MY BIGGEST ADVICE FOR THE SOON TO BE BRIDES
Planning a wedding can be so intimidating. Trust me, I’m 5 months out from my own, and at times I feel so lonely and lost and like i’ve accomplished a million things and nothing at all at the same time. It’s easy to get caught up in all the “little things,” and to lose sight of the reason you’re throwing this big event in the first place.
As someone who spends the majority of her weekends at weddings, I can think of a few little pieces of advice that seem worth sharing! Whether you just said yes last night, are in the thick of wedding planning, or are walking down the aisle in 12 hours, hopefully one of these things resonate with you in some way <3
SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS FOR YOUR DAY & WHAT YOU WANT IT TO LOOK LIKE.
I get it, it’s all over my feed too- wedding tik tok. What you should and shouldn’t do, how to get that luxury look on a budget, why bud vases are the superior table top florals, the necessity of a first look. It’s freakin’ overwhelming to say the least! But let me tell you something- all those planners and brides and people with random opinions- they aren’t you.
Take a breath and a step back and chat with your fiance about what you really want your day to look like. Oceanside with 4 of your best friends, at the fanciest mansion style venue with 200 guests, it doesn’t matter as long as it’s what YOU want.
Understand your budget and set realistic expectations within that. All those massive floral arrangements and the over the top wedding invitation suites are stunning, but they come with a hefty price tag. If that just isn’t practical for you, be adaptable and ready to pivot!
BOOK VENDORS THAT YOU GENUINELY CONNECT WITH.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my 7 months of wedding planning so far, it’s that having a connection with your vendors is so important! I want my vendors to be excited for me, I want them to show up and have fun alongside with us. I want to be able to text my photographer at random, telling her new ideas as I see them. Take it from me- when you connect with your vendors, they’ll want to go the extra mile and give you the best experience.
It creates trust and makes for a stress-free day.
UNDERSTAND THAT TIMELINES ARE GUIDELINES.
I could make a whole guide on this (actually I’m working on one), but timelines are meant to grow and evolve and change as your day goes on. Sure, they give important structure to your day, but they shouldn’t dictate every second of it. Imagine going on vacation and having everything planned out to the minute. Not very fun, huh?
Leave room in your timeline to enjoy the day, be present, and fully experience everything you’ve worked so hard for. There’s nothing worse than rushing around the room because things are happening, without being able to talk with your people or have a slice of cake.
Be okay with your timeline changing, especially after the ceremony! You don’t have to be dead set on a first look at 2pm if you’re no longer feeling it the day of. And if you trust in your vendors and have a great relationship with them, trust me they’ll advocate for you, too.
RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER.
I know, I know- coming from me, this seems a bit biased, but it’s just the truth! Your wedding photos are the one thing you’ll have after the day has come and gone. The flowers wilt, your cake gets thrown away, all the invites get tossed out, your dress gets put in the closet. Photos are the best way to relive all of your favorite days, so hire a photographer that you really do love.
Do the research on styles and rates in your area, and once you’ve narrowed down the search, make sure you also vibe with their personality and approach!
Wedding days consist of a lot of photos, it’s just a fact. Aside from your spouse, you’ll spend the most time with your photographer and you don’t want someone following you around all day that you don’t vibe with! You also don’t want to look back and have regrets, so take your time choosing one.
NO ONE IS GOING TO CARE ABOUT THE PHRASING ON YOUR SIGNS.
So this one’s kind of a metaphor, but I promise all those little things you’re stressing about won’t really matter to your guests. They’ll be excited to just be there and celebrate you!
I once spent 8 hours on some wedding signage for one of my friends, and even just choosing the font was a hard decision. When I tell you that I barely even looked at those signs on the day of..
Bring your focus more towards bigger elements of the day and spaces where your guests will spend most of their time, and be more likely to appreciate. For example, your table scapes, a backdrop for photos, the taste of the drinks, and even unique experiences for them like a late night ice cream bar or coffee truck.
REMEMBER TO BREATHE.
Your day is going to be absolutely gorgeous because it’s a reflection of you and your lover, and the celebration of this new chapter in your life! Let your vendors worry about the logistics of the day, and focus on being present and creating the best memories!
I’m already so excited for you :)
