A Picture Perfect Wedding

You've got to check out TheKnot.com, one of my favorite websites. It helped lay out everything that needed to be done from the time of the engagement until the day of the wedding. Once you put in your information it will give you a detailed list (sometimes a couple hundred "to dos"), broken down week by week, covering everything from getting ring insurance to booking your honeymoon reservations. It seemed a little overwhelming at first as we looked through the seemingly endless list of things that needed to be done in the following months, but every week we'd check off a few more items until low and behold, we'd completed everything on the list.

Perhaps it's just the pure joy I receive after crossing something off a list of things to do, but having a "to do" list was one of the most helpful things I could do in order to take away overwhelming feeling that came along with planning such an important event.

1. Save the date
First things first, start with the date so that you can let guests know when the big day is, book a florist, a venue, caterer, photographer and DJ. All things that need a date to set in place.

2. Choose a location
The place of your wedding and reception should directly represent you as a bride and groom. Reception venues can get very expensive, so make sure you know what the reception venue will provide, what you need to be in charge of, etc.

3. Start looking for a dress
The dress shopping process can be either a fun experience or a dreadful one. Make sure you have an idea of what you want and a price range that you are willing to spend and then try on dresses like there's no tomorrow. If I have one bit of advice, dresses look better on than they ever do on the manikin.

4. Hire a caterer
This can be one of the most fun parts about planning a wedding. Insist on trying all their dishes and choose what tastes best to you. Your caterer also might be able to hook you up with a cake decorator as well.

5. Hire a DJ
Make your expectations very clear as you speak with your DJ. Let him know what songs you want played, what songs you don't want played, and the timing of events throughout the evening.

6. Hire a photographer
Do your homework. Make sure you've seen their work and have confidence that they'll do a good job. I started cutting out out wedding pictures early on to show my Utah photographer what I liked and didn't like.

7. Draft a guest list
It's important to be able to give your caterer a head count as well as the reception venue so they know what to expect. Decide early on whether you want a big wedding or an intimate wedding and invite people accordingly.

8. Pick out invitations
Your invitations should also represent you as a couple and should reflect the feeling you are hoping to create at the reception. Make sure to look up etiquette tips for proper wording.

9. Take engagement pictures
This is most likely included in your photography package. Choose unique locations and poses so that your picture might reflect your unique personality.

10. Send out invitations
It's proper to send out invitations at least 6 weeks in advance and make sure to look up etiquette tips on the proper wording for addressing your guests.

-Best thing I could ever do was wear ballet flats. My feet were comfortable the whole night, not a blister to be found. I didn't have a problem walking from place to place and most of all I was able to enjoy the night.

-We decided to have a smaller reception and invite only close friends and family. Although people told us this wasn't a very brilliant idea because we wouldn't get as many presents, I am so grateful that we had a more intimate reception that was nicer than anything we could have ever done for a larger crowd. The reception had such a personal feel to it because we were very close with everyone who was there.

-Make sure to give yourself enough time between events. My new husband and I were able to check into the hotel, grab a bite to eat, and relax for at least an hour before the reception and it refueled us for the party ahead of us.

-Delegate Delegate Delegate! It makes the day of so much smoother because you have other people handling each of the little tasks that need to be accomplished. Our friends were so willing to help and made the evening so much less stressful.

-Before we got married, people always told my husband and I that we would be so busy and stressed out that we wouldn't have time to eat. But let me tell you this, we not only enjoyed the delicious hors doeuvres and dinner, but we had our cake and ate it too! It was great!

According to our favorite Salt Lake Wedding Photographer, the number one stress factor for brides-to-be is looking good in their pictures that will last a life time. Whether this be hair, makeup, or being in shape... looking your very best is important on your big day.

The following are 5 tips for your pre-wedding slim down that will get you looking and feeling your best in no time!

Drink Water
Skip the empty calories that can come from soda and train your body to reach straight for the water. Not only will drinking enough water keep you hydrated and feeling full, it helps flush your body of harmful toxins- making you look great! Keep a bottle of water at your side always and drink up!

Portion Control
No need to starve yourself by skipping meals, simply cut back on portions and you'll notice you won't be as hungry and the pounds will start melting off.

Fill up on Fruits and Veggies
Eat more fruits and veggies and you'll not only be healthier, but you won't be as hungry for the sweets (see the next tip for more on getting rid of your sweet tooth). You don't have to stick with the boring stuff either, visit a high end grocery store and stash up on more exotic fruit that will keep eating healthy interesting.

Cut out the Sweets
While your body may go through withdrawals for the first few days, trust us, your body will stop craving the fattening sweets. Instead keep nuts, granola bars, yogurt, and fruit handy to snack on when the snack attack strikes.

Exercise
Get up and get moving! If you're serious about shedding the pounds, aim to do 30-45 minutes of aerobic exercise (running, cycling, swimming) three or four days a week and you'll start having more energy and seeing results in as little as two weeks.

Checking your sources as far as customer ratings goes is probably one of the most important things you are going to do when planning a wedding. Whether you're choosing a caterer, a venue, a wedding DJ or even a party supply store it is crucial to take into consideration other people's reviews of their services. Make sure the person/customer review source is trustworthy and shares your standard of quality and style. If not, you may end up with food that tastes awful and music that will send your guests running!