It seems Christmas is a popular time to get engaged (I got engaged over the holiday season as well). But now that the holidays have ended and life has gone back to normal, many newly engaged couples (congratulations!) will sit down and start to plan their big day. From a new wife who did an almost totally DIY wedding, here are my biggest words of advice for all the soon to be brides out there. Of course this is advice based on my experience, every bride and every wedding is totally different so what worked for me, might not work for you. But here is my advice, take it or leave it as you please.
1. Listen to your gut
You know what you want, or maybe you don't but you surely know better about what you want than your uncle's girlfriend's cousin who just got married. And now she is telling you exactly how your floral arrangements need to be designed because that is how she did it and she loved it, and exactly what color dress your bridesmaids should wear because her bridesmaids were blue but not just any blue, they were ocean blue, and there is no better color for a wedding than ocean blue. And that you NEED to use her hairdresser, because not other hairdresser will make you look as beautiful as her. But seriously, everyone will be giving you their opinion, listen to their advice, but do not feel like you need to take everyone's into consideration. Do what YOU want, ask people you trust, people who you know have the same style or vision you do, for their help and their advice. Your neighbor's aunt might have just attended this really cool wedding on a dinner cruise boat, but that doesn't mean she is the expert on weddings when she tells you that you absolutely need to have your wedding on a boat.
2. Splurge on the Photographer
I love photography, I am photographer by hobby. But I knew with my wedding I needed to hire a professional, not just a friend who is in art school taking a few photography courses. I did my research, found a few local photographers I liked, contacted each of them and rather than going with the cheapest, I went with the one who's photography style I liked and who's price was fair for what I was getting. Do not just go with the cheapest option, but find a photographer who you truly like. A lot of photographers also offer a "free" engagement session. This is always a great option because you can use those photos for Save the Dates, on your wedding website, etc. These photos will be what you will have after the day is long gone.
3. Cut Corners Where you can Without Sacrificing Quality
Find an aspect of your wedding that has the potential to be really expensive and brainstorm how to save money. You do not need a $10,000 dress to look beautiful, you don't need the most elegant diamond tiara you could possibly find. You can look absolutely stunning for less. This is somewhere I suggest cutting corners (of course, if this is top priority for you, you can find somewhere else to save) but for me this worked and I felt like a beautiful princess all day long! Another is by doing as much DIY as you can, or you are able to. Most of my wedding was DIY, which I know is not ideal for every bride, but one fun DIY project I think most people can do is the centerpieces. We took old candelabras, beautiful lanterns, etc. that we borrowed, found around our house or bought at thrift stores and used that as the main centerpiece and from there had tealight candles in eclectic jars around the rest of the table. If you plan far enough ahead you will have plenty of time to find the things you need at thrift stores, or from friends. Another word of advice for saving some money is wait for sales. I knew by March that I wanted to have burlap table runners, so I kept an eye out at Hobby Lobby for Burlap to go on sale, and when it did, I bought 10 or 12 rolls for half off!
4. Have Fun!
The planning process can be stressful if you let it get to you, especially if you are bad at making decisions. But I promise that whatever decision you go with, it will be amazing. At the end of the day, you and your new husband or wife are married and in love and that is what matters. It doesn't matter if you decided not to do a cake cutting or decided to use purple flowers instead of yellow. What matters is that you had fun and you are in love. Don't stress, Seriously, don't. Don't worry what your Aunt Sally will think about the pink bridesmaids dresses because you know she hates pink. Don't worry about any of it, just enjoy the process, enjoy the day and enjoy your new life with your new husband or wife!
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