Organization key to smiles on big day

If you're recently engaged and sporting a new diamond ring, chances are you've already gobbled up at least one bridal magazine and have visions of wedding cakes dancing in your head.

There's so much to consider: Hire a wedding coordinator or not? Small wedding or large?

Bridesmaids, colors, cakes, locations, the list goes on and on.

For certain, the bride who emerges happy with the end result is one who stayed organized, spent within her means and enjoyed every moment of the process.

If you're old-school, staying organized might be as simple as toting a notebook or binder to the different stops you'll have to make. High-tech brides might opt for wedding planning software.

A Web site called "Top Ten Reviews" compared 10 software programs and ranked the top three as "iDo," "Smart Wedding" and "Marziplanner," ranging from $30 to $80 respectively.

Of course, being organized doesn't mean controlling every tiny detail of the planning process. It's OK to utilize willing family members and members of your bridal party for some tasks.

Before you can start picking dresses and menus, you must determine the budget you have to work with. Though exact numbers are impossible to figure, 2.2 million couples who will marry this year will average between $19,000 (theknot.com) and $28,000 (theweddingreport.com) each.

There are sneaky ways to cut corners, though. Pick an off-peak month for your nuptials. Share decorations with friends who have already walked the aisle. Have your attendant carry a single flower instead of a full bouquet.

As many as 12 to 16 months prior to your anticipated "big day," visit facilities you are interested in.

This will enable you to select a date based on availability of your preferred location.

Remember, for convenience of your guests and for your budget, it is wise to avoid events such as graduations and holidays.

The fun part also starts this early -- it is imperative to find your gown. Custom gowns can take up to a year to prepare; fittings and alterations are also time-consuming.

Contact the key players, if you have not already done so. Your officiant, members of your wedding party, musicians, decorators and more need plenty of notice once you've picked a date and a spot.

About six months before your wedding, sign up for a few gift registries. This will help you -- and your guests -- ensure you get things you want and will actually use.

Lock in the attire for your bridal party, shop for your wedding stationery and select your wedding cake. Talk to your travel agent about possible honeymoon destinations. If you're traveling and need a passport, now's the time to care for those details.

Three months before the wedding, send out your invitations and shop for your wedding bands.

This is also a good time to check in with your videographer, photographer, caterer, rental company and others to make certain everything is on track. Gather the men together and select tuxedos.

In the month leading up to the big day, apply for your marriage license and make appointments to decide about your hair and makeup with your stylist.

There are loads of books, magazines and Web sites devoted to making you the least-stressed and best-dressed bride out there. Look at several and formulate a plan that is "all you" for this special day.

Courtesy of Jina Lee

Cascading bridal bouquet