, sun protection, and tourist information. Additionally, you may want to include a local restaurant guide so that your guests know where to eat.

Don’t pick up your wedding dress until you need it, even if it’s already paid for. It can get damaged or wrinkled while hanging in your closet. It will stay fresh and unwrinkled at the store.

If money isn’t an issue, you may want to get married on a cruise ship with close members of your family and close friends. This would make the honeymoon begin immediately following the ceremony. There are cruise options that carry special rates for couples looking for this kind of wedding and honeymoon option.

If you are involving children in the ceremony, ensure that they are dressed comfortably. Choose fabrics that are soft against the skin and that fit without bunching or pinching. You also need to give children a chance to get used to new shoes. Whether shoes are old or new, your children need to be comfortable in them during the wedding. This small detail can ensure that the children remain focused on their part in the wedding, instead of fidgeting with uncomfortable clothing.

If you intend to hold your wedding outdoors, devise a contingency plan in case weather or other problems prevent the wedding from going smoothly. Look into renting a couple of tents, or find a location that has a community hall in addition to an outdoor space. If the ground is wet you can bring planks of wood to help keep your guests’ shoes clean.

Get more from a wedding planner by researching wedding material before meeting them. Copy the stylists and fashion designers who make mood boards and “look books” comprised of imagery, fabric swatches and other inspiring tidbits which can be a great start for the final product. You might want to include pictures from magazines, photos, and lyrics from your favorite songs to help show your vision to a planner.

Now that you know more about how to plan a stress free wedding, keep these tips in mind to keep it all on track. The advice of this article should bring down the stress levels associated with wedding planning, and bring up the spirits and good time of all who participate, especially the happy couple.