Congratulations, lovebirds! You’ve popped the question (with a ring that hopefully didn’t cost your firstborn), and now you’re staring down the barrel of… wedding planning. Don’t worry, it’s not all spreadsheets and meltdowns (at least not all the time). Here’s your 8-point guide to surviving the pre-nuptial rollercoaster with your love (and sanity) intact:

1. Dream Big, Budget Harder: Picture a castle in Tuscany, a mermaid serenade, and guests transported by flying hippogriffs. Now, grab your calculator and snap back to reality. Set a budget that won’t leave you eating ramen for the next decade. Remember, a happy marriage thrives on love, not loan sharks.

2. Guest-list Tetris: Friends, family, distant relatives you met once at a barbecue… the list can multiply faster than rabbits on double espresso. Prioritize ruthlessly (think “would they save my cat from a burning building?” rather than “their aunt makes a killer potato salad”).

3. Venue Tango: From rustic barns to rooftop havens, the choices are endless. Pick a place that reflects your vibe (and has decent Wi-Fi for those inevitable “wedding hashtag generator” emergencies). Bonus points if it comes with a dance floor that doesn’t resemble a bouncy castle.

4. Dress Drama: White? Blush? Polka-dotted jumpsuit? Resist the urge to raid Pinterest and start channeling your inner bridezilla. Find a dress that makes you feel like Beyonce doing Beyoncé things, not a cake topper gone rogue.

5. Food Frenzy: Will it be gourmet tacos or grandma’s famous casserole? Choose catering that reflects your personalities (and dietary restrictions). And remember, no matter how good the cake is, someone will inevitably ask if it’s gluten-free (it’s not, Karen).

6. Entertainment Extravaganza: Live band, DJ who moonlights as a magician, or your uncle Bob belting out karaoke? Pick something that gets the party started and doesn’t involve spontaneous conga lines (unless that’s totally your jam).

7. Delegate, Don’t Desperate: Don’t try to be Wonder Woman in a white dress. Recruit your squad (bridesmaids, groomsmen, even that helpful squirrel you befriended) to handle tasks. Remember, teamwork makes the wedding dream work (and prevents nervous breakdowns).

8. Breathe, Laugh, Repeat: Wedding planning is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be tears, tantrums, and moments where you question your life choices. But take a deep breath, remember why you’re doing this (hint: it’s not the cake), and laugh in the face of wedding stress. Because at the end of the day, all that matters is celebrating your love with the people who matter most. Now go forth and conquer, lovebirds! And may your happily ever after be filled with laughter, champagne, and (hopefully) fewer meltdowns than bouquet-related mishaps.