Re: The Official 2007 'Already Married Brides' Advice Thread

I love this thread!! Great advice

Re: The Official 2007 'Already Married Brides' Advice Thread

OK so Here is my advice:

1.) Make sure you relax, eat, and enjoy while you are getting ready. Crack open a bottle of champagne, eat croissants, enjoy it! I was not bridezilla-ish at all but I was soooo excited and nervous that I almost tossed my cookies a few times

2.) Things will go wrong- who cares! My DH brought the ring pillow, but left it in the car- we didnt realize this until I was about to walk down the aisle! NO biggie though- no one even noticed!

3.) Make sure you enjoy yourself!!!!! We had the best time at our wedding, danced our @sses off, and enjoyed every minute. I ca honestly say that I smiled my enitre wedding day despite my morning nervousness!

4.) Table Cameras + Children = pictures of children taking pictures of the other, taking a picture. We found this ouy the other day. Whatevs. Can't do anything about it now but if I noticed it then I would have regulated.

5.) A day after the wedding - I totally had PWD you plan for so long for this day and then its over! BUt then I looked over and saw DH, and I realized that I have him forever! And that is the main thing, after the dress, the party, the cake, the flowers- its a MARRIAGE, and that is the most important thing!

Good Luck to all the girls, I hope you all have BEAUTIFUL days!!!!!

Re: The Official 2007 'Already Married Brides' Advice Thread

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Posted by Mizzdimple

I agree with brittny817, dont get caught up in LIW.!
Well said =)

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Me too...i went through a period where I was crying all the time because I felt like I was working soooo hard (2 jobs0 and FH was too (2 jobs) we never saw eacdhother...and yet,I still couldn't (can't) afford what some of you other girls have!

Then my mother told me that my wedding will be beautiful because it i s MINE!!! (oh yeah and FHs...lol)

anyway, of course there are times when i still wish I had all the time and money in the world...but i realize that there are other girls whose weddings I like even better than the super expensive ones (ie- kittythestray )

Its so easy to get caught up in trying to make everything perfect- when perfection is actually getting to marry the love of your life...all the material things are just nice little extras.

Re: The Official 2007 'Already Married Brides' Advice Thread

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Posted by PaddysGirl15

4.) Table Cameras + Children = pictures of children taking pictures of the other, taking a picture. We found this ouy the other day. Whatevs. Can't do anything about it now but if I noticed it then I would have regulated.

5.) A day after the wedding - I totally had PWD you plan for so long for this day and then its over! BUt then I looked over and saw DH, and I realized that I have him forever! And that is the main thing, after the dress, the party, the cake, the flowers- its a MARRIAGE, and that is the most important thing!

Good Luck to all the girls, I hope you all have BEAUTIFUL days!!!!!

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Thats too funny about the cameras At least you got a little giggle out of it.

And i love #5!

Re: The Official 2007 'Already Married Brides' Advice Thread

This IS BRILLIANT!!!
As a late '07 bride, I LOVE this idea.

Re: The Official 2007 'Already Married Brides' Advice Thread

i love this thread! the advice and ideas are awesome. Keep them coming!

Re: The Official 2007 'Already Married Brides' Advice Thread

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Posted by MJDoc12

WOOHOOO!!!!!!! I'm a total old fart now!

Advice to give you ladies:

1)Give up control-being brides I know the idea of letting it go and just relinquishing control is hard, but you MUST do it. There is an eerie calm that comes over you about the nite before the wedding and continues on when you are getting ready.....and its very nice if you let it just flow! Have trust that you have planned every single moment and that it will go just fine.

2)DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF!: It is said over and over again, every single day, but I think people just forget it on the wedding day. But seriously, do NOT let things bother you that day. If there are like 5 roses missing from a CP or you found a small stain at the bottom of your dress that no one but you will notice...LET IT GO! The day goes by at lightning speed, and spending time focusing on things that just don't matter is time that you could be spending with your new husband. So if Aunt Sally shows up in some tacky outfit, just laugh it off and look at your husband and say 'I love you.'

3)Take it all in: Before the reception starts, ask to be taken into the room before the guests arrive and just take it in. We did this and I loved seeing each place setting all perfect, and all our hard work paying off. It was great just having him and I there and enjoying it all.

4)Sneak away: Right after the ceremony, DH and I ran into the bridal suite by ourselves. I was DYING to get take my slip off cause I was tripping on it like crazy. So while we were in there laughing and everything, it was a nice moment for just him and I. Make sure you have some time, just the two of you.

5)EAT!: Make sure you stuff some food into your mouth, otherwise, you'll be a sick bride! I made sure my fat azz ate plenty, but not so many brides think about it.

6)HAVE A 5 FT. RULE!: This is SO IMPORTANT. You and FH will have tons of family & friends who all want your time, but it's hard to see them all. So you'll be tempted to split up and handle your own guests separately. DO NOT DO THIS! If possible, hold each other's hands allllll nite at the reception, so you are always at each other's side. If this is too much, instill the 'five foot rule', and make sure that you are within 5 ft. of each other at all times. That way when they might need you for a dance, or speech...no need to hunt for each other. It was funny cause anytime DH wasn't right next to me, I'd shout: 'Where's my HUSBAND!?' And no matter what he was doing or talking to, he'd stop and say 'My wife is calling me!' and he would come running! It was adorable.

I'm sure I'll post more advice as I think of it!

ETA:
If you are marrying at the hall, do pics BEFORE: I know tradition is against me, but DH and I weren't marrying in a church, and therefore had no time gap. We saw each other beforehand and did 2 hrs of pics before the ceremony...and it was the best decision we ever made concerning the wedding. Our 'reveal' moment was so wonderful and its one of the best parts of the day for us. We were calm and there were less tears during the ceremony! (I'm a crier!) But it was so much more calming for both of us, and I am so glad we did it.

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Melissa..You are amazing..You had me laughing and crying all in one shot....You couldn't say this shi** any better...

Re: The Official 2007 'Already Married Brides' Advice Thread

Re: The Official 2007 'Already Married Brides' Advice Thread

OMG u could have not been more right about number 3!

Re: The Official 2007 'Already Married Brides' Advice Thread

Awesome thread Melissa! Thank you so much
I can't wait to throw my 2 cents in

Re: The Official 2007 'Already Married Brides' Advice Thread

Thanks so much ladies for the words of wisdom. I was not going to have a videographer but now I'm considering it.

Re: The Official 2007 'Already Married Brides' Advice Thread

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Posted by enjft

OMG u could have not been more right about number 3!

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Re: The Official 2007 'Already Married Brides' Advice Thread

Here are a few things I heard or would like to share in addition to the great ideas other 07ers had:

1. The best thing I heard was for photos chin down eyes up. The dreaded double chin did not make one appearance in any of my photos!

2. If your dress is off white try not to have anybody in your bridal party wear white. Have the GM wear a cream shirt and the flower girl in the same color as you or the BM. The difference between white and diamond white in person is so small but in pictures you can notice it and it makes the dress look dull.

3. Try to remember that your bridal party are the people you are closest to (in most cases). They are your friends and family you picked them for a reason. Also remember how much being in the wedding is costing them (dress, shoes, hair, makeup, shower, bachelor party and numerous gifts). If you need help ask them they may genuinely not know.

4. Tell FH not to call you the day before the wedding if he has any problems. You have enough stuff going on. Mine called me at 7pm, while I was trying to get a relaxing manicure and pedicure, to tell me the sleeves on his dads tuxedo shirt were too short. At 10am that day his dad said everything fit him fine. Did his arms grow? What was I going to do sew the man a new shirt?

5. Don’t be afraid to have different ideas. People will say that’s weird and give you negative opinions on stuff when you tell them about it. They can’t see the big picture like you can. If you like it go for it. On the day of people will love to see decorations, flowers, song choices, bridal attire that are so you and have a bit of personality to them.

6. This was my moms advice to me when I first started planning: It may be your day but your day is nothing without your guests. When you make decisions think of them as well. If they don’t have a good time you won’t have a good time.

Remember why you are getting married. Don’t focus on small things that didn’t go to plan nobody else can notice them. Have a great day, chin down eyes up and PARTY LIKE A ROCKSTAR.

Re: The Official 2007 'Already Married Brides' Advice Thread

This is an amazing thread...its being notebooked right now!

Re: The Official 2007 'Already Married Brides' Advice Thread

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Posted by MJDoc12

WOOHOOO!!!!!!! I'm a total old fart now!

Advice to give you ladies:

1)Give up control-being brides I know the idea of letting it go and just relinquishing control is hard, but you MUST do it. There is an eerie calm that comes over you about the nite before the wedding and continues on when you are getting ready.....and its very nice if you let it just flow! Have trust that you have planned every single moment and that it will go just fine.

2)DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF!: It is said over and over again, every single day, but I think people just forget it on the wedding day. But seriously, do NOT let things bother you that day. If there are like 5 roses missing from a CP or you found a small stain at the bottom of your dress that no one but you will notice...LET IT GO! The day goes by at lightning speed, and spending time focusing on things that just don't matter is time that you could be spending with your new husband. So if Aunt Sally shows up in some tacky outfit, just laugh it off and look at your husband and say 'I love you.'

3)Take it all in: Before the reception starts, ask to be taken into the room before the guests arrive and just take it in. We did this and I loved seeing each place setting all perfect, and all our hard work paying off. It was great just having him and I there and enjoying it all.

4)Sneak away: Right after the ceremony, DH and I ran into the bridal suite by ourselves. I was DYING to get take my slip off cause I was tripping on it like crazy. So while we were in there laughing and everything, it was a nice moment for just him and I. Make sure you have some time, just the two of you.

5)EAT!: Make sure you stuff some food into your mouth, otherwise, you'll be a sick bride! I made sure my fat azz ate plenty, but not so many brides think about it.

6)HAVE A 5 FT. RULE!: This is SO IMPORTANT. You and FH will have tons of family & friends who all want your time, but it's hard to see them all. So you'll be tempted to split up and handle your own guests separately. DO NOT DO THIS! If possible, hold each other's hands allllll nite at the reception, so you are always at each other's side. If this is too much, instill the 'five foot rule', and make sure that you are within 5 ft. of each other at all times. That way when they might need you for a dance, or speech...no need to hunt for each other. It was funny cause anytime DH wasn't right next to me, I'd shout: 'Where's my HUSBAND!?' And no matter what he was doing or talking to, he'd stop and say 'My wife is calling me!' and he would come running! It was adorable.

I'm sure I'll post more advice as I think of it!

ETA:
If you are marrying at the hall, do pics BEFORE: I know tradition is against me, but DH and I weren't marrying in a church, and therefore had no time gap. We saw each other beforehand and did 2 hrs of pics before the ceremony...and it was the best decision we ever made concerning the wedding. Our 'reveal' moment was so wonderful and its one of the best parts of the day for us. We were calm and there were less tears during the ceremony! (I'm a crier!) But it was so much more calming for both of us, and I am so glad we did it.

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totally LOVE that 5 ft rule....how bout 1 inch instead

Re: The Official 2007 'Already Married Brides' Advice Thread

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Posted by MeNBobs

6. This was my moms advice to me when I first started planning: It may be your day but your day is nothing without your guests. When you make decisions think of them as well. If they don’t have a good time you won’t have a good time.

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AMEN!! Soooo many girls on this site play the 'its your day, do what makes YOU happy'.. but really, your guests care about you and you should show them some respect when it comes to planning. i.e. not have a 5 hour break between the church and reception, having a convenient hotel for OOT guests, etc.

Re: The Official 2007 'Already Married Brides' Advice Thread

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Posted by JennyAl

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Posted by MJDoc12

WOOHOOO!!!!!!! I'm a total old fart now!

Advice to give you ladies:

1)Give up control-being brides I know the idea of letting it go and just relinquishing control is hard, but you MUST do it. There is an eerie calm that comes over you about the nite before the wedding and continues on when you are getting ready.....and its very nice if you let it just flow! Have trust that you have planned every single moment and that it will go just fine.

2)DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF!: It is said over and over again, every single day, but I think people just forget it on the wedding day. But seriously, do NOT let things bother you that day. If there are like 5 roses missing from a CP or you found a small stain at the bottom of your dress that no one but you will notice...LET IT GO! The day goes by at lightning speed, and spending time focusing on things that just don't matter is time that you could be spending with your new husband. So if Aunt Sally shows up in some tacky outfit, just laugh it off and look at your husband and say 'I love you.'

3)Take it all in: Before the reception starts, ask to be taken into the room before the guests arrive and just take it in. We did this and I loved seeing each place setting all perfect, and all our hard work paying off. It was great just having him and I there and enjoying it all.

4)Sneak away: Right after the ceremony, DH and I ran into the bridal suite by ourselves. I was DYING to get take my slip off cause I was tripping on it like crazy. So while we were in there laughing and everything, it was a nice moment for just him and I. Make sure you have some time, just the two of you.

5)EAT!: Make sure you stuff some food into your mouth, otherwise, you'll be a sick bride! I made sure my fat azz ate plenty, but not so many brides think about it.

6)HAVE A 5 FT. RULE!: This is SO IMPORTANT. You and FH will have tons of family & friends who all want your time, but it's hard to see them all. So you'll be tempted to split up and handle your own guests separately. DO NOT DO THIS! If possible, hold each other's hands allllll nite at the reception, so you are always at each other's side. If this is too much, instill the 'five foot rule', and make sure that you are within 5 ft. of each other at all times. That way when they might need you for a dance, or speech...no need to hunt for each other. It was funny cause anytime DH wasn't right next to me, I'd shout: 'Where's my HUSBAND!?' And no matter what he was doing or talking to, he'd stop and say 'My wife is calling me!' and he would come running! It was adorable.

I'm sure I'll post more advice as I think of it!

ETA:
If you are marrying at the hall, do pics BEFORE: I know tradition is against me, but DH and I weren't marrying in a church, and therefore had no time gap. We saw each other beforehand and did 2 hrs of pics before the ceremony...and it was the best decision we ever made concerning the wedding. Our 'reveal' moment was so wonderful and its one of the best parts of the day for us. We were calm and there were less tears during the ceremony! (I'm a crier!) But it was so much more calming for both of us, and I am so glad we did it.

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totally LOVE that 5 ft rule....how bout 1 inch instead

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Agreed!!

Re: The Official 2007 'Already Married Brides' Advice Thread

I just want to say again: this is so helpful....
especial for someone with only a couple weeks left until the big day!!!

Re: The Official 2007 'Already Married Brides' Advice Thread

bump - Ladies please keep it coming.

Re: The Official 2007 'Already Married Brides' Advice Thread

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Posted by cherish83

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Posted by MJDoc12

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Posted by melbalalala
.....
DH and I snuck off to the bridal suite so that I could pee. He helped me get out of my dress and we had quite a giggle at my expense with half a dress and my 'something blue' undies running to the bathroom. It was really nice!

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hahaha!!! i had to pee too...right before the ceremony! my BM and MOH had to help me in the bathroom, pull down my pantyhose...underwear...position myself on the toilet...and then try and wipe & get everything back together! after which i announced, 'I am NOT doing that again!' and i didn't, i went without the bathroom for about 12 more hours, when i finally took my gown off!

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I am sooo worried about that!!! I go almost every hour!!!!!

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Me too!! I'll have to lay off the water that night I guess