Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting, and yet one of the most nerve wracking, times in any person's life. There are many things that must be done in order to successfully host a wedding and the reception.

It is important to start planning as early as possible to make sure your big day is even more special than you have always imagined.

== The Rings ==

Of course, choosing the ring is a vital part of any wedding planning. After all, the exchange of rings is what seals the ceremony and makes the couple man and wife.

Most couples will want to shop for their wedding bands together, so that they can agree on a style and setting. With so many different metals and finishes available, this process may take longer than you think. Be sure to leave plenty of time for this important part of your wedding.

== The invitations ==

The happy couple will of course want to include as many family members and friends in their celebration as possible, and this means ordering and mailing perhaps hundreds of invitations for a large wedding.

No matter how many guests you are expecting, it is important to allow plenty of time for your guests to RSVP. Having an accurate count of the number of guests will make other parts of planning your wedding, such as ordering the food and renting the reception hall, much easier.

== Food ==

Speaking of food, you will need to make sure you have plenty of it on hand for your guests to enjoy. Finding a caterer who has experience planning wedding receptions is important, as these caterers may be more sensitive to your specific time frame and needs.

== The Reception ==

The party afterward is a big part of any wedding celebration, and you will want to make sure you rent a hall with plenty of space, elegance and style.

Having an accurate count of how many guests will attend the reception will help you greatly in your planning. As with other aspects of wedding planning, it is important to start looking for a place to hold the reception as early as possible.

== The Cake ==

A wedding cake is no ordinary pastry - it is the centerpiece of your celebration and a work of art.

It is vital to find a cake decorator who is skillful and artistic, as well as a first class baker. Again, planning early and getting references is important.

== The Dress ==

Last but certainly not least is the wedding dress itself. A wedding dress is probably the most important piece of clothing a woman will ever own, and choosing just the right wedding dress is a vital part of planning any wedding.

Shopping around and scouring your favorite bridal magazines for ideas, is a great way to make sure you find the wedding dress of your dreams.