You may not think it but a casual wedding can be wonderfully elegant affair. The wedding planning process for a casual wedding is less stressful than for a more formal wedding & your budget will likely be a lot lower too! A casual wedding is relaxed & informal, every guest enjoys themselves, the children can be children & run around making as much noise as they like & the lack of formality makes for a romantic atmosphere. So how do you start your wedding planning for a casual wedding?

ATTIRE: You should wear whatever you feel comfortable in. You may want to wear a bridal gown or maybe a tea length dress. You may have a beautiful dress in your wardrobe that would be perfect; the point is you don't have to wear a traditional wedding dress. The same applies to the groom too. He can wear an ordinary suit or casual trousers & shirt. Ties are optional.

SETTING: Your location will be an integral part of your wedding planning. You could choose your parent's garden or maybe the local park. Perhaps the community hall or even the local bar would provide the perfect relaxing location for a casual wedding. Whatever your choice, the location should be a reflection of your personalities & style.

INVITATIONS: Make your own invitations with folded cards & pretty papers. Handwrite them too for a more personal touch & one which will say ?this is not a formal wedding?. Show your whimsical side with the presentation ? announce your wedding by writing ?we're taking the plunge? or ?we're getting? hitched!?

FLOWERS: Make simple centerpieces, try pot plants such as gerberas or hyacinths. Have a simple hand tied bouquet, perhaps made up of garden flowers from yours or your parent's garden. Another idea is tall vases with a single flower, such as a Calla Lilly standing in it. Instead of floral flower arrangements, have pots of simple bulbs such as tulips, or hyacinths.

MENU: Barbecue's or hog roasts are great for a casual wedding. Set out a buffet or serve up afternoon tea. Picnic's are great for a park reception venue, whilst an inn location in winter would call for sausages & mash or fish & chips ala Kate Winslet!

REGISTRY: As your wedding is low key, choose a low key registry provider, who can provide inexpensive gifts. Forget the expensive items such as chinaware or Egyptian bed linens (that just isn't your style!) & instead ask for things that are fun & which will bring you much enjoyment for years to come.