Wedding planning is an immense topic, meriting more attention than this wee, free website will allow. So instead of diving right into the ocean, let’s let our feet warm in the sun, sink into the sand, and feel the trickle of the waves hitting our pedicured toes. We’ll cover some fundamentals here to get you ready to frolic in the waves.

Fundamental #1: To Be or Not To Be Martha Stewart

This is your party. Always remember that. This shindig should reflect you and your dude, your story and your love. People will come to celebrate YOU – don’t let them down with a generic soiree that could be anyone’s wedding!

That being said, the extent to which you want to be involved is up to you. Are you going to slave away over handmade placecards and homemade guest favors or order them online? Are you going to choose each and every song for the DJ/band/iPod to play or trust that they will realize you are not a big “Chicken Dance” fan? Are you going to spend hours researching what flowers are in season in the part of the country where your nuptials will be held, or just give the florist some color guidelines?

There are no wrong answers here, just the need for contemplation.

Fundamental #2: Communication

Let Sex and the City: The Movie be a lesson to all of us. TALK TO HIM. Discuss what you both envision for your wedding – location, time of day, size, vibe (see below). Weddings have enough potential to breed awkwardness and conflict when both families get involved. Make sure you and the groom-to-be are on the same page to maximize potential for emerging from the planning process unscathed (at least by each other).

Fundamental #3: Your Wedding Vibe

There are so many directions to go with this, but I will try to keep it simple with a (by no means exhaustive!) keyword list for your consideration. Pick a few words that capture the feeling you and your man want to create.

Simple

Elegant

Classic

Traditional

Religious

Modern

Romantic

Sophisticated

Formal

Casual

Black tie

White tie

Down-home

Destination

Exotic

Kid-friendly

All-American

Ethnic

Stylish

Trendy

Quaint

Seasonal

Beachy

European

Victorian

Cute

Glamorous

Intimate

Chic

Country

City

Rustic

Sleek

Holiday

Morning

Daytime

Afternoon

Evening

All-nighter

And there you have it! Now you just need to make it happen.

Fundamental #4: The Venue and the Menu

At some point or other, we will all get bogged down with wedding planning minutiae. Raised type, flat, or letter press? Votives or candlesticks? Chocolate fondue or chocolate fountain? This is the stuff of true wedding dramz. Accept the inevitability, and while this process is still fresh and new, nail down the most important logistics: location and food. Oh, and fiancé. Right-o!

Once you’ve got the location booked and a caterer picked out (and don’t be afraid to court a few – you deserve the best service and menu you can find), the rest is cake - unless your caterer is taking care of that for you too! Just remember that this may be your first (and hopefully only) wedding, but this is what these people DO. This is their job. So they should help ease the stress and take good care of you. And if it doesn’t seem like they’ll be supportive, someone else will.

So, to recap:
This is your day.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t discuss it with your fiancé.
Define your vibe and embrace it.
Nail down the venue and the menu.
Onward, DomestiGals!

Have more wedding suggestions for the DomestiGals?  Send email to us at DomestiGals@DomestiGals.com.