Are you on the verge of getting hitched and need some wedding planning guidance? Well, you are in luck. You are about to learn some great tips to ensure smooth sailing when it comes to your big day.

To garner a better price on your wedding venue, look for a date that won’t fall during wedding season. This would be sometime that is not between May and September. When this is going on, it will cost more to have a wedding. If you still want to have your wedding during this time, be sure to make all your arrangements well in advance so you receive the best possible deal.

Typically, a wedding dress costs a lot of money. Look at dresses that aren’t actually classified as wedding dresses. They are usually much less expensive but they can be just as beautiful. You might even consider whether a dress designed for bridesmaids could meet your needs. Even if you think you would like to change it in some way, it should be less expensive than if you bought a wedding dress.

Ask the members of your reception who plan to give a speech to practice them with you so you can vet their content. If there are going to be different generations there, you don’t want to offend anyone.

Serve ethnic food at your wedding if you want to spice it up. Chicken and steak are over-served, so why not pick some other foods in your desired cuisine? Variety is important and will make the dinner memorable.

Never go on starvation diets just to fit into a dress. You may end up being dehydrated and maybe even light-headed. The last thing you want is to faint while saying your vows. Buy a dress that has a corset back instead for more flexibility.

Look to renting diamonds for your special day if you are on a strict budget but still want to have that special look. This gives you that look you want but won’t cost you a ton so that you can stay within your budget.

Take your time when writing your wedding vows; this shows that you care about your significant other. Marriage requires sacrifices from both sides, keep this in mind as you make the strongest commitment of your life. Of course, the most important thing for vows to convey is your love for your partner.

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. Many bakeries offer small tarts or mini-cakes that come in healthier options, like fresh fruit-filled, gluten-free or vegan options.

Don’t rent a reception venue that has little room for dancing. There are few things that can suck the fun out a reception like not having the room to bust a move can, so do what you need to do to give you and your friends the space you need to boogie!

Luxury-loving and fashionable brides could choose to make their bouquet sparkle; try adding rhinestones, Swarovski crystals or even some diamonds. You can add some crystals that have been glued on, some costume jewelery, or an heirloom of your own. To make sure it coordinates with everything else you are wearing, be consistent with the colors, size and cut of the stones.

You could ask from any friend or family member that is capable of carrying your gear. Your assistant can help you corral the wedding party for great photographs.

Aim for a mid-day reception. People don’t tend to overdo it on the alcohol during this time of day, which saves you money on beer. Lunch receptions are usually cheaper than dinner ones, and you can use this to either get better food or apply funds towards another aspect of the wedding festivities.

An ordained friend or relative can officiate your wedding. They can get ordained easily online. Doing so allows for individual customization of your personal ceremony, and it can also save you having to spend money on an officiant. First, make sure your area allows this to happen.

If you’re going to give a multiple course meal to your guests, they need to be entertained until it comes out with small appetizers like sweets on the tables you have set up. Offer sweet sugar roses or flavored crackers.

If the bride and groom share a fondness for travel, look for decorative elements that convey a shared sense of wanderlust. Use a little artistic skill to get your invitations appearing like aged postcards from a far-away land. Prop open a vintage suitcase and display photos, programs, or favors in it.

If the cultural backgrounds are different, have the wedding with one tradition and the reception with the other. This creates a memorable and intriguing contrast that is sure to satisfy family traditions on both the bride and groom’s sides.

If you have children involved in your ceremony, be sure to outfit them in comfortable clothes. Pick soft fabrics that are not too tight, and will bring comfort are important. Shoes, especially if new, should be comfortable and broken in. Instead of messing around with their clothes, this will help kids focus on their jobs at the wedding.

It’s important to have a backup plan if you want your wedding ceremony or reception to be held outdoors. Rent some tents, or choose a venue with indoor shelter in addition to its outdoor setting. Planks can also be installed to prevent your guests from getting mud all over the their shoes and clothes.

Now you have a better idea of what you can do to plan your big day and create a day that you will happily remember forever. Hopefully, you can relax and enjoy the beautiful moments that you have planned for you and your new spouse.