Weddings, which would be a time of happinessand joy, are full of jitters,【1】

Weddings, which should always be a time of happiness and joy for all involved, often become filled with jitters, fatigue, anger and hurt feelings, simply because the planning process isn’t organized easily or efficiently or because there is a battle over who is in charge.
   Even though the wedding may be paid for by the parents of the bride or groom or both, the decisions belong to the bride and groom. The bride’s feelings take precedence, whether the questions concerns the guest list or the flavor of the wedding cake. Parental advice should never be ignored and is always valid from their point of view, but if there is a real conflict of opinion, the unwritten guideline is that parents must accede to the bride’s wishes. After all, it is her day and her wedding!
   The problem created by lack of organization are dealt with more easily if just a little time is put into the planning process. There is no reason to spoil an exciting period because important details are overlooked or put off until the last minute or because the people involved are not aware of their responsibilities.
   I’d like to provide answers to the most-asked questions about weddings from the time of an engagement right through the reception. Included are a suggested schedule, guidelines on apparel, personal expenses of the wedding party and what to ask the photographer; caterer, musician and clergyperson; an efficient way to record gifts; the correct procedures for the members of the wedding party; and tips on giving and receiving gifts and the wedding ceremony itself. Because proper wedding planning follows a sequence, this lecture is arranged to aid the bride, the groom and their families in their own planning from start to finish. My hope is that by following these suggestions your wedding and all that lends up to it will be as lovely and enjoyable as it should be!