For My Lovely Housewives To Be!

Within the last year my Facebook feed has completely blown up with Engagement announcements! It is sooooo exciting to see so many people who have been a part of my life, in one way or the other, heading down the aisle! Some I see regularly, others I haven't seen in 5 years, but regardless, I can't help but be excited for this adventure they are embarking on!

Nine months ago, June 11, 2011 to be exact, I walked down the aisle to my soul mate! Wow, nine months, where is the time going?! I still remember the whole planning process, the fun and the stress of it all. And while I would love to marry my husband EVERY year, nothing can replace that day where we officially became one united couple in front of all our family and friends! 

There were plenty of people (past brides) who gave me invaluable advice and now that I, myself, am a past bride, I want to pass some of it a long! Some of it I used and some of it I wish I had used! I've been there so I hope you really take a moment to listen and apply it if need be ;)

* Learn to say what you think and how you feel. This pertains to EVERYTHING. You will have a lot of people giving you their opinions and ideas. If you don't like those opinions and ideas that is OKAY! The wedding is about you and your significant other. If it does not involve details that y'all both want it won't be original to y'all! Obviously you should be kind about it, but let people know that you appreciate their input but you believe "such and such" (which is what you and your Mr. want) would be best. Not only does this apply to people's input, it also applies to how people are making you feel in general. If someone in your family or bridal party is making you feel as though "they just aren't into it" for you both, talk to them about it! It is so much better to speak and express how you are feeling than to keep it all bottled up. You never know, their inability to be genuinely excited could be a result of feelings they may be bottling up, or they may not even realize they seem less than excited for such an important day. The point is, communicate how you feel. No one can hate you for that, and if they do, well that's their problem. 

* Take a breather during your reception. The day of your wedding is a whirlwind, and because of that, I completely understand the importance of hiring a fabulous photographer, and in our case a videographer! It is insane how much you miss! During your reception take your groom and sneak away! Preferably where you can see everyone from afar! Relax, Breathe, and take in everything that is going on! ALL those people... they are there for y'all (possibly the free booze too). They are there to celebrate this wonderfully awesome day for just the two of you! Taking that breather really gives you a sense of appreciation for all of your family and friends who are there. 

* Don't sweat the small stuff... SERIOUSLY! This is where I may not have taken the advice like I should have! Point blank, I am a type A perfectionist. So I do stress the small things, however since being married I've actually improved greatly on this.  I won't go into detail about all the things I was freaking out over, but needless to say there were a few moments that I would have rather forgotten. In most cases I have forgotten because in the grand scheme of things our wedding was still perfect even if there were some behind the scene meltdowns! Not to mention, my pictures remind me constantly of how insanely perfect it was... thunderstorm and all! :) Even though I can look back on that day and still see it as perfect, I wish I wouldn't have let the small stuff bother me, because thinking about it all now, I'm reminded that it was sooooo pointless! No one is going to remember the small stuff, so seriously, what is the point in stressing it?! No point at all! So give yourself a break! 

* Don't be afraid to ask for help. I HATE asking for help! I am extremely independent and would much rather do things myself.  I also feel like I am bothering someone or being needy when I need assistance, but during the wedding planning process you do NEED those extra hands and help AND it's very much OKAY to ask, especially if people have offered! The majority of the time, they will drop what they are doing to help because they want to!! If you are stuck doing everything you will run yourself ragged! You will get exhausted from tying bows, hot gluing, painting, putting together favors for numerous guests, etc. by yourself! I promise you that! While I did have help (and I'm sooo grateful for that) I probably could have used more, but I didn't want to feel as though I was inconveniencing anyone. As I stated before, if they are willing to help it's because they want to, so take their help and run with it! 

* Create/Buy a wedding planning binder. This will keep you insanely organized. I had a binder, that my awesome photographer Dana Duncan gave me, stuffed with dividers and page protectors. I had ALL of my ideas organized into sections: Dresses, Groom and Groomsmen attire, Bridesmaid Attire, Flowers, Cakes, Wedding Decor, Reception Decor, Food, you get the picture. I also made sure I had all of my vendor contracts in there as well, so that they were easily accessible when needed. This made my life soooooo much easier! It was so nice to be able to pin point my ideas and wants when I had it all together in one spot! 

I really hope you gals take this to heart and use it during your planning process and on your wedding day!!! I wish all of you pure bliss and happiness as you make the best decision of your life! Being married to your true love is such a blessing that every gal should experience!

Happy Friday!! Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!! I'll leave you with one of my favorite photos from our wedding day!

Xoxo,