Seven Dos
1. Work out your budget and establish your top priorities – where to save/where to splurge.
2. Find ideas – start browsing Pinterest, facebook, bridal blogs and magazines to identify your wedding style and color palette.
3. Do be upfront with all of your vendors about what you do and don’t want at your wedding.
For example, provide a “don’t play” list to your DJ or band and a “must take” list for your photographer so everything is exactly as you envisioned it.
4. Think of ways to make a mark on your day that is unique to you and reme bered. Introduce something that you both love in your day. It’s your day as a couple, design it to reflect your personalities.
5. Tell your story in the ceremony – recall key memorable moments; how you met; the proposal. Think about telling it as if it’s a fairytale – "Once upon a time, boy meets girl…"; include pet peeves and quirks about each other along the way. Involve friends and family to recall the stories.
6. Personalise your vows – I have included some vows on my Pinterest board as inspiration. Most couples write their vows in secret for each other – along with the underlying promises you make to each other include something personal about what you mean to one another.
7. Spend plenty of time with your new husband at the reception; if your guests want to chat with you, they will find you.
Final Word
Remember Research, research, research. Reviews are a wonderful thing and by and large if you have great food and a stocked bar your wedding guests will be happy.
Seven Don'ts
1. Don’t worry about the weather – it is the only thing that is out of your control.
2. Don’t Forget to breathe and enjoy the day.
3. Don’t let anyone dictate your wedding plans.
4. Not all of your guests eat meat, don’t forget the vegetarians!
5. Don't be afraid to give your speakers a suggested time limit for their toasts; five minutes is a good rule of thumb to stick to. Your guests will thank you, and it will keep your reception feeling more like a party and less like a presentation.
6. Don't feel like you have to stick to either traditional wedding customs or current trends; it’s your day – you get to decide what happens!
7. Don't sweat the small stuff! Be prepared for some things to go wrong. But remember that it won’t be a big deal when they do. Whatever it is, you’ll look back on it and laugh, so enjoy your day in spite of whatever didn’t go as planned.