There are lots of movies out there that give you an idea on how planning a wedding can be very stressful and then suddenly take an unexpected dramatic turn. But that's not really the case in real life. Planning a wedding can be a fun event that involves not only you and your life partner-to-be, but also your families and friends on both sides. Being your own wedding planner has its advantages and disadvantages, but if you have time in your hands and you can handle a challenge, then it is a very good idea indeed.

The first thing that any couple should think about after deciding on the date of the wedding itself is who and how many to invite. After deciding on the guest list - don't forget your kooky relatives, they're still family after all - make a draft on how you want your invitations to look like. A good hint is that invitations usually coincide with the theme of the wedding. If you're going to have a beach wedding, then incorporating beach related items or pictures, like seashells is your best bet. This is also the stage wherein you can brainstorm all you want and look things up on the internet. The kind of cake you will have - whether chocolate or vanilla - down to the favors, either classy ones like wine bottles wedding favors or modern ones like cocktail mixes are taken into consideration during this part of the preparation process.

After knowing what you want, this is the time for you to look for websites or stores that specialize in your chosen items. If you have a long guest list, then it is a good idea to look out for sales, bargains or stores that give discounts when you buy in bulk. If you do your homework and look around town and visit stores you might not have visited before you might just discover something remarkable.

Moving on, enlisting the help of friends and family is also a good idea. You might know a friend who knows a friend that can help you pick the wedding dress of your dreams without the hefty price tag. Another good tip for a bride-to-be is to host a potluck party wherein all friends and family members get to chip in their ideas over delicious food and good company. If you do plan to go on with hosting a party like this, then this will also be the time for you to share all the key elements in your wedding and ask them about their insights and opinions. Also, if you are still undecided on things like the menu or the wedding favors then rest assured the night would not end without you being bombarded with ideas. You can also ask them whether you should go the classy route and choose items that are tried and tested like a silk wedding gown or wine bottles wedding favors. But do remember that this is your big day you are all talking about, so the final decision should come from you and not from an aunt or a friend that's a bit of a pushover.

But generally speaking, if you want a fool proof wedding that's going to look good and tasteful in photographs even after ten or twenty years, then going for a classic motif that includes the colors beige, cream or pastel colors would do the trick. But if you think that you still want to give an elegantly simple wedding a twist, then maybe you can add a touch of metallic colors like silver or gold to the mix, especially since metallic colors are all the rage right now. If you've decided to go for this kind of wedding, then it is a good suggestion that you extend the elegant vibe of the wedding up to the favors. If you really want to splurge on the favors or if you only invited a select few, then sterling silver wedding favors will definitely make for a stylish but classic giveaway. Don't be afraid to mix and match today's trends with classic themes or colors. This way, you'll have a mix of both worlds that will truly make for an unforgettable wedding.