1. You’re in Love! Remind yourself and your fiancé often that you are getting married because you are in love! Too many people get wrapped up in napkin colors and forget about why they are celebrating in the first place. Don’t lose sight of the big picture.

2. What Matters to you? Pick out what items surrounding the wedding are most important to you. You may not care what the DJ is wearing, but you may feel strongly about the music he plays. For some grooms it’s tuxedo comfort, others it’s the taste of the cake. Whatever it is, make sure your bride knows which decisions you really want to be in on.

3. Opposite of #2. Although you want your bride-to-be to feel that you are interested and helpful with the planning, not every detail needs your seal of approval. Let her know which decisions are ok to be made without you. Let her know that some surprises are good on the wedding day.

4. Sign a contract with each vendor no matter what! Insist on it. It protects you, your money, and your wedding day. Quick story: A bride and groom insisted on having a friend who is also a DJ provide entertainment at a discounted rate for their wedding. Come wedding day, they were a no-show. Turns out, they were able to secure a gig for better money and left their friend in the cold. Don’t let this happen to you!

5. Be honest with yourself. Are you planning to invite one of your sort-of-close friends, and he is the guy who tends to end up drunk and half-naked by the end of cocktail hour? Put serious thought into who you are inviting from your past. (Hint: Bride’s and their families typically don’t appreciate ex-girlfriends on the guest list).

6. Try on your tuxedo. Too many times, groom’s pick up their tuxedo, but don’t try it on until 10 minutes before “I do.” All sorts of mishaps can happen. (I’ll never forget the time a groom’s tux was missing the pants!)

7. Check with her friends. Most women dream about their wedding since they were little girls making a wedding gown out of their sheets and blankets. Find out from her mom or close friend if there is something she always wanted on her wedding day, and then try to surprise her by making her childhood dream come true.

8. Pick the best man for the job. When choosing your best man, try to choose someone responsible and interested in the position. Too often, people choose their younger brother (who could care less) or their older brother (who is way too busy for wedding responsibilities). Ask them first if they seriously want the job and all that it entails.

9. Try to be sensitive. Your fiancé will likely go through many ups and downs while planning your big day. One day she feels great in her dress, the next fitting, she feels like a cow. Maybe the flowers she wanted aren’t available. Try to be as sensitive to her feelings as possible. You may think she always looks great or you may not care about flowers at all. Just try your best to be understanding, and you’ll both be much happier with the planning process. When in doubt, see item #1.

10. Wedding Planners are your friends! Most men that walk into my office do not want to hire a planner, and try to talk their fiancé out of hiring one. We help de-stress you, your fiancé, and your families. We help keep everything on budget. We are your best advocate and mediator. And we save you money, too! Come to the initial free consultation and see what we’re all about. You may be pleasantly surprised.