A wedding, whether it's a quiet civil ceremony in a judge's chamber or a pull-out-the-stops spectacle, requires equal parts planning, diplomacy, and nerve. After all, of the three most profound rites of passage - being born, getting married, and dying - getting married is the only one a person might have any say in or be able to remember once it's over. The whole thing can seem overwhelming at times, but do not freak out .

This is not another book filled with strict rules of "weddiquette" or ways of having the perfect wedding. Its mission is to demystify the scary stuff and provide an antidote for befuddled brides, anxious grooms, and frenzied parents and family. Weddings For Dummies is also for those who are planning:

Engagement parties Bridal showers A wedding involving children An interfaith ceremony Renewing your vows

This book can be picked up at any stage of your wedding plans. Rather than laying out a strict chronology, the authors have organized this book according to what makes sense. A wedding can be two years or two months in the making. Either way, success depends on thinking through every detail before slapping down one red penny. This easy-to-understand guide covers the following topics and more:

Getting organized with timelines and to-do lists Choosing your locations Choosing the members of your wedding party Planning a meaningful ceremony Selecting music and entertainment Interviewing caterers Decorating with flowers, lights, candles, and more Finding a photographer The marriage license and other technicalities Wedding traditions from around the world Saving money (and your sanity)

There is, generally speaking, no single right way to plan a wedding. What makes you and your intended happy is the right way for you, and this book is designed to help you create your dream wedding to fit your budget and timeframe. Congratulations!