• The Knot
  • The Nest
  • The Bump
  • The Blush
Local Wedding Boards
Cat:Local Wedding Boards
Married Ladies: I wish
Pennsylvania-Philadelphia
Married Ladies: I wish
<p>Hey Philly brides and grooms! Chat here about local vendors, wedding tips, Knottie GTGs, and general wedding planning in your area.</p>
Hello! Since there are quite a few married ladies on this board, I was hoping to pick your brains.&nbsp; Just wondering... what one piece of advice you would give to someone planning their wedding.&nb
0
False
Pennsylvania-Philadelphia
Married Ladies: I wish
<p>Hey Philly brides and grooms! Chat here about local vendors, wedding tips, Knottie GTGs, and general wedding planning in your area.</p>
Hello! Since there are quite a few married ladies on this board, I was hoping to pick your brains.&nbsp; Just wondering... what one piece of advice you would give to someone planning their wedding.&nb
0
Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:105
Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:105Discussion:200cf4d2-83c1-42ef-819a-564a0f05d785
Forums  >  Local Wedding Boards  >  Pennsylvania-Philadelphia  >  Married Ladies: I wish
You must be logged in to contribute. Log in | Register
 
 1 2 3 >> Last

Married Ladies: I wish

posted at 2/4/2010 8:10 AM EST on theknot.com
Joined on
07-30-2009
PHILADELPHIA
9274845478023485
Posts: 5445
First: 10/8/2009

Last: 2/16/2012


Hello! Since there are quite a few married ladies on this board, I was hoping to pick your brains.  Just wondering... what one piece of advice you would give to someone planning their wedding.  I'm not talking "I wish I had taken it all in more."  I mean specifics like: "I wish I hadn't spent $200 on cocktail napkins becuase no one noticed and I have a ton leftover." or "I wish I hadn't spent so much time doing a photo guestbook because people only used 2 out of 20 pages to sign."

What would you have done differently? What would have not stressed so much about or spent so much time/money/energy on?

Thanks!
 Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker

Re: Married Ladies: I wish

posted at 2/4/2010 8:22 AM EST on theknot.com
Joined on
07-01-2008
PHILADELPHIA
8989505144252031
Posts: 4721
First: 8/28/2009

Last: 5/17/2012


this is the best question ever. 

Please ladies, spill.
Mrs. JEGs
est 7.17.10
Look out! Here comes the Spider Bubs!
Image and video hosting by TinyPic

Lizzie In Progress

Re: Married Ladies: I wish

posted at 2/4/2010 9:16 AM EST on theknot.com
Joined on
02-11-2007
PHILADELPHIA
7749068212031064
Posts: 6819
First: 7/19/2009

Last: 5/11/2012


not so much an "I wish" but more of an "I'm glad I didn't"...

I'm glad I didn't spend a shitton of money on flowers or paper products.  These are the two things that get tossed first.  I DIY'd my seating chart and didn't go overboard with invites and programs.  Mine were simple but pretty, also pretty much DIY'd but printed through other companies. 

As far as flowers go, as long as my bouquet was what I wanted, I honestly didn't care so much about the BMs, as long as they were presentable and photo-friendly. 

Re: Married Ladies: I wish

posted at 2/4/2010 9:25 AM EST on theknot.com
Joined on
02-11-2007
PHILADELPHIA
7749068212031064
Posts: 6819
First: 7/19/2009

Last: 5/11/2012


I lied.  I do have one wish.  I wish I had ignored DH and hired a DOC.  I wanted to book Proud to Plan so bad and I should have trusted my gut and booked her.

Re: Married Ladies: I wish

posted at 2/4/2010 9:32 AM EST on theknot.com
Joined on
08-07-2006
LEHIGH VALLEY/POCONOS
670180750006560
Posts: 180
First: 7/20/2009

Last: 9/7/2011


This is a good one...

I wish that I wouldn't have let my bridal party go when we got to the cocktail reception and taken more group photos and family photos.

I wish that I didn't let my FI talk me into a different florist after I booked one. It cost me $200 extra bucks b/c I lost the deposit on the florist I booked and the second one sucked!

I wish I didn't spend all the time and money on DIY table numbers. People didn't even notice them.

Re: Married Ladies: I wish

posted at 2/4/2010 9:35 AM EST on theknot.com
Joined on
08-30-2008
PHILADELPHIA
5176557120758750
Posts: 1517
First: 7/20/2009

Last: 1/15/2012


I wish I hadn't done photosharing cards, they were a waste and no one used them and they just cluttered the tables.

I wish I had put my foot down with our photographer about the location for outdoor pictures, I trusted his advice and the sun set while we were in the limo and we missed our photo op, just like I feared we might.

I wish I had picked a different bridesmaid, one girl annoyed the crap out of me the day before and the day of and I should have seen it coming.  If you have a friend who's chronically late and not always dependable, do not ask them to be in your bridal party no matter how much you love them.

I wish I'd tucked a kleenex or handkerchief somewhere in my dress so I didn't have to wipe my gross runny nose with my hand in the beginning of the ceremony after standing outside in the cold for 10 minutes.  DH didn't really appreciate that one either.

These are all pretty minor things though, in general all the prep and obsessing was worth it and we had a great day.

Re: Married Ladies: I wish

posted at 2/4/2010 9:37 AM EST on theknot.com
Joined on
08-30-2008
PHILADELPHIA
5176557120758750
Posts: 1517
First: 7/20/2009

Last: 1/15/2012


Oh oh and one more -- I wish we hadn't brought the ring bearer on the limo bus with us or included him in the bridal party area at the beginning of cocktail hour.  He's 9 and FMIL thought it'd be "a treat" to give him 2 cups of coffee and I wanted to murder him.

Re: Married Ladies: I wish

posted at 2/4/2010 10:13 AM EST on theknot.com
Joined on
12-11-2008
PHILADELPHIA
5612646184961688
Posts: 4079
First: 7/20/2009

Last: 5/14/2012


I wish:
- I had asked the photog and videographer to go around table to table to take photos of guests.  I have a lot of great photos of us, but am missing some of some key guests who I'll want to remember down the road.
- I hadn't asked a certain BM to be involved.  I had a gut feeling, but asked her anyway when we were out one day.  I should have waited longer before deciding, and I know I would have picked a different girl over her.  The BM ended up doing NADA for the wedding and even pulled some drama at the reception.  Now I look at my photos and feel slightly upset she was in it.
- Hiring a better more expensive photog was worth the money, so anyone thinking on skimping on photography - don't do it!  Not worth it.  
-Hiring a videographer last minute was totally worth it too.  I didnt think it was needed, but I am obsessed with watching my rep video and don't know what I would do without it.  
-Part of me thinks a sit down dinner is over rated and when I see photos from J&P's wedding I think I could have had just as classy of a wedding with more time for dancing by just keeping cocktail hour open the whole time, especially since our cocktail hour was kick-ass.  Although I doubt the venue would have allowed this, and that would have been a deal breaker because I love our venue.  
-I wish I would have tried to dance more with DH during the reception - I got distracted and was dancing more with friends and so there are barely any photos of he and I dancing except for our first dance.  
Someone doesn't quite fit..

 BabyFruit Ticker

Re: Married Ladies: I wish

posted at 2/4/2010 10:15 AM EST on theknot.com
Joined on
12-11-2008
PHILADELPHIA
5612646184961688
Posts: 4079
First: 7/20/2009

Last: 5/14/2012


Oh and also - Save the dates were a total waste of money.  We ordered about 100 and I think we seriously gave out about 10 of them.  We kept forgetting and then eventually it was just too late.  
Someone doesn't quite fit..

 BabyFruit Ticker

Re: Married Ladies: I wish

posted at 2/4/2010 10:28 AM EST on theknot.com
Joined on
07-30-2009
PHILADELPHIA
9274845478023485
Posts: 5445
First: 10/8/2009

Last: 2/16/2012


These are great, please keep them coming!

delicatefew - were the photosharing cards a total wash? Did anyone upload pics?  I've been wanting to do that, but I wonder if people really do take the cards home and load up their pics to flickr, etc.
 Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker

Re: Married Ladies: I wish

posted at 2/4/2010 10:36 AM EST on theknot.com
Joined on
06-22-2009
PHILADELPHIA
4444812615401857
Posts: 2576
First: 9/24/2009

Last: 6/3/2011


caraellen-- my cousin did a cool idea in alternative to the photocards....a couple weeks after the wedding they sent out an email/facebook message to their quests with the website and said 'Thanks for coming- we'd love to see our wedding from your eyes! share your photos with us so we can add them to our album!'

it saved money on the cards-- and also since people were already at their computer, they were like 'oh, i'll upload them now since I'm already on'

Re: Married Ladies: I wish

posted at 2/4/2010 10:43 AM EST on theknot.com
Joined on
06-26-2008
PHILADELPHIA
6667500870130156
Posts: 10029
First: 6/22/2009

Last: 11/4/2011


This post is awesome.

09.25.10


DCPA 5k - 31:22 - Instant PR
MCM 10k - 1:08:37 - Instant PR

Re: Married Ladies: I wish

posted at 2/4/2010 11:19 AM EST on theknot.com
Joined on
07-01-2008
PHILADELPHIA
8989505144252031
Posts: 4721
First: 8/28/2009

Last: 5/17/2012


>>I wish I hadn't done photosharing cards, they were a waste and no one used them and they just cluttered the tables.<<

 I kinda thought about doing this, but then I figured everyone would upload them to Facebook.  I'm glad you posted this because it really cements my decision.
Mrs. JEGs
est 7.17.10
Look out! Here comes the Spider Bubs!
Image and video hosting by TinyPic

Lizzie In Progress

Re: Married Ladies: I wish

posted at 2/4/2010 11:39 AM EST on theknot.com
Joined on
12-11-2008
PHILADELPHIA
5612646184961688
Posts: 4079
First: 7/20/2009

Last: 5/14/2012


I am putting my photosharing cards in with my thank you notes, I figure it'll remind them and since it's after the fact they will have more time to do it now that most likely the photos are already uploaded on their computers.. I'll report back and let you know if it works.  and yes, I am a slacker and it's been 3 months and we haven't mailed out the thank you cards yet, I know I know I know... we're doing it this weekend!
Someone doesn't quite fit..

 BabyFruit Ticker

Re: Married Ladies: I wish

posted at 2/4/2010 12:05 PM EST on theknot.com
Joined on
12-20-2009
5820969042758860
Posts: 1811
First: 12/31/2009

Last: 10/12/2011


In Response to Re: Married Ladies: I wish:
I am putting my photosharing cards in with my thank you notes, I figure it'll remind them and since it's after the fact they will have more time to do it now that most likely the photos are already uploaded on their computers.. I'll report back and let you know if it works.  and yes, I am a slacker and it's been 3 months and we haven't mailed out the thank you cards yet, I know I know I know... we're doing it this weekend!
Posted by ooodsie


I like this idea.  I was really set on doing some sort of photosharing card.  PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell us how this works

Re: Married Ladies: I wish

posted at 2/4/2010 12:07 PM EST on theknot.com
Joined on
08-07-2006
LEHIGH VALLEY/POCONOS
670180750006560
Posts: 180
First: 7/20/2009

Last: 9/7/2011


ooodsie - don't worry, it took me 3 months to get mine out too. I think I might still have 1 or 2 to send. It took FOREVER!

Re: Married Ladies: I wish

posted at 2/4/2010 12:18 PM EST on theknot.com
Joined on
02-21-2009
SOUTH JERSEY
9381708259397624
Posts: 6496
First: 9/21/2009

Last: 5/19/2012


Thank you so much for this post!

Re: Married Ladies: I wish

posted at 2/4/2010 1:57 PM EST on theknot.com
Joined on
06-22-2006
PHILADELPHIA
267454937507127
Posts: 1378
First: 7/20/2009

Last: 5/14/2012


I wish I got a better photogrpher.
I'm so glad I didn't waste money on napkins, huge flowers or anything like that I or no one else would remember or care about.
I am so glad I made my ring bearer pillow, guestbook, unity candle and a couple of other things to make it more personal.
I am so glad I was able to take each moment in the whole day.
I am so glad I got pictures at the salon in the morning with the girls.
I am so glad I waited a day before leaving for our honeymoon.

Re: Married Ladies: I wish

posted at 2/4/2010 2:09 PM EST on theknot.com
Joined on
06-26-2008
PHILADELPHIA
6667500870130156
Posts: 10029
First: 6/22/2009

Last: 11/4/2011


In Response to Re: Married Ladies: I wish:
I wish I got a better photogrpher. I'm so glad I didn't waste money on napkins, huge flowers or anything like that I or no one else would remember or care about. I am so glad I made my ring bearer pillow, guestbook, unity candle and a couple of other things to make it more personal. I am so glad I was able to take each moment in the whole day. I am so glad I got pictures at the salon in the morning with the girls. I am so glad I waited a day before leaving for our honeymoon.
Posted by ValAndRyan


I'm so glad to hear this - this is our plan, also.

09.25.10


DCPA 5k - 31:22 - Instant PR
MCM 10k - 1:08:37 - Instant PR

Re: Married Ladies: I wish

posted at 2/4/2010 2:34 PM EST on theknot.com
Joined on
02-11-2007
PHILADELPHIA
7749068212031064
Posts: 6819
First: 7/19/2009

Last: 5/11/2012


also, I got a few people that uploaded their pics to our website so it was worth it to me.

Re: Married Ladies: I wish

posted at 2/4/2010 4:18 PM EST on theknot.com
Joined on
05-16-2008
UPSTATE NEW YORK
9100465472727031
Posts: 402
First: 1/17/2010

Last: 1/2/2012


ohh oohh... i love this, this should seriously be a saved, easy to access post,  open for people to contioually add to!  Maybe like create a new one for every 6months to a year or so.  (b/c obviously trends and opinions will change).  
  
Wedding Countdown Ticker

Re: Married Ladies: I wish

posted at 2/4/2010 4:37 PM EST on theknot.com
Joined on
12-11-2008
PHILADELPHIA
5612646184961688
Posts: 4079
First: 7/20/2009

Last: 5/14/2012


ditto waiting a day to leave on the honeymoon.  the day after the wedding was spent in our hotel room relaxing, catching up with friends who were leaving from out of town, etc.
Someone doesn't quite fit..

 BabyFruit Ticker

Re: Married Ladies: I wish

posted at 2/4/2010 4:41 PM EST on theknot.com
Joined on
02-08-2002
DC AREA
486151750001880
Posts: 525
First: 7/20/2009

Last: 2/16/2011


I wish...

 I wish I would have put a coat on my niece and picked her up outside to get a few cute/looking at the camera/being silly with each other pictures.  I have photos of us but she looks like she's freezing and unhappy. : (

I also wish I didn't tell me sister it was ok for her (niece)  to go home to the babysitter after the ceremony and before the rest of our formal shots cause I really would have liked her to be in them, and I think I could have gotten the photos I wanted then with her as well.

I wish my sister in law would have taken her hand off her dress and stopped holding it up in almost ALL of the formal shots and a lot of the candid.  I'm not sure why she was doing that, but ARGH! 

I love our photo station and I wish I would have taken more advantage of it myself!!

I loved our photo share cards, they were simple and easy.

I wish I would have reminded someone to grab our place cards (I had movie tickets printed and they were awesome!) I assumed someone would do it, but no one did :(

I wish DH and I would have gotten to eat a full piece of cake!  My guests were cake nazis and took all of it!!  The only bit I got was icing smashed in my face. 

I'm also so glad we didn't leave for our honeymoon until Sunday (we got married on a Friday)

I'm so glad DH and I stayed at a bed and breakfast while the rest of our OOT guests stayed at another hotel.  We had the entire place to ourselves and it was awesome! 

I'm also really glad we got creative with our photos. 

And lastly, I'm so glad I was as relaxed as I was.  I really did enjoy the entire day.  I left things in the hands of our vendors with my sister and a doc as contacts and it was perfect.

Re: Married Ladies: I wish

posted at 2/4/2010 8:09 PM EST on theknot.com
Joined on
06-05-2009
PHILADELPHIA
7615797906941735
Posts: 1481
First: 8/11/2009

Last: 3/8/2012


I love this post.  I wouldn't like to wait 6 months for the next one though, how about in like 2?

Philly Sig Challenge

Image and video hosting by TinyPic
For Sale

magicalkingdoms.com Ticker

Re: Married Ladies: I wish

posted at 2/4/2010 9:58 PM EST on theknot.com
Joined on
05-16-2008
UPSTATE NEW YORK
9100465472727031
Posts: 402
First: 1/17/2010

Last: 1/2/2012


haha... no i mean to continue this one for 6 months, then create a new one and archive it so people can look back if needed too. 
Although after 6 months of a post, i'm sure it'd be wicked long.

eh, sounded better in my head i guess!Laughing
Wedding Countdown Ticker

Re: Married Ladies: I wish

posted at 2/4/2010 10:21 PM EST on theknot.com
Joined on
07-30-2009
PHILADELPHIA
9274845478023485
Posts: 5445
First: 10/8/2009

Last: 2/16/2012


Glad you all like the post! I LOVE the advice you all have given.  I'm not sure who the moderator currently is, but maybe you can make this post a sticky so it stays at the top?  Just a suggestion based on PPs. 
 Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker

Re: Married Ladies: I wish

posted at 2/4/2010 10:52 PM EST on theknot.com
Joined on
07-30-2009
PHILADELPHIA
9274845478023485
Posts: 5445
First: 10/8/2009

Last: 2/16/2012


I'm glad a few of you have mentioned waiting to leave for your honeymoon. Did it make a difference where you were going?  We are considering Greece as an option and they are overnight flights.  Not sure if we'd leave Sunday night after a Saturday wedding or Monday night.  I just sort of hate the idea of going back home before the hm, but don't want to pay another night's hotel here.
 Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker

Re: Married Ladies: I wish

posted at 2/5/2010 3:31 PM EST on theknot.com
Joined on
01-06-2010
PHILADELPHIA
7998983888572869
Posts: 102
First: 1/10/2010

Last: 6/17/2010


Hey Ooods - thanks!

Now my list - the only thing I would do differently if I could....

-I wish I would have started our wedding and reception an hour or two earlier. The 4 hours at our reception flew by and I missed a lot, I wish it was 5 or 6 hours like most.

The things I look back on that were the best decisions I made.....

-Hiring a DOC/wedding planner. Erin Proud was awesome, I didn't worry about a thing ALL day. She had everything under control down to my upset stomach issues and dirt on my dress. Definitely worth every penny.
-Hiring someone to do my hair & makeup The Day After. I was completely exhausted and my eyes were like little slits. I hired someone to come to the hotel at 7:30 and she made me look bright-eyed and bushy-tailed even though I was dead tired.
-Hiring a videographer. It was an expense we weren't going to have but Erin talked me into it. I'm so glad she did. My hubby and I have had a blast watching the video.

Re: Married Ladies: I wish

posted at 2/5/2010 9:34 PM EST on theknot.com
Joined on
08-10-2009
PHILADELPHIA
5211855332944454
Posts: 756
First: 12/8/2009

Last: 11/10/2010


This post is fantabulous!  I have been draggin my feet with the whole STD cards and now I think I will scrap the idea all together. 
Wedding Countdown Ticker

Re: Married Ladies: I wish

posted at 2/5/2010 11:56 PM EST on theknot.com
Joined on
01-14-2009
PHILADELPHIA
5781772413835293
Posts: 3661
First: 7/20/2009

Last: 9/8/2011


Totally bookmarked this post.  I think it's one of the best posts I have seen on TK period.  Hands down, awesome.
 1 2 3 >> Last

My Viewing Preferences

Show user signatures

planning a wedding in philadelphia?

Find wedding venues, photographers, florists, and more in our local vendor guides:

shop personalized
favors, gifts & more

Shop Now
The Knot Wedding Shop