Shawn Getty and her Father before they walk down the aisle

Tying the Knot (107)
Your wedding should be the most special day of your life, but sometimes the months leading up to it are full of tension and bickering. Take that stress out of wedding planning with these tips from experts who have played a part in hundreds of successful events. And follow bride Shawn Getty as she plans her big day. If you're not quite to the wedding planning stage yet, jeweler Paul Tacorian can help you with pointers on authenticity, quality and budget when you're shopping for the perfect diamond. After the vows are exchanged, you can look forward to a memorable, affordable honeymoon. Mark Orwoll, Managing Editor of Travel + Leisure magazine, will tell you how to get the best deals and make memories for a lifetime.

Wedding Planning

• Allow six months to plan.
  
• Buy wedding- planning software and store your event on one file. Choose a program that includes website links so you can post updates.
  
• Use wedding Internet sites to organize shopping and planning.
  
• Avoid bridal shops that remove designer labels to prevent you from comparison shopping.
  
• Use just one credit card for all your wedding expenses. You're more likely to get reimbursed if you need to dispute anything.
  
• Calculate a realistic budget and divide financial responsibilities clearly.

Resources

WeddingChannel.com
Rosanna McCollough, Vice President/General Manager
www.WeddingChannel.com

Photography
Elizabeth Messina, Photographer specializing in wedding photojournalism.
www.ElizabethMessina.com

Wedding Gown Design
Cocoe Voci, wedding gown designer and boutique owner
www.Cocoevoci.com

Flowers
Scott Corridan, Florist
General: 800-460-7496
L.A.: 323-343-0909
Santa Barbara: 805-565-9770

Shopping for a Diamond

• Determine if the diamond has been certified by a respected, independent grading lab.
  
• Be clear on the meaning of the four "Cs"—cut, color, clarity and carat weight—before you shop.
  
• Determine which of the "Cs" is most important to you, and work from there. If carat weight is most important, for example, you can compromise on clarity and color.
  
• Remember bigger doesn't mean better.
  
• Let her make the final decision.

Resources

Tacori Jewelers
Paul Tacorian, jeweler
www.tacori.com
This website will direct you to an authorized Tacori dealer in your area.

Best Honeymoons

• Use a travel agent to save time and money.
  
• Get advice from seasoned travelers.
  
• Don't assume a "honeymoon package" includes everything you want—ask.
  
• If you like "package" plans, consider using a travel agent wholesaler.
  
• For better rates, choose a location that is off-season in the month you'll be married.
  
• To get free perks at your hotel, let the staff know you're on your honeymoon.
  
• To reduce stress, spend your wedding night in town—and leave for your honeymoon the next day.

Resource

Travel + Leisure magazine
Mark Orwol, Managing Editor
aolsvc.travel.travelandleisure.aol.com/, askmark@amexpub.com