It has always been a given that when a girl gets engaged, she starts envisioning what her wedding would be. She would be planning everything to meticulous detail—from the elaborate wedding invitations down to the kind of color scheme she wants to utilize in her wedding venue.

However, while all these sounds like an excellent idea on paper, bringing them into fruition would require hard work—as well as deep pockets (depending on the type of wedding you want to have). While the prospect itself sounds intimidating in itself, know that planning the perfect wedding is very much possible.

It might be a huge project, but with the right effort as well as a good support group, you can very much accomplish it. Wedding days might make you feel like swooning, but wedding plans tend to put a damper on that feeling. However, while weddings are potentially expensive and might even be fraught with drama, know that it is a once-in-a-lifetime beautiful event that is going to give you lasting memories.

If wedding expenses are the highlight of your worries, know that you can always compromise by looking for an affordable wedding venue instead. In any case, if you wish to survive the wedding planning phase, here are some of the things you need to do:

1. Balance it with your other goals

While marriage is a significant goal in life, do know that it is not the only goal in your life. Marriage is often regarded the first step towards many life goals and in this regard, you might be planning an elaborate wedding to make a significant mark on this first step in your brand new life. However, what else do you want to achieve after you are married?

Do you want kids? Build a career? Buy a new house? These are also things that you have to take into consideration and balancing them can be quite difficult. Keep in mind that while your wedding might seem like the only priority you have in mind, there are other things you would inevitably have to spend for. Do not go overboard with your expenses and know how to budget wisely.

2. Define your dream wedding

After you have figured out where your resources are going to be coming from, have a moment of introspection. Try to figure out what it is you want out of your wedding and resultantly, make a list of things that are absolute needs for your wedding and wants which you can compromise on. After you have zeroed in on the aspects of your wedding that are paramount to you, make these your priority and make a plan around them.

However, be realistic about your expectations and consider all the possibilities. Your dream wedding may be starkly different than the weddings you have attended or what bridal articles might suggest. But this does not mean that your wedding would be any less beautiful.

3. Finally, start crunching numbers

By now, you are already ready to estimate your costs. Think of all the expenses you are likely to incur, itemize them and start filling in the blanks. Of course, you would not have an idea how much the prices are likely going to be so talk to the vendors and professionals in your area and get quotes. Do not forget to pencil down the expenses that would right before and after the day itself.

Remember, the rehearsal dinner, the cleanup fees and your honeymoon are not going to pay for themselves so write those down. Once you have an approximate idea of how much your costs will be (both in time and money), you can revise it as much as you want until it can closely or accurately match your priorities for your dream wedding.

The post Smart Weddings: Three Ways to Plan for Your Perfect Wedding appeared first on Weddingsr.

Still, you keep a positive attitude. You even try to visit a palm reader to help you get a glimpse of your fate. But there are times when your negative thinking and snide comments get in the way of your well-wishes for the newlyweds. To avoid misunderstandings and friendship breakups, you need to keep these 9 thoughts to yourself when in a wedding.

1. Are you pregnant?

Anything bordering baby bump or the child-related questions are simple yet appalling. Asking the bride about her pregnancy, whether it was rumored or not, is the same as asking about her weight. At the same time, the questing comes as a doubt on the couple’s relationship.

2. How many kids do you plan to have?

Blurting out this simple statement is borderline prying on the newlywed’s plan for their life. This question often comes from old family members and relatives. The couple has just surpassed the pressure of orchestrating their grand ambition tie the knot. Let them breathe for a moment.

3. Why isn’t *insert name of an ex, friend, brother’s girlfriend, etc.* invited?

There are various reasons why a person isn’t on the guest list. First, there’s a limit on the number of guests. The person you asked about may not be a priority, so he or she isn’t around to witness the ceremony. Next, the bride and that person may have burned bridges and aren’t in good terms for a long time.

4. Is that the dress you will wear?

This is just plain rude and insulting especially when delivered in a condescending tone. Brides need support and assistance. They have to be on top of wedding preparations, the guest list and everything in between. It’s best if you don’t add the wedding dress to the pile of things on their mind.

5. How much did you spend on the *specific item*?

Asking her the price of the item will just remind her of the tantamount expenses she has to face because of the wedding. She already knows her obligations, and she doesn’t need further reminding. The only time it’s fitting to ask this question is when you are the one spending or paying for the item.

6. Will you go on a diet?

Commenting on weight or the bride-to-be’s body image makes you insensitive. Weight and body size is a sensitive topic for women. Moreover, it is a natural phenomenon. Better skip the question and just love her as she is.

7. I thought it was a joke when you said (insert name or animal) will be part of the ceremony.

The wedding day is a particular moment for the bride and groom, so it’s only natural for them to include anyone or anything special in their life. Don’t be a killjoy and take the happiness of their life-changing moment.

8. Did you get it from Pinterest?

Pinterest is highly useful for getting ideas and pegs for the wedding. Most brides use the app to manage their plans and get inspiration for what they want on their special day. Instead of mentioning the fact that the bouquet looks precisely like the pin you saw the other night, why not comment on how well they pulled it off? The compliments and little praises are sure to make the couple’s day.

9. I promised I would make a toast, but I didn’t have time to write anything.

Being a part of a wedding means you have a special place in the life of the bride. Telling her that you didn’t have the time or showing her that you can’t make time for her special moment is hurtful. Moreover, the neglect is a reflection of your personality. Forgetting to do a simple thing for your friend or family member is a negative trait that put people off.

Any moment you feel like blurting any of these, excuse yourself from the group. Go as far away from the party and go on full-rant on a trusted friend. You will feel so much better after. You can always go to the open bar and drink as much as you want. Cheers!

The post 9 Thoughts You Need To Keep To Yourself During A Wedding appeared first on Weddingsr.