Tip of the Day: Be flexible when it comes to your wedding date. "The hardest yet most important piece in the wedding-planning process is finding your wedding venue. Not having your heart set on one particular date will save you time and money. In the end, what’s necessary is finding the right venue that sets the tone for your special day," says Jen Bergmark from First Pick Planning.

Plus, check out 7 Steps for Setting a Wedding Date.

Tip of the Day: When choosing or creating a fitness plan in preparation for the big day, keep in mind how busy you'll be in those last few months. The pros from The Bridal Body Shop advise: "Increase your chances of success even when the heat is on by choosing an activity that you can access easily and that you'll enjoy doing. Don't sign up for a gym membership all the way across town or take up running when you know you hate it! The ideal fitness routine should be flexible in time and duration so that you can always fit it in."

Plus, check out Real Brides' Incredible Shape-Up Stories.

Tip of the Day: If traditional wedding music doesn't fit your style, consider having someone making a song for you. "There are many composers across the country that can write your ceremony music with your musical tastes in mind," says Todd Smith, co-founder of Abiding Harmony. "Whether that's a completely original piece or your favorite pop song re-arranged for string quartet and acoustic guitar, go with music that connects to you both on an emotional level."

Plus, check out Complete Guide to Wedding Music.

Photo Credit: Gabriel Boone Photography

Tip of the Day: Embrace the non-traditional! If ballrooms aren't your speed, consider offbeat venues such as a museum, planetarium, or gallery. "The venue will act as a beautiful backdrop and the bride and groom can save on flowers and décor, while still still having a unique event space," says Yasmin Albina, an events manager from 21 Museum Hotels Cincinnati.

Plus, check out How to Find Your Dream Venue.

Photo Credit: iStock

Tip of the Day: After you get engaged, make plans for both sets of families to celebrate in a casual setting — especially if they haven't met yet — before it's time to dive into the anxiety-provoking talks about budget and who wishes to pay for what. If parents are on friendly terms, it’s likely they’ll all go into this without any sense of being territorial or judgmental about what ‘the other side’ must be like, based on assumptions about where they live and their lifestyle. A nice dinner and no wedding talk allowed is a great place to start!

Also, it's a nice gesture to invite your siblings to attend and get to know each other as well, since you're all going to be family now.

Plus, learn How to Handle if Your Parents Have Nothing in Common. Visit sharonnaylor.net for more great wedding tips and advice.