So you say that money is no object when it comes to your wedding and that you are one of the lucky ones that have  unlimited funds? Wonderful, but if you are like most people these days, you will need to set a budget.

Here are a few tips to help budget for your big day:

Write [...]

To Obtain a Marriage or Civil Union License

Ceremony must be held in Sangamon County
Both parties need to be present. Visit the Sangamon County Clerk’s Office, Sangamon County Complex, 200 S. Ninth Street, Room 101, Springfield, IL.
You must not be related
The fee is $35. We will accept cash, check, money order or Discover or Master Card.
You [...]

When people learn of your engagement, the first thing you are likely to hear after “Congratulations!” is “When’s the date?”

Tips to help pick the date:

Check your calendar.  Look for any date conflicts; holidays, planned vacations or hectic times at work.   Consider if any close family or friends have date conflicts.  You should also determine the [...]

Unless you are Kate Middleton and can afford to invite 1900 guests to your wedding, you are going to have to set a limit on how many guests you can invite.

The first thing you should do is make a list that includes everyone you would ideally like to invite to your wedding.  You may be [...]

Save-the-Dates ensure that guests reserve room in their schedules for the big day.  If you are getting married during a holiday weekend, having a destination wedding or if there are out-of-towners on the guest list who need a heads-up on flights and hotels, a save-the-date is an expected courtesy.

6 Creative Save-the-Date ideas:

Calendar
Bookmark
Puzzle
Spinner Card
Post Card
Magnet

As soon as you receive a gift, you should send out a thank-you note.  This saves you from waiting until you have 30-50 to write and then it will seem more like a never-ending chore.   Try to write warm and thoughtful notes and always mention the gift and if possible, how you and your groom [...]

The Gift Registry

This is a free service that is provided by many department, jewelry and gift stores.  You and your fiance register for a list of gifts that you would like to receive.  Many registries are available online as part of the store’s website.  As each item is bought, it is removed from the list and [...]

I have been asked several times over the years when is a good time to send out wedding invitations. My answer is always, 8-12 weeks before the wedding and no later than 4 weeks prior to the wedding date. This allows your guests enough time to respond but also gives yourselves sufficient time to plan, [...]