***Lists are your friends. Make lists now, while you are relaxed and have time to add things as they pop into your head. Have a reception list, a ceremony site list, a purse list, an emergency kit list, whatever list you want, but most importantly a PHONE list. They really help when you have a lot going on the day-of.
I lost my phone the night before the wedding and my phone list SAVED me. It was also really helpful the day-of because I had no time to call or text ANYONE including FI. I would hand my phone list over to my BM and say, "text Dean, this, this, and this"
*** Make a tiny list of people or couples you would like pictures with that AREN'T direct family. Specifically OOT guests. I really wish I would have done this. I had quite a few elderly guests come from a few states over and I got 0 pics with them. Think about people you don't see very often. Mentally prepare yourself to grab people and 'force' them into photos.
*** I was pretty surprised how many people looked to me for direction (like I was the queen!) when I had a hard enough time directing myself. Because of this I missed out on a lot of important family S.O.'s in pictures because I would shout out "Wedding Party over here!" all the time, they didn't think that meant them. Include couples. Try to take pictures with couples and families separately, rather than gigantic group shots (that never turn out perfect anyway).
***DIY girls: listen up! Anything you think you are doing 48 hours before the wedding, let it GO. No really, I'm talking to you. Don't do it. No one will know the difference and you will be stressing yourself FOR NO REASON.
*** Speaking of no one knowing the difference: -I forgot my garter :( which made me really sad. A friend made me one out of ribbon and a flower just for the toss, and it was awesome.
-Ringbearers didn't have a pillow, big whoop, they just walked and were super cute.
-Didn't have a cake topper, again, big whoop, no one noticed. These are all little things.
And Finally, the tough one:
*** You cannot control the behaviors or attitudes of ANY one in your wedding. You control you and your reaction. I assumed everyone was going to be happy and helpful, but this was not the case. I had drama within couples in my party, and my brother was on the brink of a mental breakdown all day (?!). It makes me really sad my brother isn't in ANY group photos.
But I prevailed with my positive attitude. Anything or anyone negative I actively ignored. People couldn't stop telling me how happy I looked and they were right! Despite the few bumps (and there were very few) I had an amazing day, and besides maybe 10-20 more photos with certain people, I have no regrets and would have done everything the same.
I'm not saying any of this to freak you out. I'm just mentally preparing you for the what if's that I never considered. Like I know all my fellow August girls said (we come from a VERY chill board) RELAX, SMILE, KISS, HUG, LOVE, EAT CAKE.
Think about your amazing FI. Remember why you are there. Take inventory of the moment right before you walk down the aisle. Notice the decorations, the family, the breeze, how you feel. Let the small stuff go, love will always prevail.
-Kelly
grassgreenlove.weebly.com (married)
grassgreenwedding.weebly.com (planning and ridic DIY)
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