He got down on one knee, you said yes, and you’ve flashed your ring finger to friends and family (and all over Facebook).

Now the adventure of planning your wedding awaits.

While love brought you to this point – organizing perhaps the most important party of your life – putting it all together can turn saying, “I do,” into “I can’t handle this!”

Don’t let stress steal the show. Take a deep breath, count to 10 and keep these tips in mind as you start preparing for your perfect wedding day.

Set a budget and stick to it.

Unchecked, wedding costs can reach staggering heights. Even the savviest of couples can discover unexpected expenses along the way. Before you start picking out color schemes, create a budget that includes line items for all the must-haves: a venue, catering, photographer, the dress, flowers and a musician or deejay, among others. Once you have that set, you’ll be able to more easily narrow down your searches… and you may find you have money left over for that totally unnecessary but very fabulous vintage tiara!

Hire a professional.

They’re pros for a reason. Luckily the Cape Fear region abounds with wedding planners well-connected to the best photographers, venues, caterers and florists. And since you’ll likely be getting loads of extra input, it’s refreshing to have an experienced, objective ear to guide you as you make decisions.

Pick your perfect time and place.

This is a day to celebrate the love you share with your future husband, so remember that the date is up to you, not out-of-towners. And don’t let amateur forecasters talk you out of a beach wedding or sun-lovers out of an indoor, nighttime affair. Think instead about who you are as a couple – are you more farmstead or coastline? Open air or cityscape? City Club at de Rosset – a historic mansion surrounded by gorgeous gardens in the heart of downtown Wilmington - offers a nice combination of quiet Southern charm and modern elegance. It’s also a great spot for rehearsal dinners and bridal luncheons.

Limit Pinterest lists.

Let’s face it – even a quick search for Christmas card ideas on Pinterest can turn into an hours-long session. So, naturally, it’s very possible to get lost in the maze of bridal gowns, bouquets, DIY place cards, party favors, etc. Put down the mouse! There are thousands of possibilities on Pinterest alone, and if you get too carried away trying to consider them all, you will drive yourself crazy.

Think small.

When it comes to the guest list and bridal party, things can get a bit out of hand. Your parents want you to invite their neighbors from 20 years ago who you haven’t seen in just as long, and you may feel pressure to include every cousin and childhood friend as a bridesmaid or groomsman. But remember – this is your special day, so you want it to remain intimate enough that you can actually spend it with those who matter most. Additionally, you’ll want your photographs to reflect the closest of friends and loved ones that stood with you on your wedding day.

The bottom-line: keep things simple and stress-free. Hire a wedding day coordinator, like those provided onsite at City Club at de Rosset, to assist with the ceremony lineup and handle the day’s details. City Club also takes care of the catering and bar, with gourmet selections and first-class service. And with gorgeous in-house suites at The Inn at City Club and a full salon upstairs, it’s a great all-inclusive option for keeping things even more convenient the day-of, so your focus will remain on the next amazing journey that awaits you as a married couple.

Call City Club at de Rosset, (910) 343-1880, and let General Manager Poppy Tugwell (ext. 206), [email protected], or Executive Assistant Heather Evans (ext. 210), [email protected], help make your wedding day special.