Now ladies, this is something you have to actually discuss with your fiancé since it has to be "our" wedding style.  Some guys will actually leave all of the planning up to you but it is good for the relationship to at least ask.  Hehehe!  

So with the wedding style, what you are trying to do is figure out colors, theme, the vibe, possible location...that sort of thing.  Having an idea of how you want your wedding to actually be will work in your favor when you begin meeting with vendors - caterer, venue, florist, dress designer, etc...

Don't feel that you have to lock yourself into anything at this time.  You may find your inspiration at the time that you secure your venue.  Online tools, such as TheKnot and WeddingWire, offer inspiration boards that can help you build your vision.  Magazines are a great tool as well - rip out the pages of things that strike your fancy and put in your Wedding Binder (you should have one if you followed step one - LOL)  You could always take a quiz - 

I always ask my brides to visit Pinterest.  Yes, it can be overwhelming at times but what I ask brides to do is create a wedding board where they pin everything they like.  Yes - everything!  After enough researching online and pinning left and right, you will find upon review of the board that your actual "style" will show itself.  Maybe you pin a ton of images of couples getting married on the beach or maybe your board is full of bridal bouquets filled with bold colors  What I am saying is that if you pin it, it will come.  Just give it time and don't stress.  

It usually takes 2-3 bottles of wine to get all of the answers you are seeking.  (This does not mean 2-3 bottles in one night...pace yourself!)  Take a few nights to sit down with your fiancé and work together on your dream wedding.  

Happy Planning...I'm off to insure my ring.  (Check out tomorrow's blog)

As with all wedding planning sites, the first step always seems to be to get organized.  If you are typically an unorganized person, well...you are going to have to change your ways.  
I have found that the most helpful way of keeping organized is setting up a binder or folder specifically for your event.  Even as a planner, I use this method and it is stuffed with wedding notes, contracts, floor plans, etc.  All of the items are right at my fingertips.  My file is a boring manilla folder but there are certainly other options out there for you.
Visit the wedding aisle at your local bookstore and the organizational work is already done for you.  Some binders have pockets, helpful sections, things to think about, etc.  I will tell you that some are better than others so make certain to look through the book to see what works for you.  
Of course, if you are a DIY kind of girl, there are plenty of brides pinning their ideas on Pinterest.  To make your binder, just make certain you include some of these sections:  Guest List, Timeline, Contracts, Venue, Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, Reception, Decor, Photo, Music, Invitations, Transportation, Attire, etc.
No matter how you decide to get organized, ALWAYS ALWAYS keep a copy of all of your correspondence when it comes to your wedding. I keep a file of all email correspondence with my brides and all of the vendors servicing their event.  This way, I am able to review every email (sometimes 500+) to make certain that nothing goes awry on the wedding day.  
For some additional help to get organized, check out these sources.  

• Here Comes the Guide
• The Knot
• WeddingWire Binder
• Real Simple

Tomorrow, I tackle the next item on my "to do" list blog....considering my wedding style.

Every bride is looking for some guidance while planning a wedding.  Where do you begin?  Do you go out and purchase the latest "planning a wedding guide", log on to TheKnot, signup for WeddingWire, read a bunch of blogs, call a friend...Let's face it, there is plenty of advice on what to do to get ready and many of them are free and at your finger tips.  
While researching many of the online wedding checklists, I found TheKnot's Wedding Checklist to be extremely detailed and helpful.  My plan for this blog is to break down their sections and expand on their line items.  
To begin, I set in my imaginary wedding date as of October 2014.  I have been advised to do the following between now and October 2013.  

• Get organized
• Envision your wedding style
• Discuss budget
• Purchase ring Insurance
• Wedding announcement
• Pick a wedding date
• Interview a wedding planner
• Envision your wedding dress
• Get in wedding day shape
• Research caterers

Do I start screaming now?  None of this sounds like fun.  When do I get to have an engagement party?  
Seriously though, all of the items above are important.  While some of the items are going to take time (at least for me it will be getting in shape) some of the other items aren't so bad.  
Today, I will celebrate while tomorrow I discuss Getting Organized.  

After the "I Dos," it is usually the wedding officiant or the planner that says - "let's go make this legal." There's a reason for that, because it is just a big party without it.  Just kidding...but not really.  What we are referring to is the signing of the marriage license.  
In order to get married in SC, you must have a SC marriage license.  Makes sense.  But to get the license, you must apply for it together at the Court House.  Remember to bring proper documentation - a valid driver's license, a passport, your original birth certificate, etc.  
There is also a $70 CASH filing fee that is to be paid at the time of applying.  A blood test is not required in SC but you do have to wait 24 hours after filing the application.  
The 24 hour waiting period is very important to remember because many couples come to Charleston thinking they can just pick up the license on the same day.  Every State is different so knowing this could save you a ton of frustration.  I always encourage couples to apply for the license at least a month or two in advance.  If you are a destination bride, plan on both you and your fiancé arriving on Thursday if your wedding is scheduled for Saturday.  The Court House is NOT open on the weekends.  
Once the 24 hours has passed, you are free to pick up the marriage license at the Court House and only one of you has to be present.  While there, take a moment to review and make any changes/revisions necessary.  They should be able to accommodate any requests.  
On the day of the wedding, make certain to bring all three copies to the ceremony.  Your wedding officiant will guide you through the signing process and make certain that all copies get to where they need to be.  
Now go and enjoy the reception!

For complete information of applying for your SC Marriage