Ease Your Stress With These Wedding-Planning Tips

You've pored through countless wedding books and magazines -- but instead of feeling comforted, you're frazzled. How can anyone remember and organize the thousands of details that go into planning a wedding? This is your special day and you're scared to death!

First, take a deep breath. It's okay to be worried. After all, a wedding isn't something you can throw together in a few days. Yes, it's busy and stressful, but you can actually have a fun time planning it. But you need a good map. To help you get started, we at the Crowne Plaza West Palm Beach offer the following advice when planning your ceremony:

• Go with your gut.There's a temptation to talk to countless caterers, venue managers, and photographers. It's good to keep your standards high, but don't get bogged down by too much information. When you find something that you really like - that feels right -- go with your gut!
• Break up your planning duties. Don't try to do everything all at once. Accomplish one thing at a time and schedule the other items at various intervals on your calendar -- so that you know they'll be addressed in the future.
• A filing system can save your sanity. Get a box of file folders or an accordion file with multiple sections to hold all your contracts, notes, and other pertinent information. Designate one folder for each aspect of your planning -- catering, cake, guest list, you get the idea.
• Make it a family affair. Many family members love to help with the planning. If they offer, take them up on it!
• Have a blast! When a task seems particularly tedious, think about how wonderful your ceremony is going to turn out - and how people will talk about it for years to come. Also, subscribe to several bridal magazines. They're packed with great ideas that will help spark your creativity.