ADVICE FROM REAL BRIDES

Lisa

DO:

Listen to your heart, do what YOU want and don't worry about hurt feelings. You'll regret not doing what you want more than you'll regret hurting feelings!

DON'T:

Exhaust yourself! I planned my wedding myself and spent most of the two days leading up to wedding day finalizing details late into the night. The day after the wedding I was so tired that my husband and I spent most of the day sleeping.

 

Heather

DO:

See each other before the wedding! I was standing in a room with the lights off, except for a few lights focused on me. The only other person in the room waiting for my husband was myself and the videographer. The videographer was setting off to the side so I really didn't notice him there. When my husband walked in, I started to cry and he wiped my tears away from my face, we kissed, laughed and told each other how much we loved each other. I wouldn't have wanted to miss that moment, luckily the moment was captured on our wedding video. The first time I watched the video, I cried all over again.

DON'T:

Try and do everything yourself . I forget to hire a "day before and day-of" coordinator. They could have helped with all the last minute confirmations so that I could actually relax instead of staying up half the night doing everything myself. Someone who would have made sure the boutonnieres were handed out/pinned on correctly; set up the cake top correctly; laid out the games; help keep everyone together during photos and that all "must haves" were taken. I also would have tried to convince my husband to have spent more on photography and videography. I love my pictures but I just feel there is so much more we could have had for a just a couple hundred dollars more.

Kelley

DO:

My husband John has a six-year-old daughter from a previous marriage. I really wanted to include her on our special day, so I gave our Pastor special vows for she and I to exchange. John then placed a gold heart pendant around her neck, and I said "With this heart, I promise to be a loving and caring step-mommy to you. I promise to always be there for you in times of need and I will love you with all my heart for all the days of my life". There wasn't a dry eye in the house, including mine and hers. Arianna is a wonderful addition to my life and I was glad I could show her how much she means to me.

 

DON'T:

I would not have done the Money Dance. I can't believe how awkward I felt. Originally, I said that I didn't want to do it, but all my friends kept telling me how great the extra money was on their Honeymoons. I could have done without the extra money and the embarrassment of the DJ asking people to come and dance with you. Oh yeah, and bring a $20 would ya? Yikes!!!