Advice: Looking Back, What I would Have Done Different

Now that is has been almost 1 year since my wedding, I have done a lot of looking back on how things turned out and what I would have done differently.

Jeren and I had a very long engagement of 1 1/2 years and I think that would have been my first thing I would have changed. About half way through we were both wishing that the big day would be here and all the planning stress would be over. We had a LOT of family involvement which made things quite stressful at times since between us we have 8 parents...yes 8 parents! Due to the long engagement I feel like I procrastinated on the little details since I knew I had a long time to plan. The last few months went by so fast and I soon realized that I had waited too long to start on some of my DIY projects, therefore they were either rushed or not added into the wedding. I look back now and really wish I would have had some of those little details I kept seeing in my head all along.

The second and one of the most important things I would have changed looking back is not using a family friend as our photographer. I won't say much because it gets me so upset but this is one of the most important decisions you have in planning your wedding so take it seriously. Remember, you CANNOT redo your wedding pictures so what you get is what you get. This makes me so sad :(

Another thing I might have done differently is my dress. I only looked at dresses twice before buying the one I loved. The only problem, it was the last one available since the design was being discontinued AND it was a size 12. The reason this was such a problem...I am a size 1! I was determined to make the dress fit and be perfect so I found an amazing seamstress. After about 12 dress fittings the dress was practically a custom design and I loved it. Looking back at pictures I don't think that we were able to get the exact perfect fit that I was looking for but that could just be my OCD kicking in. My recommendation, find a dress that you love and you won't have to have it completely remade. It was an interesting process where I was able to spend time with my Mom, MOH, and Bridesmaids but it was very stressful at the same time since I had no idea what the finally product was going to be.

Well, I am sure over the next few months I will think up some other things I would have done a little differently but for now these are my thoughts! Hope it helps in your planning process.

Brides On A Budget!

Hello to all you brides trying to stay within your budget!

I thought I would share some budget friendly tips that helped me and other fellow brides stay within out budgets for our BIG day. These are just a few so feel free to share your tips as well.

-Use a local flower warehouse
-Have a lunch reception instead of dinner time reception
-Never be afraid to NIGOTIATE with your vendors. The worst answer will be no but at least you tried!
-If the time allows, shop around before making quick purchases. This will help for your dress, invitations, wedding party gifts, etc.
-Have food stations for your meal instead of a plated sit down meal
-Keeping your wedding party small with help with wedding party expenses and stress!
-Figure out what elements of you wedding are most important and spend the extra money there
-Having your wedding on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday can save a ton of money off not only the ceremony & reception site but some of your other vendor as well. Make sure to ask about these discounts
-DIY projects can save you a lot of money because you can make only the amount you need rather than buying in large quantities, works great for favors, invitations, menus, place cards, table numbers, etc.
-Having a candy bar for the favors can save a huge amount of money as well as guest can take the "favor" if they wish therefore, cutting down on wasted premade favors
-Wedding cupcakes instead of wedding cake can be less expensive but also may allow you to save on that pesky "cake cutting fee" reception sites charge

Happy Planning!

Lisa