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As Easy as ABC Twenty-six ways to help you create your perfect day…
A is for... Amore It's love that has brought you together and love that will keep you together in the years to come- through the best times and the worst times. Wedding planning can quickly turn stressful, leading to petty arguments and squabbles. When things get tough remember the love.
B is for...Budgeting As soon as you start planning, you should begin thinking about your budget. Make a list of all the expenses you are likely to encounter and work out your costs. If possible, set some money aside as a cushion.
C is for...Calling in favours If your great aunt is good at making cakes, your sister great a dress making, why not ask them to help out with your wedding plans. Don't be afraid to ask friends and family to put their creative talents to use - instead of a wedding gift, enquire whether they would be prepared to offer you some of their time.
D is for...Dress to impress Any bride will tell you it can be tricky finding the perfect dress. Only bring people with you to try gowns on who are honest with you and, perhaps most importantly, know your taste and know what suits you. Make sure you choose a dress which you will be comfortable wearing all day.
 E is for...Eat, drink, and be merry When all is said and done, food and drink are two key things which your guests are going to remember about your day. Take this into account when choosing your venue. Before making your final choice about where to have your reception, ask if you can come to dinner, to sample the food and the hospitality.
F is for...First dance More and more couples are attending dance lessons in preparation for the big day. There are a large number of schools across Ireland, many of which offer private lessons for couples looking to swat up on steps before their wedding day. Dance lessons are a great way to keep fit and inject some fun back into your relationship.
G is for...Great memories It's worthwhile spending money on a good photographer. Your photographs will be your lasting memory of your day together. Ask to see a portfolio of their work to give you a feel for their style of work.
H is for...Honeymoon After all the pressures and strains of planning your wedding, you'll be in dire need of a good holiday. Incorporate your honeymoon into your wedding budget. Decide what you can afford and try to get the most out of your money. Ideally your honeymoon should be a once in a life time trip, so, if the budget permits, choose a location which you have always dreamt of visiting.
I is for...Invite your mates Planning your wedding list can be a tricky business, family and work politics have a way of influencing your decision on who to invite, meaning for some people they take precedence over their closest friends. Make sure you remember those who are most important to you and who you really want to spend your wedding day with.
J is for...Join in the party Remember to let your hair down, relax and have fun. Don't let stress get in the way of having fun. Once the ceremony, speeches and dinner are over, kick off your shoes and join in the celebrations with your new hubby.
K is for...Kiss and make-up Never go to bed on a fight. Aim to resolve all problems immediately, talking them through to find a resolution.
L is for...Little love notes Both of you are likely to be leading your own hectic lives, meaning that sometimes you don't have as much time for one another as you might like to have. Keep the spark alive by leaving notes and reminders for each other.
M is for...Make an entrance Decide on your entrance music well in advance of the big day. If you are having a musician, make sure that you agree a cue for you to start walking.
N is for...Never forgetting the important stuff Don't get so bogged down in wedding plans that you forget about yourselves. Keep the spark alive in your relationship by setting aside on evening a week for a date. This should be time for just the two of you - so set a night aside to curl up with a DVD, go for a drink or head out for dinner.
O is for...Organisation It pays to be organised. Download your free planner online
P is for...Pampering Start thinking about your beauty regime. Knock bad habits on the head now - quit caffeine and cigarettes in favour of brighter, clearer skin. Book in for regular facials and nail appointments to make sure you are looking and feeling at your best.
Q is for...Quiet time When things get too much, take time out for yourself. Rest, relax and look after your health.
R is for...Rings It's a good idea to choose your wedding rings well in advance of the ceremony. If the jewellers does not have your size in stock they may need to order in your size. If you plan to have your wedding bands engraved, you should also leave time aside for this as well.
S is for...Setting the scene Room dressing can really help bring a personal touch to the reception. Choose co-ordinating centre pieces and chair covers for a truly chic affair.
T is for...Triumph over adversity Every problem has a solution. Through the course of organising your wedding, you can almost take it for granted that something will not go according to plan, no matter how organised you are. Be prepared to adapt your plans if necessarily.
U is for...Understanding You might have a very clear idea of how you want your wedding day to be but if your plans are drastically different from your partner's you will need to be prepared to adapt. A good marriage needs compromise; start as you mean to go on.
V is for...Vows Writing your own wedding vows is a great way to bring a little touch of individualism to your day. Note down what themes you wish to incorporate into your vows and set about working them into your speech. If you are not sure about your results, test them out on a close friend, ask for feedback and amend accordingly.
W is for...Wedding wish list Drawing up a wedding list is a great way to kit out your home with the essentials you will need to start your new lives together. Compose your wedding list four to six months in advance of the big day and send word around friends and family about where you have placed your list.
X is for...X-rated fun Invest in some sexy lingerie to set the tone for that long, relaxing honeymoon.
Y is for...You You and your fiancé are the two most important people when it comes to your wedding day. Never loose sight of that.
Z is for...Zest for life Endeavour to keep passions alive. Never forget the reasons why you have chosen to get married. Shower you loved one with affection and vow to always keep the spark in your relationship.
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