The two of you have discussed, deliberated and finally announced to everyone that you are indeed going to marry each other in a few weeks. Once you are through with the "should I/should I not" decision, face the facts. You are facing a lifetime with this person, so be prepared to accept them for their shortcomings as well. After all, no marriage is a perfect honeymoon forever. So what's next? The planning of course!

Remember some old short story where the groom thinks that deciding to marry was the ultimate decision he made, not knowing what all would follow. His wife-to-be has already lined up everything for him to do, right from making a reservation at the church to seeing about the honeymoon! But normal weddings are thankfully, a joint responsibility. Gone are the days when the bride used to pout and sulk, waiting for the man of her dreams to go down on his knees. While the romance hasn't died, the onus is now both on him and her to plan a perfect wedding.

You can daydream happily for a while, and then it is time to get started. Gather the families round the dinner table and make a list of the essentials. It is proper to invite families, friends and close acquaintances well in advance. Get your friends and family to help you choose the right stuff. First, decide upon a date and check for reservations. You cannot possibly throw a tantrum later, asking some other couple to change their dates.

Now that you have grabbed the date, get going about the dress. Girls and the hubbies-to-be, you have to look oh-so-wonderful for your partner. Plan so well that they cannot take their eyes off you. Girls, do not penny-pinch for once, splurge! It is time to call up all your married friends to give out their preparation secrets. See if you are in shape or out and plan accordingly. Try out dresses to see if the patterns flatter you. The ideal looking dress in the shop window may not be the best for you, after all.

Bridegrooms, remember that you have to try your best to complement your lovely lady on your d-day. Do not hesitate; get the shaves, waxes, haircut and everything needed to make you look the part! The next comes the ring. Take your lady out for the selection. This is not the choice for a surprise, unless it is your proposal. Check out what she loves the most (that you can afford) and get it for her. Don't get shy, plan about your honeymoon destinations in advance, taking advice from friends if needed.

While you make important decisions, relax and leave the remaining to trusted family members and friends. Give out your preferences but take good suggestions as well. After all, it is your time to be pampered. So bask in the attention, remembering to smile graciously even with the cameras flashing in your face. Be confident, even if you goof-up, no one is likely to remember such trivial matters, unless you are photographed just when you slipped and fell!