I've seen a lot of books that are supposedly “complete” how-to guides for brides-to-be, and while most are packed with great suggestions, very few are actually complete AND practical. Planning a wedding is a huge undertaking and unless you're a professional wedding planner, good, unbiased resources are important.

Unbiased is the operative word in the last sentence. I'm sure you've already noticed that since you accepted your Prince Charming's proposal, everyone and their fifth cousin twice removed has been offering you suggestions, advice and opinions about anything and everything that is important—to them.

This very situation ruined my wedding, as my then bride, now wife, was bombarded from every angle under the sun, from how to wear her hair to what songs we should play at our reception. It wound up being a huge mess, and my wife still refuses to talk about our wedding day, which was supposed to be one of the happiest days of our lives. Trust me. You don't want this to happen to you. Read more about The Bride's Instruction Manual

Dating is fun and exciting. You're getting to know each other, but are ever conscious of how you're presenting yourself and often try to put the best foot forward. You accentuate the positive and omit or downplay the negative.

Engagement is fun and exciting. The “getting to know you” phase morphs into the planning and organizing phase of the relationship. Your focus shifts towards putting your wedding together and preparing for beginning your life together as one.

Marriage is real. It's a lasting commitment that will see you through the good, bad and everything in between. And, along the way, you're astonished to find that you're still getting to know each other. The hidden feelings and truths that didn't find their way into the courtship part of your relationship come out little by little and you might find yourself wondering just how well you actually know your spouse. Read more about 1001 Questions to Ask Before You Get Married