Q: My fiancée insists on hiring a wedding consultant, but I think it's an unnecessary expense. What do you think?

A: Sorry, we’ll have to side with your fiancée on this one, especially if you’re inviting over 50 guests or planning a destination event. For today’s busy couples, consultants are a godsend that can save you time, headaches, embarrassment, and money. They bring your vision to life from the biggest decisions to the smallest details, they help you stay within your budget, and they have your back on your wedding day so you can stay focused on what really matters. Now, how much is that worth?

Q: Wedding planning is coming a bit more naturally to my bride-to-be than it is to me. What are good things for me to take charge of?

A: Think about the things in life you’re passionate about and find ways to translate them into your wedding planning. Get your creative juices flowing and concoct a signature drink for your guests. Check out DJs and work your way through your iPod to fill your must-play and never-ever-play lists. Start researching what you want to wear (check out our Men’s Fashion section!) Attend vendor meetings even if you think you’re not super interested. Worse case scenario is you get to snuggle close with your sweetie as she ponders over important decisions like ecru vs. eggshell. Who knows what you may learn? You may discover you have a passion for peonies or a zest for zinfandel.

Q: Other than the marriage license what business do I need to handle before I tie the knot?

A: Excellent question! All that’s really required of you is getting your marriage license and following the rules that your state has for obtaining it. However, it's smart and actually quite romantic to define your financial dreams together before you get married, including setting up joint or separate bank accounts, life insurance, auto and mortgage insurance, merging credit cards, and starting a savings plan.  That sort of thorough preparation will start your relationship off on the right path to future stability. In addition, you’ll need to be sure your passports are current if you're planning on traveling out of the country for your honeymoon.

Q: What should we expect from our parents in terms of financial support for our wedding?

A: Traditionally the bride’s parents pay for the wedding and reception, and the groom’s parents pay for the rehearsal dinner and honeymoon, but in this day and age there are no hard and fast rules about the financial breakdown. Today many couples pay for the wedding themselves or they split the costs with both sets of parents. You and your fiancée are free to do whatever feels right to you. Create a budget, talk it over with each other and communicate your expectations to your families clearly so everyone is comfortable and confident with their responsibilities.

Q: We’re doing most of the wedding planning ourselves, but I still want to involve my parents and make them feel included in the process. How can I do that?

A: Think about your parent’s interests and talents and take advantage of what they love to do! If your Mom’s a great cook, consider inviting her to the cake or catering tastings to try some yummy food and give her expert opinion. If your Dad’s a good researcher, he might like to help you find the best resources for quality champagne, wedding favors or other supplies for the big day. Small gestures can go a long way in this situation, so whatever your parent’s strengths are, try to find a place for them to shine and be sure to let them know you appreciate their help!

Q: I'm ready to ask my best friend to be my best man, but what am I supposed to ask him to do?

A: Your best man will act as your right hand man throughout your wedding planning. He may get in the game as early as the bachelor party and then keep involved right on through to your departure from your reception. His duties can be fairly easy to manage to pretty complex depending on the scope of your wedding, so choose someone who will welcome not only the sentiment but the responsibility as well.

At a minimum your best man will work with you throughout your wedding day to be sure you're where you need to be, and that you have everything you need to get married; your tux in order complete with boutonniere, the rings in place, the checks made out, and transportation covered to and from your ceremony and reception site. He will walk the maid of honor down the aisle and sign as a witness on your marriage license.

He will also deliver the first toast, hopefully sharing lots of good wishes and very little or no embarrassing details, like how many girlfriends you've had or how much beer you drank during college. Being best man is a big job, so get him something cool to show your thanks.

Q: Is my adorable five-year old nephew too young to be in my wedding?

A: We asked wedding consultant, Janel Schlitt of Occasions LLC, to give us some tips on how to include your nephew and other kids in your ceremony. Here is what she had to say, “Generally kids four years of age and older can handle the responsibility of being in a wedding, with a little help. I bring a small reward (not candy) to share with them once their “good job” is over. It is a must to keep parents visible and in an aisle seat. That way if a child gets overwhelmed or can’t stand fairly still with the rest of the bridal party, they are free to go sit with their parents without causing a distraction. When there are two or more kids in the wedding party, I use the buddy system. Children who can share the limelight with someone else are usually much more comfortable about being involved.”