ADVICE FROM REAL BRIDES

Carina

DO:

One of the best things I did was to write down the day's itinerary, including times, addresses, directions and the "required" dress at each time and location. I gave everyone in the wedding party and family a copy. It helped everyone coordinate and helped ease my mind!

The best part of the wedding was the hour before the ceremony. My husband and I spent that time alone, reflecting and sharing. It was a quiet special time that we had all to ourselves - the rest of the day was so hectic! The time we spent seemed like an oasis in a crazy, wonderful day. If you can, spend at least 15 minutes alone with each other, its my most cherished wedding day memory.

DON'T:

I would have hired a professional DJ instead of letting a friend do our reception music. They had nothing from our requested play list. They didn't even have our song for the bridal dance, which was supposed to be very special for us. We ended up picking something on the spot to dance to.

I'll never ask a friend to do something so important ever again. Always go with a professional who's working for the money and knows what he's doing.

 

Katherine

DO:

The whole day was absolutely beautifully for one reason PLANNING!!!!!! My husband and I recently attended someone else's wedding and while at the reception he thanked me. When I asked what for he told me for all the planning I did to make our wedding perfect even though at the time it seemed like I was being too picky. I am really glad I spent a little extra money also to have a custom designed dress that I absolutely loved.

DON'T:

Don't overestimate your space. The head table (for 10 people) at the reception would have probably really held 6 comfortably. The chairs were so close to each other we had to pull the chairs way out then scoot in and try to pull it in behind us. And in a huge wedding dress it was no easy task.

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