My advice for Future Brides!!!!

Hey everyone!!! I cannot sleep and thought I would post some advice while everything is still fresh in my head!!!!! Its lonnng but important so pls read!!!

See FH before your ceremony - (if u r getting married on site) this was one of the best decisions we made! It took the stress off me and we got so many pictures done!!!! We also got to cocktail hour for a little bit!!!! It was still so very special and do not let anyone tell u different! I know alot of people say its not traditional yada yada yada and it was a hard decision for the both of us but such a good one. It was still such a very special moment. We both shed alot of tears at the reveal and again when I walked down the aisle. Also we did our reveal privately with no one around (execpt the photographer but she stayed back a bit).

Write your own vows - this was so special and really personalized our ceremony!!! People went crazy over it and there wasn't a dry eye in the house!!!!! I hate public speaking but something took over me and got me through it!!!

After your ceremony go up to your Bridal Suite to eat and have alone time with DH - we did not want to do this but our Maitre D strongly advised it and we were sooo happy we did! Once we actually went to cocktail hour we were bombarded and never even made it 10 feet into the room!!!

Try to eat the few weeks before your wedding - I had serious appetite issues and lost 3-4 lbs (not a lot but made a huge difference in how my dress fit). My dress felt a bit loose but due to other dress issues they couldnt do much. Thank god I had a halter strap to keep that puppy up during dancing

Hire a band - preferably Code Bleu! They are expensive but money well spent! So many people told us they were the best band they have ever heard (including several family members who r in bands)! They covered so many songs so good and really made our party!!! When u find a band that can cover Andrea Bocelli (our band) and get a standing ovation from your guests.. You will not have any regrets!! This was hands down the BEST decision we made!!!

Put out all items u want photographed...shoes, garter, invitation, etc - the morning was crazy and I am glad I had it out to be photographed.

Do a flip flop basket - I had 70 flip flops and they went like hot cakes! FH was weary about it at first thinking no one would want them but boy was he wrong!!! So many people said it was such a good idea!

Do bring a tide pen - my roses stained the top of my dress in a few spots but the tide pen took it out like magic!

Watch out for people with brooches on their dresses - my mom had a gorgeous brooch on her dress but unfortunately it TORE my dress and made runs all over. Yikes! I let it go bc pics were done already!

Have a day in between your wedding and honeymoon - thank god for this...gave us time to rest, relax, pack and open gifts!!!

I did OOT boxes - pics in DIY album. People loved them and were so thankful!

A day wedding was the way to go for me! It was early for me and my guests but I enjoyed the price benefits!!! Plus my RH has great views and people loved the scenery. I personally loved all the natural light in the room...it looked so gorgeous and will make for great pics!!! Also we had over 80 OOT guests so we had plenty of time to hang out with everone at the after party!!!

EAT! We sat and ate every course and that allowed for us to have some alone time!!!

Write in a journal - I started this too late but am glad I have something! Everything goes so fast and u should write about your planning and all the precious days before your wedding!!!

Spend a few minutes with your dad (or who walks u down the aisle)...this was advice given to me a few days ago and I took it!!!!

Do not have too many people at your house when u r getting ready...this stressed me a bit - it was only my sisters bf and fiances plus grandparents but it was just a lot and made me stressed!!! Plus we were a few minutes behind...so that gave me anxiety! But all was ok!!!

Ummmmmm - I think that is it for now...sorry its long but hope it helps!!!