The best way is to hire professionals. Start by hiring a wedding coordinator or wedding planner. A good wedding coordinator/planner knows who to work with and who to avoid. Also, as the name implies, the wedding planner will coordinate all the professionals needed for your wedding, reception, rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, bridesmaids' luncheon and anything else you desire.

You and whoever is responsible for paying for your wedding and all its festivities need to determine a realistic budget. The key word is realistic. Don't throw out a number and then try and make it work. If you know you want a sit down dinner of surf and turf and your funds are severely restricted, cut your guest list or change your menu. Again, your wedding coordinator can guide you through this.

Part of a wedding planner's duties are establishing a time line and sticking to it. Your planner knows when to order everything, keeps tract of deposits and when other payments are due and keeps you on schedule the day of or weekend of your wedding.

In addition, your wedding coordinator is full of resources to make sure you have your dream wedding. Your planner will know the event designers, rental companies, lighting and specialty companies to hire. Some planners are also event designers. Check on that.

Be sure you get contracts with all your suppliers, including your coordinator. Make sure each contract clearly states what each professional is required to do for your wedding, what is to be supplied, deposit and date required, final payment and date required.

Regarding your coordinator, some have a flat fee for their service. Others charge a percentage of what you spend on your wedding. Finally, some receive a fee from the vendors used for your weddings. I would avoid this planner as only vendors that provide a kick back of some sort will be used and they may not be the best for you and your wedding.

Check local and national magazines. Many provide a comprehensive to-do list with a time line. Others have checklists and other pertinent information for planning your wedding. Use the different wedding websites to check out wedding professionals and get a glimpse of their work. And by all means, meet face-to-face with these people and see if there is a connection. You want people handling your wedding that have the same excitement you do.

Keep in contact with your wedding planner to make sure everything is on track. Meet on a regular basis. If the coordinator is paying the bills, ask to see them. Don't rely on blind faith. Know where your money is being spent and if it is being spent wisely and where you want the dollars to go. Remember the coordinator is working for you.

Finally, as much as you want to be in control, things happen. Go with the flow. Enjoy your wedding and remember what this day is all about.