·         Once the two of you know what you want, gather your family together. Share with your family your plans for how you want your wedding and reception to be handled. Be prepared for high emotions—the closer you get to the wedding day, the stronger the emotional attachments become. Acknowledge your families’ feelings, but confirm your stand as well as your loyalty to family. Let them know their help is appreciated, but gracefully assert yourself as the final decision maker.

·         Consider a theme. Though not necessary, a theme can make your plans easier. Whether it’s cultural, ethnic or topical such as a beach theme, it can help you focus on style. Victorian is a very popular style for weddings. This is an especially good match if you are wearing an antique gown.

·          Take advantage of the plethora of wedding resources out there. Here are a few websites I find helpful: WeddingChannel.com, ModernBride.com and The Knot.com. My new book, The Simple Wedding: A Faith-filled Guide to Enjoying a Stress-Free Wedding (GuidepostsBooks), is designed to help brides and their mothers simplify the planning process.  And you can always hire a wedding consultant—just be sure he or she belongs to The Association of Bridal Consultants.

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Sharon Hanby-Robie is the resident home décor expert for QVC, Inc., an author, speaker, and television personality.  It is Sharon’s goal to “help people discover their own personal style, and to give them the confidence to move forward with making choices that make sense for their families and lifestyle.” She has been an interior designer and member of the American Society of Interior Designers for more than thirty years.  Her new book series, The Spirit of Simple Living™, is published by GuidepostsBooks.