Wedding planning can seem exciting but many times brides and their families find themselves at a loss as to what step is done first, second, etc. Shows and jokes about regarding how reasonable women somehow transform into "Bridezillas" and make everyone surrounding them miserable with their incessant demands and extreme meltdowns. Not every bride goes insane and not every wedding goes awry.

How much time does it take to plan a wedding?

How long it takes to plan a wedding is based on exactly what type of wedding you want. Do you want a traditional, formal wedding? Have you always dreamed of getting married on the beach? The more detailed the wedding, the longer it will take to make the dreams into a realization. The average time frame for planning a detailed formal wedding is usually a year. This allows for the invitations to be printed and mailed as well as the wedding dress to be ordered and altered fitting your unique proportions.

What are the rules regarding receptions?

There are no hard-fast rules when it comes to receptions. The reception can be whatever you want it to be. It can be a simple affair where the guests are there just long enough to give their congratulations to the couple or it can be a lavish party where there is food, music and drinks.

Should I serve a full meal at the reception or just serve finger foods?

The general rule of thought is this: an afternoon wedding requires only light snacks or finger foods. A wedding that takes place after 5 o'clock should serve something more substantial to eat as guests will be feeling hungry that late into the evening after the ceremony is over.

Do you have to follow these rules? Absolutely not, but mention on your program or invitation what type of reception will be following the ceremony. This allows the guests, if you are only serving cake and punch, to eat earlier in the day.

Who pays for the wedding and reception?

Traditionally the bride's family paid for the entire wedding except the rehearsal dinner, which was paid for by the groom's family. In modern society it is often the couple who pays for the majority of the wedding. This could be due to the fact that many people are marrying later in life or have been married once before.

How long should a wedding and reception last?

The majority of weddings last anywhere from thirty minutes on up to an hour, depending on how detailed the ceremony is. A wedding reception is typically from two to four hours depending on whether there is food, music and dancing. The length of either is up to you.