My wedding day has come and gone, *sigh!* I loved the process but also LOVE just being married! Even though my day is through, I thought some of the resources I collected might be helpful for other blushing brides to be.
Overwhelmingly, www.theknot.com was my number one resource and planning tool. I did download the app and used the checklist feature which was very helpful in keeping me on track. I also kept a notebook and a planning notebook (Colin Cowie) that I bought from Hastings for planning.
For Dreaming
http://www.bellethemagazine.com/
http://www.modwedding.com/
http://www.colincowieweddings.com/#
http://www.weddingwire.com/
http://www.stylemepretty.com/
http://www.awwwards.com/fantastic%20wedding-websites.html
http://www.apartment34.com/category/weddings/
For Planning
10 Wedding Websites | girlywedding.com
Google Templates
Glo (I didn't use it, but it seemed cool)
My Wedding Workbook (again, didn't use it but seemed like it could be useful)
For Budgets
http://thebudgetsavvybride.com/
http://www.recycledbride.com/
For Registries
Wedding Gift Registry Tips | realsimple.com
SimpleRegistry.com
Unique Gift Registry Ideas | cbsnews.com
Tips for Thank You Notes
TIPS:
There are a few things I wish I had known then that I hope to share with you. First of all, be true to your budget. I got a little carried away and picked a venue that basically ate up a lot of our other possibilities. In retrospect, I probably should have found a more affordable (although probably less elegant) location so I could have spent more on things like food and alcohol for our guests. But at the end of the day the venue resulted in some great photos.
Also, be on top of your vendors. I must not have communicated well with our caterer because the day of, they didn't provide any dishes or silverware so my decorator had to scramble to find some (and they did not go with the decor, sadly -- paper plates anyone? :/ ) But I'm sure it could have been avoided if I had taken the time the week of to confirm all of the details with them.
The day of, be rested. I went out with some friends the night before. But I wish that instead I had gotten a really solid night's sleep so I could have looked more fresh and ready for the day. I feel like the lack of sleep showed on my face even though no one else would admit to it. And throughout the night my energy came and went because I hadn't eaten well or felt good the whole day.
But, most of all, just enjoy your day. It will fly by quickly so enjoy every minute. Make sure you've got a good, experienced, photographer and pay the extra for them to be there for as long as possible. Also, get the bridal shots and engagement shots by the same photographer. It will help them learn you and your preferences.
I remember while planning, it was just such an overwhelming process that I would catch myself focusing on things that didn't really matter, when important things like catering details seemed to slip through the cracks. There is no perfect process for planning and everyone's priorities are different so you have to be true to yourself. I think the best advice I got, to help me relax about the whole thing, was that the wedding is just a day. But the marriage is your whole life. My husband and I did wedding counseling with our pastor and the vows we took that day are the most important part of the whole day.
So remember to keep things in perspective and have fun! But don't forget the real reason for the wedding - to begin your new life with your husband. So make it something special that you two are happy with. Don't go overboard or go into debt because of a feeling of obligation to anyone. Everyone will be happy just seeing the two of you happy and in love. Everything else is just icing on the cake. :)
Overwhelmingly, www.theknot.com was my number one resource and planning tool. I did download the app and used the checklist feature which was very helpful in keeping me on track. I also kept a notebook and a planning notebook (Colin Cowie) that I bought from Hastings for planning.
For Dreaming
http://www.bellethemagazine.com/
http://www.modwedding.com/
http://www.colincowieweddings.com/#
http://www.weddingwire.com/
http://www.stylemepretty.com/
http://www.awwwards.com/fantastic%20wedding-websites.html
http://www.apartment34.com/category/weddings/
10 Wedding Websites | girlywedding.com
Google Templates
Glo (I didn't use it, but it seemed cool)
My Wedding Workbook (again, didn't use it but seemed like it could be useful)
For Budgets
http://thebudgetsavvybride.com/
http://www.recycledbride.com/
For Registries
Wedding Gift Registry Tips | realsimple.com
SimpleRegistry.com
Unique Gift Registry Ideas | cbsnews.com
Tips for Thank You Notes
TIPS:
There are a few things I wish I had known then that I hope to share with you. First of all, be true to your budget. I got a little carried away and picked a venue that basically ate up a lot of our other possibilities. In retrospect, I probably should have found a more affordable (although probably less elegant) location so I could have spent more on things like food and alcohol for our guests. But at the end of the day the venue resulted in some great photos.
Also, be on top of your vendors. I must not have communicated well with our caterer because the day of, they didn't provide any dishes or silverware so my decorator had to scramble to find some (and they did not go with the decor, sadly -- paper plates anyone? :/ ) But I'm sure it could have been avoided if I had taken the time the week of to confirm all of the details with them.
The day of, be rested. I went out with some friends the night before. But I wish that instead I had gotten a really solid night's sleep so I could have looked more fresh and ready for the day. I feel like the lack of sleep showed on my face even though no one else would admit to it. And throughout the night my energy came and went because I hadn't eaten well or felt good the whole day.
But, most of all, just enjoy your day. It will fly by quickly so enjoy every minute. Make sure you've got a good, experienced, photographer and pay the extra for them to be there for as long as possible. Also, get the bridal shots and engagement shots by the same photographer. It will help them learn you and your preferences.
I remember while planning, it was just such an overwhelming process that I would catch myself focusing on things that didn't really matter, when important things like catering details seemed to slip through the cracks. There is no perfect process for planning and everyone's priorities are different so you have to be true to yourself. I think the best advice I got, to help me relax about the whole thing, was that the wedding is just a day. But the marriage is your whole life. My husband and I did wedding counseling with our pastor and the vows we took that day are the most important part of the whole day.
So remember to keep things in perspective and have fun! But don't forget the real reason for the wedding - to begin your new life with your husband. So make it something special that you two are happy with. Don't go overboard or go into debt because of a feeling of obligation to anyone. Everyone will be happy just seeing the two of you happy and in love. Everything else is just icing on the cake. :)
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