The Ultimate Wedding Planning Quiz

The wisest first step you can take is to set a budget for your wedding. The real challenge, of course, will be sticking to it.

Despite the name, Wednesdays are not great days for a wedding. Plan your wedding for the weekend -- Saturdays are best -- so that your guests can have the most flexibility in making their arrangements.

Many reception halls are booked for months, so start trying to book a hall as soon as possible. If you have your heart set on a specific location, you need to give yourself as much as a year in advance.

According to tradition, the cost of an engagement ring should be equal to two months salary. Experts agree the cost should not exceed that amount.

When purchasing a diamond you should consider the four C's: color, clarity, cut, and carat.

While you're planning your wedding, some savvy burglars are planning their crimes. A house full of engagement gifts makes a perfect target, so don't draw too much attention to yourselves.

Don't go into debt trying to host a reception for more guests than you can afford. Set a limit on the number of guests, and pare your list down to suit your budget.

Usually the wedding invitations are sent by the parents of the bride. Some couples, however, prefer to send the invitation themselves.

Even though the age of adulthood is 18, the tradition is to send invitations to any guest over the age of 16.

People usually spend around 10 percent of their wedding budget on the cost of flowers and music.

Reading backwards forces you to isolate words. It will help you catch careless errors.

A good DJ can create a wonderful mood for much less money than a band. He will also be able to play the original versions of your favorite songs.

Good photographers are in very high demand. They are often booked months is advance, so tend to this task right away.

Recommendations and reputation indeed go a long way, but in the end you either like the work or you don't. Always carefully review a portfolio before deciding whether to hire a particular artist.

Rather than hire someone from a posh studio, try to find an independent photographer. They might work at a slower pace, but their prices are often much better.

A receiving line, which is formed immediately after the ceremony, allows guests to congratulate the new couple before the reception begins.

Catering is one of the main expenses of a wedding. It often consumes 35 to 40 percent of the budget.

Renting formal wear has become a very popular way to save money. If you have a standard frame, you should consider renting your attire rather than paying huge sums for clothes you might never wear again.

A registry allows guests to provide the couple with gifts they know the couple will need. It also helps avoid redundant gifts.

Etiquette dictates that you send a thank you card for any and every gift you receive.