You’ve got your wedding checklist and you’re ready to dive into the planning process. Before you get into all of the details though, you want to make sure that you’re approaching this the right way.

Whether you are choosing to plan this alone, with your spouse, your entire family or just a wedding planner, there are a few things you should definitely keep in mind in the months leading up to your wedding.

1. Trust Your Vendors

Wedding vendors are professionals and have helped countless couples create the perfect wedding day. The more you trust the people you are hiring to assist you, the more enjoyable this process will be. If you take the time to research your vendors and know that you’ve picked the very best, let them do their jobs.

2. Be Patient

It’s completely understandable that you want your day to be perfect but keep in mind that your venue and your vendors are probably working with a few different couples. Trust in the fact that your vendors are dedicated to making you happy and a little kindness, patience, and respect will ensure your planning goes more smoothly.

3. It’s Ok to Not Be Aware of Everything

There’s a lot that happens behind the scenes that couples don’t know about and that’s actually a good thing.  Planning a wedding is no easy feat and there is always a chance that something could go wrong. Don’t try and keep track of every little detail during the planning process, especially if people are already tasked with taking care of certain things. You need to focus on enjoying your day and not just planning the day.

4. This is about the Two of You

Remember, the two of you are entering this marriage and it’s important that you both make decisions about your big day. Don’t let other people take over the planning process and deter you from doing things that make you happy as a couple either. This day is about the two of you, not other people.

5. It’s Ok to Fight During the Planning Stages

Fighting during the planning process is not a sign that you shouldn’t get married. There is a lot of pressure involved with planning a wedding so if you do fight, take a breather, remember why you’re getting married, and pick things up again when you’re both calmer.

6. Tradition is Not Mandatory

If there are certain aspects of a traditional wedding that you simply can’t get on board with, that’s totally fine! There is absolutely no rule that says you need to have a first dance, cut a cake or throw your bouquet. This is your day!

7. Not Everything Has a Price Tag

You don’t need to spend money to impress your guests. Your wedding is about you and your partner coming together. A beautiful ceremony or a meaningful first dance is something money can’t buy so don’t forget about these important moments as you plan your wedding.

Remember to take a break from the planning if it all gets too much. This is supposed to be a wonderful and enjoyable time in your life, so make sure that you aren’t losing sight of what’s important as you plan your wedding.