What should we do to avoid all the wedding stress?

The best thing to do is to start preparing the wedding with plenty of time. If possible you should allow for one year or more for planning. The time you'll need will depend greatly on reception venues: try to find out how early on do they tend to be booked. For more details on planning your wedding, you can see our Wedding Checklist (http://www.ideas-for-a-wedding.com/en/planning/wedding-checklist.html ).

Send the invitations early on so that you can know who will come. To minimize stress, the bride should also have her gown at home at least one week before the wedding. And don't forget to make reservations for the honeymoon! Consider leaving for the honeymoon on the day after your wedding so that you can get a good night's sleep and leave for your honeymoon more relaxed.

When you feel the stress building, take a time out! Why not go for a walk, get a massage, go for a manicure or spend some time with your loved one? You'll feel more relaxed afterwards and ready to tackle all the minor problems and annoyances that might come your way.

What’s the biggest expense of a wedding?

Normally the reception will be the biggest expense in a wedding, followed by the honeymoon and the bride's gown . So you must be aware of your budget when you start looking for those.

If you are concerned about your budget you can see our recommendations at http://www.ideas-for-a-wedding.com/en/questions/wedding-on-a-budget.html .

What’s the proper timing to send invitations out?

The invitations should be sent out approximately four to two months before the wedding day. If you can't send them at least two months before the wedding, it will be harder for you to know the number of guests who will actually show up. In that case, you can try calling people for confirmation, so that you can have a better notion of the number of guests in the reception

Is it a good idea to take some time off before the wedding?

If possible, it is best to take anything between 1 day to 1 week before the wedding off. Both the bride and groom should discuss if they'll need that time off. If you're having family arrive from out of town or if have any pre-wedding festivities planned, you should take that into consideration. Also consider taking an extra day off after you arrive from your honeymoon, especially if you think you're going to be affected by jet lag upon arrival

We plan to get married out of state. Would we need to apply for the marriage license in our state of residence or in the state we plan to be married in?
 

You are required to get a license in the state that you are getting married in. Make sure to check with the local town hall in the state you plan to marry in for specific requirements.

I'm getting married for the second time next fall. My first wedding was a simple civil ceremony at the local city hall. This is my fiancé's first wedding and he wants a traditional church wedding. Is it acceptable for me to wear a white bridal gown?

A second time bride has just as much right as a first time bride to look her best on her wedding day. Today, white is no longer considered a colour reserved for virginal brides. Let's face it, most women who marry in this day and age are hardly virginal. White had become a traditional symbol of joy and second-time brides are just as joyful as first time brides (maybe even more so). So go ahead and wear the bouffant white ballerina gown and remember the second time round is a charm! 

My fiancé and I have already purchased a house and we have everything we need as far as furnishings, dishes and so one. How can I politely ask guests to give money instead of a gift at my wedding?

If you're thinking about mentioning money gifts in your wedding invitations, don't even think about it! There is nothing more tasteless then the mention of wedding gifts in a wedding invitation... It suggests you see your wedding guests as dollar signs. The only polite way to tell wedding guests about your money preference would be to explain your situation to close family, wedding party members and friends so that they can pass the word along. Your wedding guests will then be aware of your preference and be free to give you whatever they like.

Which piece of jewelery should no bride be without?

The only jewelery a bride really needs is her engagement ring – more often than not any other jewelery detracts from the beauty of the gown.

What should a bride bear in mind when she is deciding how to wear her hair?

Think of the shapes and style of your dress. Consider the detailing and how that might be enhanced by your hairstyle. For instance, if your dress is backless or has buttons detailing on the back, you may want to wear your hair up.   

See also:

• Photographer Checklist
• Sitting the Guests