Do find out what things cost early on. Visit with potential caterers, florists, etc. It will give you a good feel for what the things you want cost and help you to develop a budget. It will also help you to get an idea of who you are comfortable working with.

Do include at least 10% contingency in your budget. You will need it.

Do go to bridal fairs. They will give you bridal magazines- and wedding cake samples - for free. You may also get some ideas for things you do - or don't - want to do.

Do use the internet. It has lots of great resources - everything from wedding traditions to wedding shoes. weddingchannel.com is a great site, where people can access your registry (and you can see what has already been purchased).

Do contingency planning. If your caterer goes out of business, what will you do? Have a back-up plan for all service providers.

Do register. People appreciate it; it makes it easier for them. Also, it raises the probability that you will be able to offer sincere thanks for your gifts.

Do plan the day out in half-hour increments - both your rehearsal day and wedding day. It will go far in making sure that everyone - from your mother to the caterer - knows what is expected and when. It will cut out a lot of stress and misunderstandings.

Do pick a reception site that has character. The prettier it is on its own, the less you have to spend decorating it.

Do order catalogs. Unless you already have decided on the wording of your invitations, they are great at providing examples - plus this is the only chance you'll have to order all that other cute wedding stuff!

Do visit consignment/resale shops that specialize in bridal wear. Most items have only been used once - if that! (Some have stock from bridal shops that have gone out of business.)

Do shop in formal wear stores instead of wedding shops. Designs may be more sophisticated, and you will probably get a higher-quality dress for less money. Also, you'll be much more likely to pick out something that your bridesmaids CAN wear again.

Don't buy a wedding planner. Someone is likely to give one, and, if they don't, you can get all the information they contain on-line.

Don't take it upon yourself to follow up with everyone who doesn't respond to your invitation. If your mother insisted that you invite her card club, have her call them.

Don't forget what is important and why you're doing this. Not everything will go as planned. But - at the end of the day - you'll be married to the person you love. No one - not even you - will remember whether your cake had lemon or raspberry filling.