In planning my September 2010 wedding, I tried to keep track of my personal Do's and Don'ts, and figured I would share some of my personal experiences with those of you that may be planning a wedding in the near future. Here we go!:
1. Don't skip a florist, even if you're not a flower person/can't justify spending the money:
When we began wedding planning, I was deadset against having a florist, period. I couldn't justify the cost and just wasn't really into flowers. They die while you're looking at them in some cases! I swore that I could make my own centerpieces and bouquets. But, undercover, I secretly lusted after a local florist and just didn't want to come to terms with it, as I was afraid of the cost after seeing her amazing work. I figured it'd be way out of our league. After much convincing from family and friends, I finally gave it and decided to get a florist. Ready for dissapointment, I called my favorite florist after a few others, so I could price compare. I couldn't believe how afforable her work really was! I was able to get twice the flowers and the perfect non-floral centerpieces I had dreamed of for less than half the cost of a chain grocery store. I was shocked. Looking back on the pictures of our wedding day, I cannot imagine them now without our flowers. They completed the look and the entire day.
2. Do realize that the people you expect the most from, may be the ones to dissapoint you:
Going into wedding planning, I thought I had a pretty accurate idea in my head of what I could expect from every person involved, from family to friends to vendors. I quickly came to realize that people can surprise you, in both good and bad ways. Know it's not just you! Expectations will not always met, and sometimes they can be largely exceeded. It's normal. People react differently than what you may consider ideal to some situations. You can't change it. You can only change the way you react.
3. Do make a few alone moments during the day for just you and your new husband/wife:
People are not kidding when they say your wedding day will be a blur. Your months or years of planning will come down to the quickest day of your life. You will be saying your goodbyes to guests before you know it. There will be parts of the day you won't remember because they're so intensely busy. Make sure to set aside a few special moments to be alone with your new spouse. That's what the day is about, after all. Some of our most memorable moments from the day were the few moments we snuck away to have an alone moment with each other. They are also the moments I remember most clearly, as they were the calm moments. You'll be happy you did.
4. Don't overlook the "getting ready" time before the wedding:
After hearing about so many brides having stress the morning of their wedding about transportation, appointments, etc. I planned heavily to avoid this, and would suggest the same to all brides! Drink the extra mimosa that you're craving. Listen to your favorite music with your favorite girlfriends. Eat the bagel and cream cheese you've skipped due to your diet for the past 4 months. When at all possible, get ready at the venue. Pay the extra fee to have your hairdresser/makeup artist come to you. RELAX. Your wedding day will be one of the craziest days of your life, but the time beforehand shouldn't be. Your attitude and stress level before the wedding will set the tone for the day.
5. Do know that marriage may change your relationships with friends and family:
Honestly, I didn't think much of anything would change after our wedding, other than some new rings and a new last name. We had been living together for almost 5 years, and I found us, along with our relationships with friends, family, etc. to be pretty settled. But, after our wedding, a lot of things changed. You may experience changes in your relationships. It's normal. It happens. For example, though we didn't change anything about our day-to-day life after our wedding, I found that some of our friends looked at us differently. We're old and married and frumpy. Even if they don't admit it, they might think it. Family might react the same.
Those are my top 5 for now. Any questions, ask! I hope I can provide some insight for future brides through my own experiences.
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