The starting point to a successful wedding and reception is to understand that this is once-in-a-lifetime and thus requires the right tools and strategies in its execution. To help you get started, here are a number of tips:

1. Assign your key person. Vitally important for this special occasion, assigning a key person to attend through all the wedding details can provide a big relief on the part of both the bride and the groom. A reliable key person ensures that everything is well taken cared of from the schedule, reception, location, caterer, music, bakery, florist, limo driver, and wedding party down to the guests.

2. Plan ahead and utilize a checklist. As much as possible, make no room for glitches on your big day. Remind your back-up person that every single detail matters and therefore you must put everything down on a checklist if only to see that nothing is left behind.

3. Delegate responsibilities. A good support system that is your family can attend to all the little details of a dream wedding. With them around, you do not need to check with caterers or wonder if all the flowers have been delivered in time, etcetera. Delegating tasks will put everything perfectly into place.

4. Research your service provider's background before you hire them. Never risk the success of your wedding by engaging the service of incompetent people or groups. It would not hurt to do a little background check by seeking opinion from previous clients.

5. Do not forget yourself. Amidst all the potential stress during the pre-planning stage, do not forget to pamper yourself. You can indulge in a good body massage, facial treatment, manicure, pedicure or whatever you wish that can make your day stress-free and enjoyable. Even better if you do this while the event is on its way and you can treat this as a good opportunity to bond with the family members. Invite your bridesmaids, the mother of your future husband, your sisters, and your mother, to take part in the fun.

6. Double-check everything and do not be too complacent. About one or two weeks before the wedding day, remember to make last minute phone calls to ensure that nothing gets neglected or forgotten. Most often, even if you think that everything is perfectly ready, you just discover that something else needs to be adjusted or modified. Do not fall into this trap.

7. Secure the rings. I know it's so clich, but because it's happened at so many weddings is the reason for this to be the butt of so many jokes! Especially if there is a younger ring bearer or other people involved. Just add that to your checklist for a last-minute confirmation.

8. File all your receipts and records. The best way to recall and track all your expenses is through efficient record keeping. Organize all your receipts and you will never go wrong. This way, you will also remember who still needs to be paid and vice versa.

9. Security. Some couples prefer their wedding held in one place but there are also some who prefer having it in several locations. In any case, make sure that security is assured if ever some items are left in a particular venue. With the numerous concerns to be attended in a wedding, it seems easy to lose focus and concentration even if you are the most organized person on earth!

10. Extend gratitude. Wedding guests and people involved in the entire preparation appreciate it when you extend 'thank you' however simple it may be. You can give personalized thank you cards. Weeks before the wedding, request assistance from your bridesmaids and together, you can come up with wonderful 'thank you' cards.