If you have a dream wedding in mind, you’re going to have to do a lot of planning to make it reality. Actually, any kind of wedding will take a lot of hard work to create. You don’t have to wander around in the dark, wondering what to do. Here are some great tips on what to do to have a wedding that’s like a dream come true.

Understand that all who are supporting you and helping with your wedding are doing it out of love, as you should show them respect and appreciate what they are doing for you. Do not become a “bridezilla”, as this can alienate a lot of people and put a damper on the days leading up to your wedding.

When you’re getting plans together for your wedding, consider the types of alcoholic beverages you’re going to be serving. Also be aware of the cost. An open bar is very costly and can become extremely expensive if open for long periods of time. The venue representative will be able to advise you of the various alcohol service options available.

The right wedding dress can be quite expensive. To help defray the cost of a wedding gown, you may wish to shop for dresses that may not be considered a wedding dress. A simpler dress may suit your needs and will be less expensive than a typical wedding dress. Even if you need the dress to be altered, it will probably be less expensive than buying a wedding dress.

When having an outdoor wedding, the food served can be greatly affected by the weather. If you are planning a wedding during hot weather, ask your caterer if they have experience in serving food when it is hot outside. If the food cannot be kept at the correct temperature, avoid foods that have mayonnaise and any other dishes that will need to be kept cold.

Get properly fitted underwear for your wedding. A comfortable and supportive bra will not only ease the pressure on your back and shoulders, but also adjust your shape to give you a flattering look. Find a good lingerie store in your area who will fit you and order you the correct undergarments.

If you’re already living with your spouse-to-be and don’t really need housewares for wedding gifts, ask for cash instead. If you include a cute little poem asking people to consider giving you a cash gift instead of something you can’t use, you’ll be saving them the time it takes to shop and helping pay for your honeymoon!

Let your DJ know what he absolutely should not play. Maybe it’s country music, or heavy metal, or even your “special song” from an old lover. Tell your spouse-to-be so that he knows too.

For both brides and grooms, it is important that you do not drink too much at your wedding reception. Although a few drinks are okay, getting drunk will just make you not remember your day and could cause you to do or say something that you are going to later regret.

Add color, texture, and pop to a country or nature-inspired ceremony or reception theme with rustic and vintage containers and decor. Enamel pots, watering cans, and tin washtubs are perfect for displaying wedding programs, favors, or butter mints. Cleaned, tinted jelly jars and terracotta flowerpots make attractive, charming holders for scented tea lights and votive candles.

If you follow the above advice, it will not only help you prepare to make your wedding visions into reality, it will also help you practice organizing and planning in ways that will benefit you in your marriage. That’s a bonus that comes with putting in the effort to make your wedding wonderful. You learn lessons that you carry with you for the rest of your life.