Who better to get wedding advice from than those who have recently gone through the same experience? Yes, your mother-in-law may give you her fair share of advice and Grandma June might rattle on about what weddings were like back in her day.
While you should respect the input of family members and friends, you will have to realistically analyze the source of the advice you are receiving. One source of wedding advice that you can rely on is that of recent brides. Look no further! Real brides want to give you advice for every aspect of your wedding planning and actual day!
Planning
“No matter how well-intentioned, friends and family will undoubtedly lend advice, opinions, and even objections to your decisions. It’s easy for you two to become divided. But in the end, this is a celebration of your love and future together, and so every choice should be yours alone. Keep your focus on what matters most, forget what you think you should or shouldn’t do, and go with your heart. If you keep you two at the center of every decision, it will be the most memorable day of your life.” —Kendahl
Appointments
“Food tasting, venue tours, cake tasting, and the like do not have to be all business.” —Wendy
Beauty
“I wish I had considered when prom was in relation to booking hair appointments! Now all of my bridesmaids have to get ready separately. I wish I had known this before picking my date and also to not delay in booking beauty appointments!” — Bonnie
Dress
“I had chosen a dress that was completely different from the one I envisioned. I was worried that it wouldn’t be the best dress for me. But afterwards, I realized I could have trusted my first reaction to the dress and all the lovely reactions of the people that I was with.” — Sharon
Guests
“Stay within your budget. Don’t let anyone bump your guest list up. If you’re planning to pay for 100, pay for 100. Family and friends will try to invite everyone and their grandmothers, but you have to stay within you budget. Everytime my fiancé would bump our list up I would make the cash register sound. He caught on when they told him how much to expect to pay for if we invited everyone in the world. Thank God we only have 98 RSVPs. Well within budget!” — China
Seating
“Use a giant dry erase board when figuring out seating!!” –Elaine
Budget
“Plan for the money you have, not the money you think you’ll have. I got seriously hurt half way through our engagement and was out of work for months. We had to change our plans and fast.” – Morgan
Programs
“One thing I wish I wouldn’t have stressed so much over was handmade programs. I made about 400 and only about 75 were even taken by guests. It was a waste of time! And money!” — Brooke
Photos
“Take your time during photos! After the ceremony, I felt rushed and it was hot, and I rushed my photos. We were in a hurry to get to the reception. I had tons of poses I wanted to do, but with all the chaos and me being hot and cranky, I just focused on getting a few. After the fact, I was sooooo bummed, that I didn’t slow down and just get my photos the way I wanted them. So, take your time and don’t rush your wedding photos!” — Janel
Stress
“Remember why you are getting married, and try to truly make it be an event about (and for) the both of you. Have faith in your vendors and photographer, and trust that they will do their job well! And once it’s happening, just go with it. One of my favorite memories is calling my dad after he walked me to the dock to meet Jim because he had my vows in his jacket pocket! Everyone laughed, and so did I. Even though our event was teeny-tiny, it still flew by. Remember to take a few minutes alone with your husband or wife. I’m so happy that our photographer Stacey suggested that we walk ahead of her while she snapped pics, which ended up being a really sweet time for us as brand-new newlyweds!”—Katrina
Ceremony
“Really look around at everyone in attendance and think about how much they mean to you. It will probably be the only time all those people are in the same room. Take in how much you love your significant other and how amazing you feel at that very moment. Married life has its challenges, and you’ll need to draw on that feeling from time to time. Whether you’re worried about buying a home or starting a family, that feeling can get you through everything.” — Brittany
Reception
“Focus on the person you are about to marry, not everyone in attendance. I spent the morning with my mom, the day with my bridesmaids, and I totally forgot to spend time with my husband during the reception. Looking back, I wish my memories were of spending time with him — not trying to keep the party going.” — Ally
Random Advice
“This event is an expression of yourselves, but it’s not all you’ll ever be. It’s just the beginning! In fact, some of the best moments were ones we didn’t plan for at all—like a fabulous photograph of my dress train all tangled up with leaves and dirt. Sure, it was messy and not what you’re used to seeing in bridal magazines, but it was also honest and a truly joyful moment that could easily have gone south if we’d been uptight about things. Embrace the unexpected, and each others’ opinions, and don’t let an unattainable ideal sour the big picture: You’re in this together, now and for the future.” —Teresa
“You cannot make everyone happy, and trying to accommodate others will just make the whole process more daunting. This is your day; make it about you. It really is the only day that you will get that chance.”—Heather
