Next up is a message from Krista….she said this time last year she was looking through the entries of my last contest and found them helpful! She has lots of “fab” things, but also talks about guest list & budget, which can be the not-so-fun party of wedding planning.

Fabulous:
• THE most fabulous thing about our wedding was not the ‘stuff’ that went into making it our day. It was the people who surrounded us that day. The best advice we got prior to the wedding, from several people, was to ‘take it all in.’ We are so glad we did. I can’t remember my vows word-for-word, but I do remember the feeling I had holding my husband’s hand and saying ‘this is the best!’
• Finding trustworthy vendors. It made our wedding a lot easier to have vendors who demonstrated that they were good at what they do. We could trust them and not worry about micromanaging what they were going to offer us on our wedding day. Referrals go along way on this note.
• Etsy!! was my savior in making our wedding ‘special’ and affordable. I got our cake topper, hair pieces, bridesmaid gifts, flower girl gifts, escort card accessories, and probably more on this site. Don’t be shy about asking a vendor you like to do something “custom” for you; I’m so glad I asked.

• Letting go of those ‘fabulous’ little ideas I had in the beginning that just added work at the end. If it starts to make the wedding planning process stressful its not worth it! (Your guests don’t notice as much as you hope they will – so they won’t miss it.)
• Potted plant centerpieces. Our guests loved them, most still have them (4 months later) and they were a huge cost savings.

• Going for it during the cake cutting. You do it once, put a napkin over your clothes and get a little cake on your face. It made great pictures and even better memories.

• Sticking together. When points of conflict would arise (and they will) talk it out w/your future spouse and compromise on what is really important. Its true when they say wedding planning is a good test of your marriage to come.
• Waiting to go on our honeymoon. We didn’t take our honeymoon until about 3 months after our wedding. It wasn’t planned that way on purpose, but I’m so glad we didn’t have to pack up and leave right after our wedding. We were exhausted. We took a couple days off and did some mini road-trips, but saved the big trip for later. It was also great to have something to look forward to.

Not-so:
• We learned the hard way that despite everyone telling you ‘Its your wedding’, its really not. Your parents have expectations too. Its important to have a heart-to-heart with both sets of parents before you start making grand plans for your big day.
• Feeling pressure to buy right then and there. I found my dress unexpectedly on a lunch break one day. I loved it and was made to feel like not buying it right away would mean risking not being able to get it at all. It broke my heart and my Mom’s that she wasn’t there when I bought my dress. In reality, you have time and spending time with loved ones is ten times more important than a dress.
• Getting specifics on the budget PRIOR to starting to plan. Approximate isn’t good enough in this case. Planning the budget stinks and creates LOTS of awkward conversations. Just do it. It will make the planning process much easier if everyone is clear about who’s signing up to pay for what (and what they are willing to pay).
• Its hard to do a guest list so far in advance. Think twice about sending save the dates 9 months in advance if you aren’t having a destination wedding. People you are close with could change.

Thanks Krista!!