***QOTD 12/21***

Since Christmas often brings several new brides to these boards, what is one piece of advice you would give to someone just starting to plan their LI wedding?

FH actually wanted to answer this for me since we are currently in the car together headed from NC to NY lol... He says be picky and hold out for what you want. Long Island has so much to offer in this arena you can really have any wedding you ever dreamed of.

I definitely agree with your FH! Unless you know exactly what or who you want, there's no rush in booking. I've heard of too many people who rush into a vendor thinking that they're going to be stuck with nothing and they end up being so unhappy.

A lot of vendors will try to rush you telling you that you should book today because they may be booked the next day for your same time, which is true, but I personally HATE feeling rushed. I would rather book with someone that maybe isn't overly popular but was patient with me and didn't make me feel rushed or obligated.

I would suggest definitely making a budget right off the bat and stick with it. It is easy to get sidetracked on getting things you love, but may be too expensive for your budget.

Don't let any vendor pressure you into booking. Take a deep breath and make smart decisions!

relax and take vacations in between!

it's been stressful at times and it's been so nice to just get away at times and not talk about the wedding for a few days or be planning it.

I can't wait until our last little vacation which will be an overnight in AC. just a whole day/night to ourselves before we come back and wedding 24/7 lol.

I agree with not letting vendors pressure you. I've had some tell me that they'd do something if I booked with them by a certain date, and I really wanted to shop around, ultimately not picking that vendor.

Also, if it makes sense, while taking your time to decide on your vendors, get all of the big things out of the way early. I booked the vendors that were most important to me first, this way I could guarantee that I could get who I wanted and that they would be available for my date. Its such a relief to have so many major checks completed more than a year before my date. :) It leaves lots of time to reflect and enjoy actually being engaged!!