Are you using a wedding planner or planning yourself?
If planning yourself, what little touches are you doing to make your wedding special?
For those who have already planned a wedding, list advice to all brides currently in the midst of planning their own!
Re: Planning your wedding.
Make a design board of your decor and all the things you love and want at your own wedding. You’ll be amazed at how much it focuses you and helps you visualize your day! Go to http://circle.stylemepretty.com and sign up. They have tons and tons of beautiful pictures from real weddings and photoshoot’s to inspire and focus and you can also upload your own. Maybe start with a shot of your venue or your dress and design from there. They’ve featured a few desi weddings now, but decor elements are pretty universal so desi or not, I promise you, there is lots of fun stuff over there. And no, I don’t work for them, although dream job much? 
If you can’t do it all, it’s ok. Either delegate to a responsible and trusted family member or friend, or hire someone to do it for you. I vote for the latter- unlike the friend or family member, you can hold them accountable if they don’t follow your wishes. Plus, they get paid to make sure you are one happy bride. A good planner is worth every penny. They’ll manage your budget, vet your vendors for you, negotiate contracts, and keep you sane when it gets crazy- and trust me, it always gets crazy at some point before the wedding!
Compromising is good. If you really love something, find ways to cut your budget elsewhere so you can afford it. Its your one special day- you don’t want to regret missing out on not having what you’ve always wanted.
Do NOT, and I can’t even emphasize this enough, but do NOT ever, ever, ever skimp on your photographer. Good photogs cost money for a reason- they’re professional, capable and have an excellent eye. They also don’t lose your pictures or hold them ransom. They deliver on time and they deliver a quality product. And yes, they do cost more than your average photogs but its one of those things that is so precious- would you really trust your memories to your neighbour’s cousin’s son who thinks a few pretty landscapes are enough to certify him as a professional?
Go cake tasting as many times as you can handle it (until you find the right person, of course)! This is one of the best -and yummiest!- aspects of planning your wedding. So flash your ring and make an appointment with the city’s best cake makers. And have a piece for me 
Before hiring vendors, ask around. Ask your colleagues, friends, family for recommendations and referrals. People are always quick to point out vendors that made them happy and/or that they were unhappy with. Do your research and then book appointments. And go with your gut. If something about the person is bothering you, think about what it is. As they say, let your instincts be your guide. If you are not happy and comfortable with whom you’ve hired to execute your day, you’ll be stressing throughout and that’s the last thing you want.
Re: Planning your wedding.
aww, great advice! Thanks. Around about how much do u think a GREAT photographer should be?
Re: Planning your wedding.
^ Depends on where you are. In Toronto, great photographers usually start at around $3000 for a full day’s coverage. Negotiate with them- they may not drop their price, but they might be willing to throw in free stuff like engagement shoots or coffee table photo albums. Then again, in this economy, maybe they’ll even drop their prices! You’ll never know unless you ask. You’re in Texas, I’m willing to bet its less expensive down there for a great photographer and more variety too! Check here: http://www.wpja.com/wedding-photographers/texas-dallas-photojournalist.htm
Re: Planning your wedding.
The starting 3 grand is pretty much standard all across America for quality wedding coverage. Be it Canada or USA.
Re: Planning your wedding.
^ Apparently, you can get lower than that too, check the WPJA website.
The starting 3 grand is pretty much standard all across America for quality wedding coverage. Be it Canada or USA.
3grand for how many hours of coverage?
I recently got a quote of 15k for photographing and video-ing engagement, mayoun, mendhi, and shaadi.. I cant decide if thats a good deal or not..