The Wedding Planning Process

Let's face the facts: Weddings tend to be expensive. The economy is not so great.

Now, more than ever, careful budget control is necessary when it comes to planning a wedding. For example, ordering flowers from a florist located 5,000 miles away does not seem like a feasible option for many brides. Having a delicious cake imported from another country also seems a bit too extravagant these days.

So, what can you do? How can you create the wedding of your dreams? The key word is research. Once you've marked your wedding date on the calendar, begin the planning process. Contacting various local vendors, bands, and wedding oriented services will save brides a considerable amount of money as well as unnecessary headaches.

Here are some top things to include on your checklist:

a. Banquet Hall (reserve early if you're set on a specific reception hall)

b. Photographer (check out various photographers' portfolios and decide on which one will best capture the tone of your wedding)

c. Attire (finding the perfect bridal gown at a decent price requires a bit of searching)

d. Invites (get the word out early, especially if many of your guests are flying in)

e. Wedding Bands/Vows (speaking from the heart is what turns good vows into memorable ones)

Overall, brides should definitely allot enough time to shop around for exciting deals and book early. Luckily for brides out there, MyRegistry.com has compiled a list of reliable wedding resources. Our Wedding Vendors section features wedding businesses conveniently organized by state location and category (florists, themed weddings, videographers, etc). With its beautiful and elegant recommendations, the Wedding Vendors section has proven to be a wonderful resource for many couples.

How are brides out there going about planning their nuptials? How do you find great deals? What tools have proven to be invaluable throughout the planning process? Any helpful tips?