Avoid The Bridezilla!

From Bridezillas
Every bride and groom looks back over the wedding day and can make a list of the things that should have been changed. So you do not have to look back on your wedding day, wishing you had done things another way, we have gathered the top mistakes that can be used when planning your special day.

1. Money Down the Drain
Sure, there are a lot of costs associated with a wedding, but overspending can be avoided if you have a budget and stick to it. Don't let people who are looking to make a profit off of you talk you into spending more than you're comfortable with. Do your research, know your budget, and stick to your guns.

2. Communication is Key
Clear and open communication with both sets of parents, your fiancé and anyone else kicking in to help with expenses is key. No one should be expected to pay for something they don't approve of, yet it's important that the wedding be yours. Keep disagreements from escalating by remaining calm, respectful and kind.

3. Exploding Guest Lists
Check the numbers and make sure that your guest list and your reception site match up. If the site capacity is 200 and you invite 300 people assuming only 200 will accept, you're headed for trouble. Take a long, hard look at your guest list, count on at least 80% responding "yes", and adjust the list or the site accordingly.

4. ONE is the Loneliest Number
Ok, we know you can do it all, but why would you? If friends and family offer you help - take it! Learn to delegate and use all the resources offered to you. Moms, sisters, best friends - can help research vendors, address invitations, help you shop for your gown. But remember, these are volunteers not hired help. keep the Bridezilla at bay and accept their contributions graciously!

5. Count on Professionals
While it makes perfect sense to have family and friends help with the planning, be sure it ends there. Unless your best friend is a talented florist, make sure that she researches florists, not pretends to be one. Many relationships have dissolved because a bride, trying to save a buck, accepted professional services from a loved one that wasn't up to the task.

6. Gown Shopping 101
DON'T shop on Saturday. You will get far better service if you shop during the week. DON'T shop with kids. Do everyone a favor and get a babysitter for your sister's twins before you hit the bridal salons. DON'T order a smaller size because you're planning on losing weight. It's much easier to take a gown in, than let it out in the event those ten pounds were more stubborn than you'd hoped.

7. Assume Makes an Ass Out of U and Me
Don't assume that your bridal party knows what's expected of them. Give careful consideration to choosing your wedding party, keeping in mind that while it's an honor, it also requires responsibility, financially and otherwise. Follow your heart, but also your head and remember to be considerate of your wedding party and mindful of your expectations of them.

8. Be Accommodating
If you'll have guests arriving from out of town, it's your responsibility to block out enough rooms to accommodate them. To assure enough space, do it early. This is especially important if you live in or near a tourist town or if you plan on getting married in prime wedding season. You don't want to learn that other weddings have taken up all the rooms you were counting on.

9. Tying One on the Night Before
There's nothing pretty about a queasy, puffy-faced, fuzzy headed bride OR groom. Whether your friends have planned the bachelor/bachelorette parties for the night before the wedding (BIG mistake!) or if you're having a rehearsal dinner that night, do yourself a favor and pass on the booze. You'll be thankful in the morning.

10. Losing Perspective
Don't get bogged down in so many small details that you don't spend enough time on what's truly important. Keep in mind that you are getting married and starting a life together, not just planning a wedding. Brides, be good to your grooms. And grooms, be good to your brides! Some tension between the two of you is inevitable, but don't ever let things get out of control. Remember why you decided to take this leap in the first place. Above all, keep your sense of humor!

Using the advice above, you can avoid going Bridezilla before your wedding and having this happen.