10 Things I Wish I Would Have Known When Planning My Wedding
Everyone always says, they wish they would have known that before, or would have done things differently. I am definitely one of those people when it comes to my wedding! Everyone has different experiences, but I figured I would share mine with all of you, because maybe you will learn something!
ONE // READ VENDOR REVIEWS
I cannot stress this one enough! I wish I would have read reviews about my vendors before I booked them. Yes, I looked at their previous work, but that doesn’t tell you everything. How people interact with me, before, during, and after the wedding is super important to me because it is part of the whole experience! There are a few vendors that I wish I had read reviews on first for this reason!
TWO // FRIEND’S BUSINESSES
Just because a friend owns a business that you need for your business does not mean you should use them. A lot of the time, because you are friends, you get put on the back burner and aren’t as important as other clients of their because they think you will understand. Now, this isn’t always the case (let me tell you, our DJ was AMAZING and was a friend), but a lot of the time it can be. Make sure you clearly state what you want or need from them, and don’t be casual about it. They are still a business that you are paying.
THREE // SET ASIDE TIPS FOR VENDORS
I will preface this with, I got married at 21, so I was young and didn’t know, and I am the oldest, so my parents didn’t know either. I wish I would have set aside tips for all of our vendors. We did tip some of them because they were friends and were giving us discounts, and we wanted to make sure that they knew we appreciated them, but really, I wish we would have tipped everyone. Anyone providing a service should be tipped, and I wish I would have realized that then. Of course, you don’t have to tip, but it is always appreciated and it lets the vendor know that they are appreciated.
FOUR // GREET PEOPLE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
Yes, I wanted to spend time with my new husband, but I would see him later and we would be leaving on our honeymoon together. The people who came to celebrate with us would not be around all night or the next day. I wish we would have eaten quicker and gone to talk to guests sooner. We didn’t get to talk to everyone, and that is something I wish we would have!
FIVE // KEEP A SEPARATE EMAIL ADDRESS
I don’t know about you, but my email can be a little overwhelming some days with emails coming in from every store under the sun. Keeping a separate email address where you can look for everything from your vendors and then also those freebies you get for getting married. It will keep you a lot more organized and will keep everything in one place
SIX // MAKE SURE YOUR WEDDING PARTY KNOWS THE TIMELINE
I know this seems like common sense, but you would be surprised how often the bridal party has no idea what time things are happening. For my wedding, I made sure they had the timeline, but the reception wasn’t as planned out. Your MOH and Best Man need to know when the speeches are going to happen so they have everything they need for it. I have seen this happen often, and it happened at our wedding, where they weren’t prepared so they just played it by ear. Most likely, they put time and thought into their speech, so make sure they have their notes with them!
SEVEN // BE FLEXIBLE
I will say, for the most part, I was a pretty laid back bride. I am such a planner so this really surprised me. Things don’t always go as planned, so you have to be willing to adjust things a little bit here and there. Don’t worry too much! It happens! There were a few times where I had a moment on my wedding day, but I was flexible over all, and really you need to be!
EIGHT // RESEARCH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER AND ASK THE TOUGH QUESTIONS
My answer will always be the same when you ask me what the biggest regret of my wedding is. It will always be my photographer. Don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions when you are booking. Ask about the timeline for the returning photos and how they will be delivered. Ask about their experience and what equipment they bring with them. Now, I don’t expect you to know everything about cameras, but make sure they are bringing two with them! I mean if one camera malfunctions (let’s be real, it is technology, it can happen), they need to have a back up. Although that didn’t happen at my wedding, looking back on it, I could never bring myself to shoot a wedding with only one camera. Ask how long they have been shooting weddings, and how they improve themselves as a photographer. You aren’t being high maintenance, you are being safe and educating yourself.
NINE // HIRE A WEDDING COORDINATOR
Guys, your wedding day is SO hectic! You don’t have time to worry about every little thing and tell people what they should be doing. Also, your parents shouldn’t have to spend time doing this either. Hire a wedding coordinator and it will make your day so much easier and run smoother! I am so lucky that I had a good friend step in last minute to be my wedding coordinator, and I have no idea what I would have done without her!
TEN // IT IS OKAY TO SAY NO
This is your wedding!! It is okay to tell people you don’t like something or that isn’t in line with your vision! Obviously, if it is your significant other, talk it through with them, but if it is someone else, you don’t have to do everything they suggest. I know sometimes it is hard to say no, but don’t let others sway you from what you envision for your day!
To all my brides already married, what do you wish you would have known before your wedding?