From a Past Bride to a New Bride

I was a bride not too long ago and I thought it might be helpful to post some advice from the eyes of a bride (not a planner).

We all know how expensive a wedding can be. Everyone wants the gorgeous and elegant wedding but it comes at a price. Here is my advice to you.

1) Stay within your budget. Just make sure you budget includes everything from your gown to gratuities.

2) Don’t let family or friends stress you out with how to plan your own wedding. It’s your day, you do what you want.

3) You will know your true friends when it comes around to your wedding. If someone you really expected to be there for you doesn’t show an interest, don’t sob about it.

4) You will get overwhelmed at some point during the planning, just breathe, make a list of all your “to-do’s” and take it one step at a time. Even hire a planner :)

5) Some things you should spend the extra money on- Decide what is most important to you and splurge there. For some people its photography. What's important to you?

6) DIY what you can but don't go crazy trying to do it.

7) Everyone will not RSVP. As easy as the process is, some people just won’t. Don’t sweat it, just call them up.

8) Start planning early. Don’t think you have an unlimited amount of time because time flies by so fast.

9) Everyone that comes to your wedding will not give you a gift. You would think people should just know by now (but they don’t). We just went with the idea to not expect anything and we turned out pretty ok. We were grateful for what we got.

10) Do your research. You will want quality but it is possible to get quality at a resonable price. Compare your prices before you make a decision. You can save yourself a lot of headache by doing some research.

11) You don’t have to invite everyone you know to your wedding.

I hope someone finds this as useful information.