How long have you and your fiance been engaged? Are you tired of
waiting for the big wedding day? You just can't wait to be Mr. and Mrs.
"fill in name of couple." Well, wait no more! Here are seven tips on
how to plan your wedding in just 10 short days. They are in no means in
any particular order -- just use your own common sense.



1. Borrow your wedding dress



Are you the same dress size as another female family member or friend? Ask if you can wear their wedding dress
in your wedding! Not only will you look fabulous, but you'll already
have your "something borrowed" for the tradition. Plus, if you borrow
the dress from a family member, that will make the dress all the more
special. Buy your garter and shoes at a wedding shop or even a craft
supply store. You will have your "something new" and if you get a
garter with a blue bow, there is your "something blue." As for
"something old," borrow an item from a family member that has
sentimental value. Take good care of it and give it right back after
the wedding!



2. Make the invitations



Obviously you will not have time to order invitations,
so make them yourself! You can purchase wedding invitation paper at
your local office supply store, most of them come with a template that
you can load onto your hard drive. Then, you design the invitation on
your computer using the actual facsimile of the invitation on your
screen. The package will even include some regular paper to test your
designs on before you print them. Buy mailing labels that you can print
from the computer also. This will save a lot of time and probably
prevent you from developing carpal tunnel syndrome in the meantime!



3. Talk to someone at the wedding venue



Wherever you choose to have the wedding ceremony
-- a church, temple, non-denominational justice of the peace chambers
-- make sure you book the date and time you want/need for the wedding.
If you need any special equipment, like a chupah (ceremonial canopy)
for a Jewish wedding, make certain that it will be available. Ask about
prices and see if you can cut a deal considering the short notice.



4. Book a house



Finding it difficult to book a reception in so little time? Have it at
a relative's house. Chances are that you are getting married in one of
your hometowns (if you don't share the same one) or current place of
residence. What better way to save money on a banquet hall than by
having the reception at the home of someone you know? Just make sure
that it is large enough to accommodate all of your guests, food, cake,
music, and gifts. If you prefer, you can even have the wedding ceremony at the house, as well.



5. Find a wholesale florist



Search for a local wholesale florist. Not only do they generally have
many people working for them (meaning they can get large orders filled
in little time), but since they get their supplies wholesale you will
get a better price. Are you allergic to real flowers? Have them make
fake bouquets. They can make them look just as beautiful and can even
make them look real by adding effects (i.e., clear glue droplets made
to look like water).



6. Plan the menu and do it yourself



Not meaning cook everything yourself, but you can order deli, veggie
and fruit trays and have someone pick them up and arrange them at the
reception house during the ceremony. Buy bottles of soda on sale and
big bags of ice. Use paper plates and cups and use plastic utensils and
buy a fancy-looking vinyl tablecloth. This will also make the clean-up
a lot easier for whoever ends up cleaning. They'll thank you for it
later.



7. Friends, friends, friends!



Still need music, pictures, and a cake? Ask your friends! Even if none of your friends
is a DJ/KJ, photographer, or baker, chances are they know some people
who can cut you a deal. If you can't afford a photographer, you
probably have a friend who takes awesome pictures. Have them make the
memories of your wedding. If there are family photos and such that you
want, make sure you let them know. Get someone whom you know is famous
for their goodies to make the cake. It may not be the five-tier cake
that you dreamed about when you were ten, but it will be special just
the same. If you are lucky, you have a friend who specializes in cake
decorating who can build your five-tier dream. Use a small boom box for
music at the ceremony and just have someone push the buttons. Make CD
mixes of the songs you want in the order you want them. Supply the
person with a list of what to play when and leave it to them. Have the
same person bring the boom box to the reception house so that you can
have your wedding party intros, first dance, etc.



So there you have it. It takes some time, but think of all the hassles
you will avoid by marrying so quickly. There will be no time to change
your mind about anything, much less change it several times. Taking
these seven tips to heart will allow you to have a hassle-free,
moderate-budget wedding of your dreams!



About the author:

After struggling with her own wedding, Michele Neisler created Wedding-Wisdom.com to educate future brides.

No matter what your wedding related needs, Wedding-Wisdom.com