What I WISH I Would Have Done...Some POST-Wedding Hints...

Now that my wedding day has come and gone, there are a few things I WISH I had done, but didn't do. I thought I'd pass them along to you, so you can avoid having the same regrets.

#1: Have a BACKUP place for your pictures! We planned to take our pictures at Planting Fields Arboretum. Unfortunately, it rained that day, and I had never arranged a Plan B for a backup. We ended up having to take the pictures in the studio in front of a brown/beige background! I was SO disappointed! Hopefully they won't be too bad. We'll see.... This is my BIGGEST regret.

#2: Have the DJ make an announcement during the reception to remind people to sign the guest book or participate in any other special things you have at your reception. A lot of people miss or overlook things when they are concentrating on finding their placecards and their seats.

#3: If you are doing menus, have more than 2 per table. I thought 2 would be enough, but it turned out that several people didn't realize that Surf & Turf was a choice of entree, and ordered something else. You would think 2 per table is fine! I guess some people don't pay too much attention to things. I would say a minimum of 4 menus per table is best, and if you can do one menu per guest, even better!!

#4: Give the photographer a list of special shots you want to get. I don't mean the obvious 'bride and groom cutting cake' stuff. I mean anything really special, or specific to your catering hall. For example, if your place has a cool fountain and you want a picture with it, let the photographer know! There are a few pictures I wish we would have gotten, and the day just goes so fast, and you are SO busy that you don't have time to say, 'Hey, how about a shot over there...'

#5: Don't spend too much time at the tables! I know you're supposed to stop at each one, but let me tell you, there is usually one VERY talkative person at each table, and if they get your ear, you can get stuck and 'waste' too much time! Think of a polite and gracious way to make your exit from situations like that BEFORE the big day, so you are prepared for it.

#6: Try to have someone in charge of all the details on your wedding day. Especially when you are getting ready. I basically had to handle EVERYTHING that day, and was getting phone calls when my hair and makeup was being done. The photographer, videographer, limo company all were calling because of the rain, and I had to take all the calls, and then make follow-up calls, and it was just a nightmare!! You don't need the extra stress. So designate a person to do it for you before the day arrives.

#7: Bring a bottle of water!!!!! Especially to your pictures!!!! You will get dry mouth like you won't believe! It's from nerves and excitement and all the running around.

#8: Refuse to let anything upset you that day. This is something I DID do, and have no regrets about it. Take everything in stride and stay flexible. There may be some last minute changes due to weather or some other unforeseen problem. Don't freak out. Everything will work out and your day won't be ruined. SAVOR every moment. Stop and just look around several times and take it all in. Remember the reason why you are doing all this. Keep your mind on what's important, and let the rest go.

HAPPY PLANNING!!!