"If there's one thing I've learned from being a bride, it's..."

[tinkerjew]

I'm curious to know what all you happily married ladies have to say! If there's one thing you learned about being a bride and planning a wedding that you could pass on to others, what would it be? I hope to really get a lot of replies here! Bring on the wisdom, ladies!

[SerendipityCrafts]

Don't try to take too much on & let others help out.

If you are "doing it all" yourself, hire a day of coordinator or appoint a good friend or relative to do this for you. Otherwise, you will be far to busy overseeing everything to enjoy your own wedding.

Don't sweat the small stuff because it's really not about the small stuff anyhow. Remember the reasons you are getting married because 20 years down the road, you won't remember what your napkins looked like or what the food tasted like.

Hire a great photographer because you will never get another chance to get the photos of your dreams. Don't skimp on photography.

[Doglover]

I have to say.....Really really enjoy the wedding and don't worry about anything, because it goes by SOOOO FAST! My reception seriously flew by and I was like "WHAT it's over!", and i did not want to ake my dress off!

I get super nervous about stupid things and i knew i'd be soooo nervous about everything..making sure everything was right and ready. But I just decided to NOT THINK, my head was clear the whole time and everything just went smoothly.

HAVE FUN!

[Goin2thechapel]

If there's one thing I learned from being a bride it's...

Don't loose friends in the process of planning your wedding. I became soo wrapped up in my wedding at one point that people didn't want to hang out with us anymore because all I would do is talk wedding.

[tinkerjew]

These are some really good pointers. Keep 'em coming!

[StaceyMc]

Keep in mind what the day is really about - the union of you and your FH - nothing else.

Take your new husband's hand at the reception, step back and look at your family and friends who love you so much that they're celebrating with you. It's a wonderful memory to have.

Only do what you can afford. You'll have a beautiful wedding whether you pay $500 or $500,000.00.

[NicksBride]

Don't try and please everyone because you WILL NOT PLEASE EVERYONE! The harder you try, the worst you will feel. The only people you need to please are you and your FH. I learned that the hard way!

[jannafin]

Don't sweat the small stuff because it's really not about the small stuff anyhow. Remember the reasons you are getting married because 20 years down the road, you won't remember what your napkins looked like or what the food tasted like.


ITA. :)

Don't forget the purpose! The wedding is for one day but the marriage is for a lifetime.

Also, make the choices YOU want-- everyone is going to have his or her opinion on what you should do or have, but the day really is about you and your FH/FW. It's YOUR wedding-- no one else's.

[hummingbird521]

seek out as much help from friend as you can get to do some of the work.

don't lose friends along the way in the process of being all consumed in the wedding details.

remember always that it is both of yours wedding. do it how you two want it and not how family does.

first and foremost to me (and i wish someone would have told me this): continue taking time with your fh and remember to talk about the same things as before wedding planning. don't always talk about nothing but the wedding. for when it is over you feel at a huge loss for things to talk about.

[katieandalex]

All of the times you get stressed out about planning are totally not worth it. Don't sweat the small stuff. It will all work out, and if it doesn't work out....just remember you are still marrying the love of your life.

I was SO worried that everything was going to be complete chaos the day of out wedding and went about spending my time making itineraries for the BP and organizing everything for each hour of the day.....turns out I didn't need to waste my time and shouldn't have worried about it, because all fell into place and we didn't need the stupid schedules I typed up.

[WebLady]

Everyone has already stated all my thoughts ... So I don't have much to add other than I agree with pretty much everything everyone else has said ;)

[ger]

I agree with all these other smart ladies!! Just remember the reason for the day. ALL the other stuff is just side stuff. Most of the time, no one will be the wiser if something isn't the way you planned. ENJOY the moment!!

[shawnsgirl]

Definately don't stress about the small stuff. Even if something minor goes wrong, which it will, no one will notice and it's not worth the aggrevation.

Figure out a budget and stick to it. The last aggrevation you need is money
issues..

Like others have said...enjoy every minute of being engaged, planning, and your wedding day because it goes by SO fast.

Even if you can't afford a luxurious honeymoon try to find someplace to get away for a couple of days and get that much needed alone time.

Make sure to stop and take and deep breath as you walk down the aisle. Savor every moment of it!!

One thing I am grateful for is spluring on an amazing videographer. As a bride and groom you miss soooo much of your wedding day. If you can manage it financially its definately worth the $$ in the long run!

[kevinsbride2B]

I think the best advice that was given to me was "ENJOY THE DAY!" When the day arrives wake up in the mornign with the attitude of "oh well if it's not done". Don't ruin your day with stressing over things that you truly have no control over. You only have 1 day for your wedding and don't ruin it with stress. If it didn't get done by now it won't so get over it!
Really take that little while too appreciate that it's your day. Even if you have to seperate yourself from everyone else. Just to let it sink in.
And ENJOY yourself!!! No use worrying over your guests.

[showerspartysupply]

I'm curious to know what all you happily married ladies have to say! If there's one thing you learned about being a bride and planning a wedding that you could pass on to others, what would it be? I hope to really get a lot of replies here! Bring on the wisdom, ladies!

Time-management is so important. Plan well so you will have time to enjoy the process. I was doing everything myself so I cut it close with a few deadlines. Using my time better would have allowed me to think about little things like taking pictures to have memories of the days leading up to our wedding.

[bradysmommy2007]

seek out as much help from friend as you can get to do some of the work.

don't lose friends along the way in the process of being all consumed in the wedding details.

remember always that it is both of yours wedding. do it how you two want it and not how family does.

first and foremost to me (and i wish someone would have told me this): continue taking time with your fh and remember to talk about the same things as before wedding planning. don't always talk about nothing but the wedding. for when it is over you feel at a huge loss for things to talk about.


very good point about the whole "talk about more than the wedding"....good to keep in mind :)

[StJohnBride]

You'll never please everyone -- so just do what pleases you and FH!

[Nekochanpurr]

Save money before hand!! Don't just charge it all on a credit card.. You'll have to pay that off later (and it'll probably hurt, lol)!

[hummingbird521]

I decided to add another one in the mix.

Talk about finances with one another. If you don't already live together or even if you do, ask questions? do you have the same thoughts on saving money? Are you marrying a spend thrift? Or are you marrying a "tight wad"? These are all very important things to talk about. I know money is a subject a lot of people tend to very often overlook. I don't mean the planning of the budget for the wedding either. But day to day money issues. Future money issues.

[IDoTwo]

Lots of words of wisdom in this thread.

[beautifulbri]

You know...I never thought about the fact that once you decide to get married, that all you talk about is the wedding. I can imagine that after the wedding, it's like...now what?

I also think it's really easy for people to get wrapped up in the details. I'm trying really really hard not to do that.

Thanks for the great tips...keep 'em coming!

[Whitewater]

*bump* Don't want this thread to be forgotten. Anybody who's recently gotten married that wants to chime in?


Whitewater

[soon2bMrsCage]

Wow, all of this advice is great. I think my biggest fear is that the day will go by so fast. I mean a year and a half of planning all for one day. I am going to enjoy the whole day and not let it go to fast I love the one about walking down the aisle I can't wait for that moment!

[Nekochanpurr]

I'm scared i'm going to forget something important!! D= My sis forgot her marriage license! lol.. But it all worked out..

[ChibiAiChan]

yeah i suck lol