So you've decided to take the plunge as well, huh? Tie the knot, get hitched, and lock on the ball and chain! So many synonyms for the word "marriage" but none even comes close to the monumental task ahead of you. Any Bridal magazine or website will give you 101 checklists for all occasions and purposes, but none will prepare you enough for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Before you begin, the best words of wisdom we can give you are: ENJOY YOURSELVES. Don't take this so seriously. Don't take the fun out of marriage before it has even begun! Weddings are usually big productions but remember, it will only be complicated as you want to make it. Remember, simplicity and elegance are two very "in" concepts.

Bride's! Don't forget to involve your grooms. The engagement period is not the time to flex your muscles and take over the bridal preparations! Yeah, yeah, yeah...we all know that marriage is supposed to be the "Bride's Day" and probably the fulfillment of every young girl's dream. But for one moment, please focus on the "Marriage" and not the "Wedding." A wedding is only one day out of the entire lifetime a couple will spend together. Make all major decisions together and enjoy each other's opinions and input. If views clash, this is a good time to test-drive your compromise and negotiation skills. Good practice for the road ahead of you...

Remember to take a break from planning once in awhile. We both noticed that a lot of couples do a majority of their fighting during the engagement period. It's important to take a breather now and then from wedding planning, so you can focus on just having fun and being yourselves. With the limited number of weekends until the big day, make sure you step back and do something totally unrelated to the wedding. It keeps you grounded