Wedding Wednesday… Helpful Tips and Our Engagement Party!

First things first–via The Knot several weeks ago–“10 Wedding Blunders to Avoid”
1. Blowing Your Fashion Budget On Just the Dress…remember to add tax, alterations, undergarments, shoes, veil, and accessories, which should all be factored into your “dress budget”
Where I’m At: my dress was right on my budget, however my veil definitely was more money than expected–oops! Oh well, Mom agreed and said I just “had to have it”
2. Getting Attached to Specific Flower Types…choose flowers you like, but remember to talk with your florist about possible backup options–things happen and being open to change will help the florist know what you like vs. what you loathe
Where I’m At: still deciding between 2 florists; both know what types of flowers I am OK with, what I ABSOLUTELY must have, and where I am willing to negotiate

3. Sending Out Save-The-Dates Too Soon… it’s tempting to tell everyone about the wedding ASAP, but don’t send those cards out until the guest list is finalized
Where I’m At: For me, my STDs will be going out exactly 8 months prior to my wedding date (etiquette is 6 to 8 months in advance)–and the reasons why: 1) June is the most popular wedding month, and 2) CMA Music Fest is the same weekend, therefore, my OOT guests need to book hotels rooms early because EVERYTHING in Nashville sells out–yes, we have blocks of rooms, but they wont hold them past May!

4. Skipping a Wedding Videographer…they say photos only take you so far, but videos let you hear your vows and watch your friends tear up the dance floor…with more people documenting your wedding, you’ll see things you may have missed
Where I’m At: Unless someone drops some magical wedding dust for my already-over-budget grand total, this will be a NO GO in my book! Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE videographers, but we already spent more than our allotted budget on A LOT of our wedding details (photog, band, caterer, etc.) and those things are far more important to me… plus the vendors I like are pricey so that is an element I am willing to forego
5. Micromanaging Your Vendors…your talented pros should know and understand your vision, so let them do their jobs! It’s tempting to control every detail, but you won’t have the time, and you certainly don’t have the experience. After your initial meetings, trust the pros.
Where I’m At: I micromanage my wedding team (Mom and Jeff and I) and I’ll let my wonderful wedding planner take it from there once all the initial details are all settled =)
6. Picking Your Attendants Too Early…your bridesmaids should be your closest friends. They have to be people you trust to be there when you need them. You don’t know new friends well enough yet to be sure they’ll support you in tough situations, and picking people because a family member demands it or so you and your man will have an even number of attendants are also decisions you’ll likely regret.
Where I’m At: I LOVE each and every single one of my BMs and chose each of them for a specific reason–wholeheartedly know they’ll be there for me through thick and thin and know I made the right decision 100%

7. Telling Everyone About Your Wedding…it’s so hard not to talk about your wedding. The more you share, the more opinions you’re going to get, whether or not you ask. Part of wowing your guests is surprising them. And, talking about your plans means opening yourself up to copycats, who may actually be marrying before you do.
Where I’m At: I talk to my closest friends about the specific details, but some things will be left a surprise for EVERYONE {yes, Meg and Bev, that means you too!}… I do share LOADS of my planning details/process, but I can surprisingly keep a secret =)
8. Starting Your Hair and Makeup Too Late…you don’t want your ‘do to fall out or your makeup to fade before you walk down the aisle, but stylists will likely get to you late if you’re last in the chair. Schedule your appointments in the middle. It’s not a big deal for a bridesmaid to switch to a less complicated hairstyle. That’s not an option for you.
Where I’m At: This is something I hadn’t thought of until now… thanks for the tip!
9. Speeding Through Photos…anything less than an hour isn’t enough for a portrait session; an hour-and-a-half is closer to ideal because you’ll look more relaxed in your pictures…if you refuse to see your groom before the ceremony {that’s me!}, take pictures separately beforehand so the only shots left to take after the ceremony include both of you.
Where I’m At: I think I have this set in stone–from being in so many weddings, I know what works and how to get people moving along, swapping out family for the full bridal party while still making it to the reception on time so the party can begin

10. “Hiring” A Friend Instead of a Pro…your pal was the king of the mix CD back in the day, but that doesn’t mean he’ll make a great wedding DJ. Even on a tight budget, you’re much better off paying a vendor with experience to take care of the biggies, like the music and the food. Don’t you want your friends to enjoy your wedding instead of having to work through it, anyway?
Where I’m At: Completely agree!! No friends working my big day–I want them to ENJOY everything we have planned