my husband and i got married 2 years ago and i pretty much planned and coordinated everything in under 6 weeks with minimal stress. we got married 3 months after we got engaged. my advice is this:

1. get an account on weddingchannel.com. they have time lines and checklists for everything you need to buy, plan, do, etc. this makes the whole thing super simple and keeps you organized. they also have tons of galleries, ideas and links. i made myself a folder and saved a bunch of pics from the site. i took flower pics to the florist to show them what i wanted, cake pics to the baker to show her what i wanted etc. that way everyone knows exactly what you want, including you.

2. EBAY! i bought SO much of our wedding stuff on ebay at unbelievable prices. i got bridesmaids dresses and jewelry there for my 3 attendants, all brand new, for under $100. i also got links to the web sites of several sellers, where i found and purchased my own jewelry, headpiece and veil, also new and under $100.

3. buy what you can't find on ebay or on websites of ebay sellers elsewhere online. flowers, decorations, candles, aisle runner, centerpieces, etc. everything is much cheaper this way.

4. save money on decorations by making them yourself. it is amazing how the simplest decorations and centerpieces can look best and be super simple to make.

5. get signed contracts for services being provided. catering, reception hall booking, photography, etc. with a signed contract you know exactly what you are getting and the provider is bound to the terms of the contract and can't take advantage of you.

6. HAVE FUN! there is no reason that planning your wedding has to be stressful or overly time consuming. so many brides freak out and become consumed by the whole process. remember, this is a fun thing!