That said, before you begin picking out a single detail, your first priority needs to be setting a budget. Though this task may be far from a highlight of your wedding-planning process, it is vital - both for your checkbook and your sanity. Take these simple steps to get on your way to creating a comfortable wedding budget.

First, look at who is going to be paying for the each element of the festivities - including rehearsal, ceremony, reception and any other miscellaneous details or pre-wedding showers and preparations.

Second, if you do have others contributing to the various costs, find out from them what financial guidelines you need to stay within.

Third, consider using the following budget outline; it is recommended that you calculate your estimates before you start purchasing and reserving any of our wedding items.

 Fourth, be sure to note that the budget does not include the costs for a personal wedding coordinator, the engagement ring or the honeymoon; so, be sure to consider these additional costs when tallying all expenses.

Wedding coordinators often charge by the hour or a set fee and can cost up to 10% of your entire wedding budget, depending on how many/how few responsibilities you expect your coordinator to take care of. For more answers to your wedding coordinator questions, read "Wedding Coordinators: Do I really need one?" (Insert link to article)

While honeymoons in the Carolinas and nationwide average around $3,500, do not let statistics determine your personal budget. Let your destination desires - and most importantly you wallet - be the determining factors for the amount you spend on your honeymoon.  For more honeymoon help, read "Carolina Honeymoon ideas on a budget."

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Also note that not all of the items on the given budget worksheet may pertain to your event; similarly, some of the items may not take up as much of the budget as has been allotted. For instance, if you are using an outdoor venue that offers a great deal of natural beauty, you may only have a need for simple bridal party bouquets and would be spending only 2-3 percent of your budget on flowers. You may be using slightly more on your dress, instead. So, let the budget sheet serve as a starting point for you; play around with it as necessary.

Lastly, I find that it's important to constantly remind the brides that I work with of one thing: Your wedding is a celebration of the love and commitment between you and your groom, not a performance for the guests. Often we, as brides, get caught up in expensive details and forget that whether we have a $15,000 celebration or a $45,000 celebration, what really matters is the meaning behind the big day!