Dear Heather,
I am always all for doing whatever is going to make you and your fiance happy on your wedding day. However, you should always show your guests respect. In other words, do what makes you happy without horribly offending your family. I would suggest completely eliminating liquor. You can serve champagne with the toasts and then maybe offer beer and wine. Also offer cider or something similar to those who do not wish to drink. This way, those who want to drink will (in moderation) and those that are against drinking don’t have to.

Gloria,

Congratulations! Well, it is never too early to start looking for sales, coupons, and other deals! I would work out your budget between now and July of this year and start looking for venues. Then, I would recommend beginning the wedding planning a year in advance. Check out our ultimate wedding planning checklist!

In your article you said to register for items that vary in price…….My boyfriend and me are registered for some luggage that costs over $300…..is that too high?? Should we take it off of the registry?? We don’t want to be rude but we really want it!!

Thanks,
Jessie

Dear Jessie,
It is perfectly fine to register for something such as luggage even if it is a bit expensive. People may want to spend that amount on you! Or a group of people may want to pull their money together to get you an expensive gift. Just make sure all of your items are not high in price and avoid adding something unnecessary AND expensive on your registry!

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I am having some trouble managing my budget for my May wedding. My fiance and I are always fighting about how much money I spend. Our budget of $15,000 is quickly drying up, and I am beginning to panic! I am almost ready to reschedule the date so we’ll have more time and more money. Any tips?

Stressed-out Bride named Olivia

Olivia,

First of all, take a breath. This is a very common problem that brides have when planning their big day. I suggest that you and your fiance sit down and focus on the things that are most important to you on your wedding day– what you will remember for years to come. It could be having great pictures and an amazing DJ. Then, you need to think about what is not so important. Is it THAT important that you get expensive centerpieces? Then, write down a budget and STICK TO IT! Write down what you have already and what you still need. Remember– you don’t want to start your life together fighting and broke! If you need more tips, visit our article Money-Smart Wedding Planning.

My fiancé and I can’t decide on a first dance song. He wants “You and Me” by Lifehouse, and I want “You Had Me From Hello” by Kenny Chesney. We have been arguing about this since we started planning our wedding in October, and neither of us is budging. I like “You and Me,” but for some reason, I just picture us dancing to “You Had Me From Hello.” What should we do?

Katelyn

Hi Katelyn,

It sounds like you both are really passionate about the songs you have chosen. I have a couple of different suggestions for you. You can always start from scratch and compromise on a new song together and play the others later. Or you can decide that one of the two will be your first dance then the other can immediately follow. You can have the DJ announce that you two will remain on the floor dancing, and the guests are now welcome to join.

Although I must say– It sounds like you are pretty lucky to have a guy that cares enough about the wedding planning to be so passionate about a first dance song. If you like “You and Me,” maybe you could let him have that song first then dance to “You Had Me From Hello” next. Another option would be telling your guests the situation, and having two first dance songs. I’m sure they would find it pretty humorous!

My last idea is to have the wedding guests vote on the “dispute” last minute. It might be a cute twist