1. DO wait 'til the last (reasonable) minute to print invitations because times and venues CAN change. Just have everything ready to be printed about 11 weeks before the wedding date.

2. DON'T spend too much money on the wedding cake. Few guests eat it and strangely -- as long as it's not hideous or tacky -- you don't care about the cake at all on the wedding day.

3. DO buy white shoes when they're in season so that the selection and prices are better. Note: It's best to buy your shoes AFTER you choose a dress, however, because you may look great in a creamy, ivory, or antique lace -- rather than white -- dress.

4. DON'T wear perfume or carry fragrant flowers such as roses for an outdoor wedding. The bees become unwelcome guests and they WILL sting brides and bridesmaids.

5. DO set the tone for your officiant (tactfully, of course) because you may or may not want jokes, conversion tactics, abortion/divorce etc. brought up during the ceremony.

6. DON'T be a slave to etiquette when your gut tells you otherwise. You'll be surprised how much people enjoy your personal touch, rather than suffering through another factory-built wedding.

7. DO consult with mother/mother-in-law on things that make no difference to you.

8. DON'T consult with mother/mother-in-law on things that you feel strongly about and won't bend on anyway.

9. DO delegate short-term assignments to the groom, such as getting quotes from a musician, whose phone number you've already sourced. Show your appreciation when he completes ANY wedding-related task.

10. DON'T drag the groom through the ups and downs of wedding planning. If he's apathetic, be thankful. It's normal AND preferable to having the groom turn into another interfering mother/mother-in-law!

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