15 Secrets from a Wedding Planner

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The Wedding Planning Cycle

According to Victoria Canada, of Victoria Canada Weddings and Events, brides typically go through five phases over the course of the engagement.

Phase One: ENGAGED! You buy every magazine out there and become overwhelmed with the prospect of all the colors, ideas, and other choices.

Phase Two: The planning process starts. It's fun! Your friends and family are interested. Strangers in line at the grocery store know you're getting married and before they leave the checkout they know your colors and number of bridesmaids. The whole world is happy for you!

Phase Three: Anarchy in the ranks. Why does your mother think hydrangeas aren't appropriate? Why do your bridesmaids think they can pick out their dresses?

Phase Four: The wedding wall. "I have plenty of time, the wedding is months away." You believe things will all work out, you just need a break from the planning for a couple of weeks.

Phase Five: "Oh my gosh! The wedding is almost here!" You panic that there's not enough time to individually hand-stamp all the cocktail napkins or make all the favors! Help!

Canada's tips on the following pages can keep you from becoming overwhelmed.