Wedding Party by Nate
Just as your fiancé is truly “the one”—you need to find that stand-alone wedding gown that is the “fashion wow” of your life. Never, never, never, say “Yes to the dress” unless you actually cry a little and hear yourself utter the words, “This is the dress!” out loud. What you wear on this monumental day should not only represent your personal style and flatter your figure, but it should also bring you to tears as you marry the man of your dreams. This is the single most important style purchase of your life. So, do not settle. Of course, I would never recommend a bride exceed her dress budget, but if it is not love at first site, then you did not find “the dress.” Remember, when you say, “This is my dress,” buy it immediately.
Book your vendors in a timely manner. Follow a strict wedding timeline to make sure you secure the wedding date, location and vendors of your choice way in advance. The most desirable wedding locations, florists, musicians, photographers, etc. may have a waiting list of up to a year and a half or more from your date. Whether you look in a planning book, bridal magazine or an online wedding site, essentially, you can find a wedding checklist anywhere. This all-important checklist will help you stay on track when planning, which in turn will alleviate any added stress. You’ll feel complete satisfaction as you check off each step on the list!
Don’t hire family friends in lieu of true wedding professionals. The fact that your closest family and friends want to pitch in wherever they can; you should really employ true professionals to handle the fine details. Although hiring your best girlfriends, aunts, or cousins, can be super cost effective, it is not always the best option. You want to have the prettiest cake, the most fabulous band, gorgeous flowers, and stunning photos. It can get rather sticky communicating exactly what you want and negotiating how to pay them. Plus, if the task is more than they bargained for, or they don’t deliver, it may cause strain on your future relationships. Professionals handle weddings every day; it’s their job to make you happy on your wedding.
Think long and hard when selecting your wedding attendants. Large wedding parties are trendy again, however, selecting exactly whom you want to stand beside you at your wedding is a huge decision. Think long and hard about your current relationship with each person. Don’t feel obligated to include family members or old friends just because you were in their weddings. They may simply be acquaintances at this point in your life. On the other hand, you don’t want to hurt any feelings either. If you were in your college roommate’s nuptials five years ago, she may be distraught not to be incorporated. You don’t need to pick your attendants as soon as you get engaged, by any means. So again, before you ask anyone, make sure they are the people closest to you.
Don’t skip a videographer. As the saying goes, a picture tells a thousand words, however a video of your wedding is just as important. With the ease of social media and the popular use of pocket Flip cameras to post pictures and video on the Internet; many couples are forgoing a videographer. Keep in mind, you can never recreate this all-important day. A video allows you to capture each and every second of your wedding, so you can revisit the ceremony and reception as many times as you’d like. Plus, it is a nice thing to share with you kids someday or watch on each anniversary.
Mum’s the word. To avoid every one you know from offering their opinions and butting into your wedding, simply keep your plans to yourself—or only give the minor details. No bride-to-be wants to listen to, “When I got married…” throughout the entire planning process. Whatever you want for your wedding should be strictly you and your fiancé’s decision. You have the final word.
