Congratulations, you are getting married! Wow its such an exciting time - so much to think about and plan for your Wedding.  I was recently helping a young couple with their checklist on what they will need for their big day and the sheer volume of planning became overwhelming for them.  So I wanted to give some advice and a few tips to help your planning along and having got married myself just over a year ago perhaps some insight to help.
1. Remember this is YOUR wedding!  It is so easy to get caught up with what family and friends think your day should contain, but this is your Wedding Day, the start of your Marriage, so make sure the two of you set the boundaries early on and stick to your decisions.  Set the date, the venue, the numbers, the feel of the service, discuss how elaborate or simple you want it to be.  If you have a clear idea of how you want your day to be this reduces the amount of 'opinions' you will be given.
2. Being a Celebrant I have to bring this in as tip number 2 - what  kind of Ceremony do you want? You have four options, Church, Registry office, Registrar at a Hotel/Stately home where there is a wedding licence or have your service with a Celebrant wherever you like, on whatever day, inside or out, big or small, simple or elaborate, traditional or flamboyant - whatever you want your Ceremony to look like I can help you to make that dream a reality. You will need me to talk you through how it all works, so if you feel this option is for you then give me a call (details at the end).
3. What is your budget? A really important consideration and not one I will give an opinion on, but Weddings can get very expensive (they don't have to be) so think about your finances.
4. Book!!  You will be amazed at how far in advance venues, officiants, cake makers, florists and DJ's etc. will be booked so once you have sorted the date and you have ironed out where you want everything to take place. Book your desired suppliers especially your venue for the Ceremony and the Breakfast/Evening party.
5. Dress shopping.  Its fun but can get stressful.  I would advise that you let the person at the shop guide you, they will know instantly what will suit you and have you looking your best.  It is so easy to go in with a scrap book full of pictures of dresses that you love, but if those styles do not suit you it can feel like a real let down - so I guess what I am saying is its great to have an idea of what you want, but go with an open mind.  Take with you the people who will give you an honest opinion and helpful comments.
6. Bridesmaids - always a tricky one, where do you draw the line? I would get this decided in step 1!  If your wedding is over a year away you have plenty of time to decide.  I lost my MOH on my Hen weekend, it was awful. I suddenly realised that this best friend was not actually quite the person I thought she was to me, I didn't mean as much to her as she did to me and our friendship abruptly ended,  so I asked my Sister to step in - who, it turned out, was who I should of asked in the first place.  Its a good thing Bridesmaids dresses can be quite easily altered and she totally did me proud - so it all works out, try not to panic.   Best man - another one to be decided in step 1!
7. Decide on : Flowers, cake, table decorations, photographer, invites, shoes, bridesmaid dresses, suits,  hair, make up, nails, favours, flowers for Mums, speeches, DJ, food (if not within the venue you have booked) - the list goes on and you can make it as simple or as intricate as you want to...visiting Wedding Fair's can be great as you get to meet the people who provide the service, this is how I got my photographer. 
8. Make a plan! Wedding planner books can be useful but I just had a notebook with me at all times, if I saw something I liked or had some inspiration I wrote it down - really glad I had that or I would have lost my mind.  I also broke the tasks down in to manageable chunks so I didn't get overwhelmed with how much there was to do.  Whoever said 'to-do' lists are a sign of bad management skills hasn't planned a Wedding!
9. ENJOY IT.  Yes, Wedding planning can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. Keep in mind why you are doing all of this and be realistic - something will probably go wrong, everyone involved is human so if something goes slightly off kilter brush it off and concentrate on the main point of the day - to marry the person you love and want to spend the rest of your life with.  I wouldn't change a thing about my day, we were really laid back.  The cake was a disaster but so what, it was just a cake and once it was cut up it was scrummy - which is actually what it is for! Keep yourself grounded and try not to get swept away with the notion that everything has to be perfect.  I loved making my own favours and table decorations - I found an artistic side to me I didn't know existed and it made the day more personal and kept the costs down.

So, there are a few tips from me, above all remember it's YOUR day, have it YOUR way. Enjoy your planning and remain realistic.  No Bridezillas or Groomzillas (yes they do exist) required!

To find out more about your options for your Wedding Ceremony in Devon, Somerset and North Cornwall, check out my face book page and my Weddings page on my Website.  I am a Diploma trained Celebrant living in Barnstaple in the heart of North Devon.  I cover an area including Launceston, Bodmin, Bude, Holsworthy, Exeter, Crediton, over to Lynton and Ilfracombe with Tiverton, South Molton, Bideford and Torrington in the middle. I also cover West Somerset in places such as Taunton and Minehead.  If you live outside of these areas please still get in touch, depending where you are I may still be able to be your Minister for your Wedding Day.
https://www.facebook.com/amandajaneceremonies/
http://www.amandajaneceremonies.co.uk/WeddingCelebrant
Feel free to give me a call for a chat - no obligation.
With Love
Amanda Jane x