** I'm MARRIED Questionnaire**

rachi1285

BEFORE

1. How long did it really take you and your bridesmaids to finish getting ready?
maybe an hour and a half, most of the girls got halfway ready at home

 

2. Did your wedding party follow your timeline pretty well, or did your group end up falling behind?
We fell behind and finished pics late so were scrambling at the last minute. We started the wedding 15 minutes late.

 

3. What’s something you spent too much/too little money on?
Too much money (and heartache) on the kids favors, regular favors, programs - most people just left them on their tables and didn't bring them home!

 

4. What is one detail that you sort of overlooked that you wish you had paid more attention to? What is something that you put tons of effort into that ended up being mostly unnoticed?
I wish we'd have organized the reception better. We had no program scheduled so it turned out a little sloppy. And for some reason the microphone we ordered wasn't set up so we didn't have a mic for the toasts. We had made lots of lawn games but it was SO hot outside that only a few people were brave enough to leave the AC.

 

DURING

5. What was a small detail from you wedding that really had guests "oohing and ahhing"?
the family blessing (my husband has two young kids so we had my pastor pray a special prayer over all of us and he made it very personal)

 

6. Did you or your FI drink too much/too little/just right/not at all?
we didn't serve drinks at all

 

7. Was there a piece of music that surprised you as a hit at the reception? What were the guest favorites?
We didn't have a dance, just music playing in the background. I walked up the aisle with my dad to Etta James' At Last and our recessional song was the theme to Charlie Brown. People liked those.

 

8. Best compliment you got from a guest?
I've been to lots of weddings and your dress is by far the most beautiful I've ever seen.
Your vows were so heartfelt and touching (I'd somehow forgotten my vow at home so had to re-write from memory 5 min before the ceremony!)

 

9. If you didn't have a DOC, did you have much to worry about that day?
If I could do it over, I'd hire a DOC!!!!!!! I was not at all relaxed that morning. I was the contact for all venders, in charge of flower girl (my now step-daughter), re-train my brothers on ushering, corral the mothers and grandmothers for seating... plus the normal bride stuff!

 

AFTER

10. What was the best part about your big day?
Taking pictures with my hubby and wedding party. Our photog is awesome and made it really fun despite the heat.

 

11. What was something you were really stressing out about but turned out to be not a big deal/totally fine?  What is something that ended up being a waste of time or money?
The arbor and decorating it. We spent lots of money on fake flowers and renting an arbor. I ended up knowing a guest of a wedding that was going on while we were doing our rehearsal and he offered their arbor to us! It was way better than the rental one and we didn't have to transport it anywhere. Simple but pretty.

 

12. What time did you end up leaving the reception?
Like 6:45 I think. People only stayed a couple hours since we didn't have a dance, so we stayed to help clean up and then headed out.

 

13. What is the most important/first thing you did/needed to do once all of the wedding craziness subsided?
Take an Advil and sleep!

 

14. Who was your favorite vendor now that the wedding is done
Both Jeff Perila (baker) and Louise Kegley (tailor) were both very easy to contact and schedule things with. They were willing to do anything I asked, even last minute changes.

 

15. What was one highlight from the big day that will remain in your memory every time you think back on your wedding day?
I wouldn't call it a highlight, but we'll always remember the heat! My girls had to keep dabbing my face!

 

BONUS

16. Where did you go for your wedding night?
A cute B&B in Hastings that my parents picked out and paid for

 

17. How long did it take you or your FI to get all of the pins out of your hair on the wedding night?
prob 10 minutes - I made sure to take a pic of all of them!

 

18. What is one piece of advice you would offer to a bride on her wedding day?
delegate as much as you can on the day of - you'll have enough to think about with getting yourself ready and getting pictures done

graysquirrel

1. How long did it really take you and your bridesmaids to finish getting ready?
    This is really hard for me to answer since we were all running behind due to my salon having a mixup. I think it took us an hour?

 

2. Did your wedding party follow your timeline pretty well, or did your group end up falling behind?
    I made a meticulous timeline, but we got behind. Like I said, my salon had problems and it pushed us back by maybe an hour. We were able to get the things done that we needed, but we were behind.

 

3. What’s something you spent too much/too little money on?
   We spent too much on booze. We bought it all ourselves at Sams Club and ended up buying way too much. We should have known that people would drink less on a Sunday.   

 

4. What is one detail that you sort of overlooked that you wish you had paid more attention to? What is something that you put tons of effort into that ended up being mostly unnoticed?
     We wish that we would have made an exist strategy. We'd planned the set up down to the minute, but we didn't have a good plan for getting our things rounded up and out of the building. It was pretty chaotic, but people were good sports and we were able to get out by the time we had to.

 

DURING

5. What was a small detail from you wedding that really had guests "oohing and ahhing"?

      People loved the sandalwood fans that I gave the women as favors. It was SO HOT that day that everyone ended up wanting one. The fans had Victorian flirtation instructions and people had fun playing with them.  

6. Did you or your FI drink too much/too little/just right/not at all?
    I think we were about right. We were not drunk or buzzed really. We were so busy all night being social butterflies and attending to stuff that it was better for us to be in our right minds.

 

7. Was there a piece of music that surprised you as a hit at the reception? What were the guest favorites?
     We were surprised that nobody wanted to do Thriller dances because all of our friends love that song and all say that it should be a WP dance. The one song that everyone loved was Footloose. Our MOH's boyfriend was a dancing fiend and ended up hurting himself he danced so hard.

 

8. Best compliment you got from a guest?
  My MOH kept coming up to me saying "Best wedding ever! Don't tell JaneDoh, but yours is the best!"

 

9. If you didn't have a DOC, did you have much to worry about that day?
     The set up and take down. Our groomsmen were rockstars setting up and I didn't need to worry-- everything was perfect when I arrived to get ready. But like I said, we didn't have an exit plan.

 

AFTER

10. What was the best part about your big day?
     Getting to wear the pretty dress and dancing with my DH!!! I loved our first dance. It was so romantic and fun. And the kiss at the end of the ceremony. He really went for it!

 

11. What was something you were really stressing out about but turned out to be not a big deal/totally fine?  What is something that ended up being a waste of time or money?

     I was worried about the weather all day, but the rain held off till after the ceremony. I was also certain that I'd fall in my 30 pound dress, but I didn't! I think that we were very smart with our spending and all of my DIY stuff. The beauty of the day was all the little details I'd put so much time into.

12. What time did you end up leaving the reception?
    Probably 11:45 or midnight.

 

13. What is the most important/first thing you did/needed to do once all of the wedding craziness subsided?
     Take off my corset. I was really really laced in to get a Victorian waist and it was painful by the time we got to our room.

 

14. Who was your favorite vendor now that the wedding is done
      That is a 3 way tie between the caterer (J&K), the venue (Washington County Historic Courthouse), and the photog (Shiloh Photography). They were all fabulous and did their best to make things perfect.

 

15. What was one highlight from the big day that will remain in your memory every time you think back on your wedding day?
      When I realized that we were really truly married. We walked down the steps and around the building together and it was really surreal. I also remember after a photo op looking back with FI at the building where we'd soon wed. I think of that moment and view when I remember.

 

BONUS

16. Where did you go for your wedding night?
  The Ann Bean Mansion in Stillwater. It was Awesome! We had the best breakfast ever!

 

17. How long did it take you or your FI to get all of the pins out of your hair on the wedding night?  We just left them in and my hair looked darn good the next morning. The next day it took at least 2 hours to get the pins out and get my hair back to normal. DH didn't do it-- our best man's girlfriend came over and helped me out.

 

18. What is one piece of advice you would offer to a bride on her wedding day? 
     Everyone says that things will go wrong and they did for me, too. Things that you wouldn't expect. But your day will still be gorgeous and you will be spending it with people who you love and who love you. Breathe, take it all in, and dance your butt off!!!! Also make sure that you are eating and drinking enough water. I had people forcing water on me and I'm so glad they did or I would have fainted.

 

19. Favorite picture from the day? (extra credit for PIP!)

jm.mitchell

BEFORE

1. How long did it really take you and your bridesmaids to finish getting ready?

We all had our hair appointments at Cole's at 10:40 and then went to the church to get dressed, I started taking pictures at about 12:30 and at 1 we did the group shots.

2. Did your wedding party follow your timeline pretty well, or did your group end up falling behind?

We followed it pretty well but I wasn't die hard on making sure we followed it to the exact moment so we may have been off track at some point ha

3. What’s something you spent too much/too little money on?
 I thought that we spent the right amount on everything, I had about a year and a half to plan everything so I had a lot of options and made sure that I was getting a good price.

 

4. What is one detail that you sort of overlooked that you wish you had paid more attention to? What is something that you put tons of effort into that ended up being mostly unnoticed?
I wish that I would have paid attention to checking my hair at the reception haha I was dancing so much that when we went to take pictures at sunset some of my bobby pins had fallen out and I didn't know until I got the pictures back haha I also wish I would have been a little bit more specific with the songs for the DJ, but I still danced the whole night and everyone else enjoyed it too. I don't think there is anything that I put a lot of effort into that didn't get noticed. Our wedding was simple and summery so there wasn't anything to lavish. Oh I also wish my husband and I had taking some dancing lessons or practiced dancing more because our first dance was so awkward! haha it might have been that everyone was watching us though.

DURING

5. What was a small detail from you wedding that really had guests "oohing and ahhing"?
I have 2 nieces and 2 nephews (twin boys) and 3 of them are 10 months old so we found a wagon at a garage sale and my husband (ahh still sounds weird) painted it white and then we found fabric that matched the bridesmaids dresses and covered a cousin with it and my brother in law pulled the 3 of them down the aisle in the wagon. We also chose for the kids and bridal party to walk down the aisle to the main song from "up" and a lot of people told me that they really liked that.

6. Did you or your FI drink too much/too little/just right/not at all?

I didn't drink anything besides a ton of water, and I coke I believe I don't think that he drank that much either, he was talking with people all night and didn't get drunk or tipsy so I think he had just the right amount.

7. Was there a piece of music that surprised you as a hit at the reception? What were the guest favorites?

Towards the end of the dance the DJ started playing a lot of oldies rock hits and people really liked that.

8. Best compliment you got from a guest?

That the ceremony was beautiful and perfect. We put a lot into the ceremony along with our pastor to make it special and personal, so it made me really happy that people really enjoyed it.

9. If you didn't have a DOC, did you have much to worry about that day?

I didn't have a DOC (not really sure what that stands for?) but my family and my maid of honor and her family were very, very helpful throughout the whole day from setting up in the morning and making sure things/people were where they were supposed to be/doing what they were supposed to be. I'm very lucky to have such amazing people in my life.

AFTER

10. What was the best part about your big day?

Marrying my best friend :] and having all of our family and friends there to celebrate with us

11. What was something you were really stressing out about but turned out to be not a big deal/totally fine?  What is something that ended up being a waste of time or money?

I didn't really stress out about much, I had a couple freak out moments about 3 weeks before because of all the last minute finalizing meetings I had to schedule. The only thing that I felt nervous about on the actual day was right before I had to walk down the aisle, but once I got to the door and could see my soon to be husband at the end I just looked at him the whole time and all the knots in my stomach went away. I didn't think anything was a waste, everything went really well. We did have a lot of left over food and cupcakes, but we just took those home and gave them to guests that were staying here from out of town.

12. What time did you end up leaving the reception?

The last dance was supposed to be at 11 because we had to be out by midnight, but I was so exhausted from the day and dancing that I had the dance end at 10:30 since there weren't that many people left there and we got out of there about 10:45 because everyone was nice and made sure things got cleaned up so we could leave.

13. What is the most important/first thing you did/needed to do once all of the wedding craziness subsided?

Just enjoying being with my husband and not having anything that needed to get done or places to be. We went up north to Bluefin Bay for our honeymoon on the Monday after and it was so nice to sleep and just relax.

14. Who was your favorite vendor now that the wedding is done

I loved them all, our photographer was Ben Berndt and he did an amazing job and was so much fun to be with on our big day, Devine Swine did a really good job catering, we had a woman who does wedding cakes out of her home do our cupcakes (she has done a lot of events for our family already), Elm Creek Chalet was beautiful although I was a bit irritated that we couldn't find the woman who was supposed to be there the whole time to help us to turn up the sound for the speeches, Bachmann's did a wonderful job with the flowers (Jolie at Bachman's also did 2 of my sisters weddings). They all made the day come together perfectly.

15. What was one highlight from the big day that will remain in your memory every time you think back on your wedding day?
Just the excitment of marrying my best friend, I missed him so much when I was getting ready in the morning and I couldn't wait to see him. The whole day I will remember, all the little moments and big moments are what made it amazing.

 

BONUS

16. Where did you go for your wedding night?

We went back to our new apartment. I moved in my stuff the Wednesday before the wedding but hadn't slept there yet in our new bed and everything. We wanted to be able to sleep in and not worry about getting up to check out or deal with a hotel, it was very nice :]

17. How long did it take you or your FI to get all of the pins out of your hair on the wedding night?

like 5 minutes haha I counted how many there were and it was 70

18. What is one piece of advice you would offer to a bride on her wedding day?
 To not worry so much about things. My mom kept telling me through out the whole planning process and everything that "All that matters is that we love each other, everything else is background noise" and I just kept reminding myself that. You don't get married to have a wedding, you get married because you love that person more than anything and want to be with them for the rest of your life.

 

19. Favorite picture from the day? (extra credit for PIP!)
Ah! I wish I could put one in, but alas I'm filling this out in my downtime at work. but check out Ben Berndt Photography, he's amazing!

pastries

BEFORE1. How long did it really take you and your bridesmaids to finish getting ready?Well, the girls got halfway ready at home, then met me at my house where I was getting hair and makeup done.  Ended up hating it and they helped me redo my hair and makeup at the hotel, putting us 1.5 hours behind on my timeline for photos. 
2. Did your wedding party follow your timeline pretty well, or did your group end up falling behind?After the hair/makeup issues we followed the rest of the timeline pretty well.
3. What’s something you spent too much/too little money on?Wish we'd hired a videographer... probably could have spent less on the late night snack because everyone was stuffed by that point in the evening. 
4. What is one detail that you sort of overlooked that you wish you had paid more attention to? What is something that you put tons of effort into that ended up being mostly unnoticed?Well, I think the only thing I might have done differently in terms of decor would be to use larger vases for the candles along the floor... people kept kicking them over. DURING5. What was a small detail from you wedding that really had guests "oohing and ahhing"?I don't know about oooh and ahhing, but people thought it was pretty funny when we used the gamer tags instead of first and last name for the groomsmen. 6. Did you or your FI drink too much/too little/just right/not at all?I don't drink, FI had a few drinks, but it just made him a little more friendly. 
7. Was there a piece of music that surprised you as a hit at the reception? What were the guest favorites?No real surprises... the 90s music was pretty popular.  8. Best compliment you got from a guest?A lot of people said it was the best wedding they've ever been to.   
9. If you didn't have a DOC, did you have much to worry about that day?One of my aunts became our DOC and OH MY GOSH, it was so so helpful. 
AFTER10. What was the best part about your big day?Being surrounded by our friends and family!
11. What was something you were really stressing out about but turned out to be not a big deal/totally fine?  What is something that ended up being a waste of time or money?We lost the ties for the groomsmen, but we sent our friends out to buy new ones and they turned out better than the ones we had. 12. What time did you end up leaving the reception?Just after midnight. 13. What is the most important/first thing you did/needed to do once all of the wedding craziness subsided?Clean the house!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
14. Who was your favorite vendor now that the wedding is doneour photographer, alex johnson! 
15. What was one highlight from the big day that will remain in your memory every time you think back on your wedding day?for the last song, everyone surrounded us in a big circle of love on the dancefloor.   BONUS16. Where did you go for your wedding night?We had our wedding at the graves 601 hotel, so we just went upstairs to our room.   17. How long did it take you or your FI to get all of the pins out of your hair on the wedding night?10 min 18. What is one piece of advice you would offer to a bride on her wedding day? 
keep smiling.   19. Favorite picture from the day? (extra credit for PIP!)

bemistobe

BEFORE

1. How long did it really take you and your bridesmaids to finish getting ready? We started at 11am and were done by 2:30pm -- so about 3 1/2 hours.

 

2. Did your wedding party follow your timeline pretty well, or did your group end up falling behind? Yes, we actually were ahead of schedule the entire day.

 

3. What’s something you spent too much/too little money on? I don't think I spent too much money on anything -- I tried to budget everything. As for too little money, again...don't think there was anything.

 

4. What is one detail that you sort of overlooked that you wish you had paid more attention to? Decor on the guestbook table, it looked really sad. What is something that you put tons of effort into that ended up being mostly unnoticed? Our fan programs. Only person complimented me on them.

 

DURING

5. What was a small detail from you wedding that really had guests "oohing and ahhing"? Our beautiful ceremony site and the photo booth. My dress as well

 

6. Did you or your FI drink too much/too little/just right/not at all? We drank just enough. We got typsy, but not drunk.

 

7. Was there a piece of music that surprised you as a hit at the reception? What were the guest favorites? Yes, the Cupid Shuffle.

 

8. Best compliment you got from a guest? How beautiful the entire wedding was.

 

9. If you didn't have a DOC, did you have much to worry about that day? I did not have a DOC but one of my personal attendants took charge, so I didn't really have to worry about anything.

 

AFTER

10. What was the best part about your big day? Seeing my Husband for the first time.

 

11. What was something you were really stressing out about but turned out to be not a big deal/totally fine? Our ceremony. I was stressed that it would be too short. It was 11 minutes   What is something that ended up being a waste of time or money? Nothing.

 

12. What time did you end up leaving the reception? We left around midnight.

 

13. What is the most important/first thing you did/needed to do once all of the wedding craziness subsided? Get out of my dress and soak my feet haha!

 

14. Who was your favorite vendor now that the wedding is done? Our photo booth company.

 

15. What was one highlight from the big day that will remain in your memory every time you think back on your wedding day? Walking down the aisle with my stepdad and dad.

 

BONUS

16. Where did you go for your wedding night? We got a whirlpool suite at Treasure Island (where we got married).

 

17. How long did it take you or your FI to get all of the pins out of your hair on the wedding night? About 10 minutes

 

18. What is one piece of advice you would offer to a bride on her wedding day? Put someone in charge!!! Don't take it upon yourself, because you will be too busy being the bride.

 

19. Favorite picture from the day? (extra credit for PIP!)

Our ceremony site




A candid shot of most of our bridal party!

khornbach

BEFORE

1. How long did it really take you and your bridesmaids to finish getting ready?

Our hair appointment was at 10:00am and we were ready for pictures at about 2:30pm 

2. Did your wedding party follow your timeline pretty well, or did your group end up falling behind?
We were behind. But not enough that it thew the day off.

3. What’s something you spent too much/too little money on?

Things turned our wonderfully. I think we did the right thing on every part of the wedding.  

4. What is one detail that you sort of overlooked that you wish you had paid more attention to? What is something that you put tons of effort into that ended up being mostly unnoticed?

I think the little things add up to make the whole. So everything from the menus to the programs, to the flowers all make the wedding awesome.

DURING

5. What was a small detail from you wedding that really had guests "oohing and ahhing"?
The harpist

6. Did you or your FI drink too much/too little/just right/not at all?

My FI can't drink for health reasons. I think I had two drinks so just fine.

7. Was there a piece of music that surprised you as a hit at the reception? What were the guest favorites?

Dancing Queen! Of Cours! 

8. Best compliment you got from a guest?

"Best wedding ever. And i've been to a lot of weddings"

9. If you didn't have a DOC, did you have much to worry about that day?

I had one and am glad I did!

AFTER

10. What was the best part about your big day?

Seeing everyone together and seeing them all interact. it was amazing.  

11. What was something you were really stressing out about but turned out to be not a big deal/totally fine? What is something that ended up being a waste of time or money?

My dress. I was freaking about it, thought I'd picked the wrong dress. It was good in the end.

12. What time did you end up leaving the reception?

12:45am aka the end.

13. What is the most important/first thing you did/needed to do once all of the wedding craziness subsided?

SLEEP!!!!

14. Who was your favorite vendor now that the wedding is done

Martha's Gardens. She's visionary.

15. What was one highlight from the big day that will remain in your memory every time you think back on your wedding day?

Walking down the aisle to my best friend.

BONUS

16. Where did you go for your wedding night?
The Saint Paul Hotel

17. How long did it take you or your FI to get all of the pins out of your hair on the wedding night?
About 15-20 minutes. I was sipping champagne and eating chocolate covered strawberries at the same time though.

18. What is one piece of advice you would offer to a bride on her wedding day?

Just Relax and enjoy the ride.

19. Favorite picture from the day? (extra credit for PIP!)
http://blog.d-charles.com/?p=1401

PoliceWife104

BEFORE

1. How long did it really take you and your bridesmaids to finish getting ready? 6 hours total.  We had one hair stylist doing all 5 girls.  She started with my hair at 7 am, which took 2-21/2 hours on it's own.  

2. Did your wedding party follow your timeline pretty well, or did your group end up falling behind?  They did a great job & we were actually ahead of schedule all day!

3. What’s something you spent too much/too little money on?  Nothing really!  I think we budgeted very well & put money where it needed to be!

4. What is one detail that you sort of overlooked that you wish you had paid more attention to?  What is something that you put tons of effort into that ended up being mostly unnoticed?  Overlooked - Nothing, I was very happy with how it all turned out!  Unoticed - I honestly don't think anything!  We had A LOT of DIY stuff, so there was a lot of effort there, but everyone noticed it!

DURING5. What was a small detail from you wedding that really had guests "oohing and ahhing"?  The personal touches everywhere!

6. Did you or your FI drink too much/too little/just right/not at all?  I think it was just right.  Neither one of us be too tipsy, so it was perfect!

7. Was there a piece of music that surprised you as a hit at the reception? What were the guest favorites? Yes, the Cupid Shuffle.  I was so against all the group dances, but that's apparently what people like! 8. Best compliment you got from a guest?  How "us" everything was - Every little detail!

9. If you didn't have a DOC, did you have much to worry about that day?  No DOC for me!  My MOH took charge of a lot.  People were very self sufficient... It was great!


AFTER10. What was the best part about your big day?  Sharing it with everyone we love.  11. What was something you were really stressing out about but turned out to be not a big deal/totally fine?  Not having a seating plan.  I wasn't that stressed, more worried.  But it turned out great & everyone had a place to sit!

12. What time did you end up leaving the reception? I think it was about 11-11:30.  We were EXHAUSTED!

13. What is the most important/first thing you did/needed to do once all of the wedding craziness subsided?  Get out of my dress, BREATHE & enjoy being a wife!!

14. Who was your favorite vendor now that the wedding is done?  Our photographer - Hands down!  = )

15. What was one highlight from the big day that will remain in your memory every time you think back on your wedding day?  The feeling I had saying my vows.

BONUS16. Where did you go for your wedding night?  The Courtyard Marriott in Maple Grove

17. How long did it take you or your FI to get all of the pins out of your hair on the wedding night? About 10 minutes 18. What is one piece of advice you would offer to a bride on her wedding day?  Soak it all in, it goes by SUPER fast! 19. Favorite picture from the day? (extra credit for PIP!)

Love this one of H & I on a bridge at the reception site!  = )

SuperRNluvsChef

BEFORE

1. How long did it really take you and your bridesmaids to finish getting ready?
Hair and makeup started at 10:45 and we were leaving the house at 2:45 to head to the church...we ran ahead of schedule with Smart and Chic, they are quick!  But the schedule caught up with us while we were dressing.

2. Did your wedding party follow your timeline pretty well, or did your group end up falling behind? 
Yeah we did!  My BM's were a few minutes late but like I said the Smart and Chic ladies are quick!

3. What’s something you spent too much/too little money on? 
We spent way too much on alcohol.  A lot of people stayed in hotels in Eagan and the reception was in Mpls so many people had to drive themselves back which meant very few people drank a lot.  We had bought 2 cases of red wine, 2 of white and only went through 1/2 case of each.  We also only went through 1/2 keg.  I don't think we spent too little on anything!

4. What is one detail that you sort of overlooked that you wish you had paid more attention to?  What is something that you put tons of effort into that ended up being mostly unnoticed?  
I don't think we overlooked anything!  I guess I don't think anything went unnoticied either, except we had an alter arrangement that was supposed to be brought to the reception but was forgotten at the church.
DURING5. What was a small detail from you wedding that really had guests "oohing and ahhing"? 
All the decor that I DIY'd.  People said it was beautiful. 

6. Did you or your FI drink too much/too little/just right/not at all? 
At dinner I was buzzed but once I ate and started dancing both H and I were drinking but not feeling the effects at all hahahah

7. Was there a piece of music that surprised you as a hit at the reception? What were the guest favorites?
The Electric Slide, Cha Cha Slide and Cupid Shuffle had everyone on the dance floor.  A lot of people also got out there for Sweet Caroline
 8. Best compliment you got from a guest? 
That it was the best wedding they had ever been to.  And one of the GM told me I was the best dancer on the floor.  hahaha love it.


9. If you didn't have a DOC, did you have much to worry about that day? 
We had a DOC and she was worth it!


AFTER10. What was the best part about your big day? 
Everything! 
 11. What was something you were really stressing out about but turned out to be not a big deal/totally fine? 
I was really stressing about people finding the PEC.  Traffic did delay us but everyone found it and we only ran about 20 minutes behind. 


12. What time did you end up leaving the reception?
The bitter end--about 1 am

13. What is the most important/first thing you did/needed to do once all of the wedding craziness subsided? 
OMG.  When H got me out of my dress it was the best feeling...that corset was tight!

14. Who was your favorite vendor now that the wedding is done? 
It's a tie between photog, videographer and reception venue!

15. What was one highlight from the big day that will remain in your memory every time you think back on your wedding day? 
Saying the vows, and hearing everyone say how beautiful it was. 

BONUS16. Where did you go for your wedding night? 
Townplace Suites in Eagan.  H got ready there before he went to the church, so we just ended up staying there

17. How long did it take you or your FI to get all of the pins out of your hair on the wedding night?
About 10 minutes
 18. What is one piece of advice you would offer to a bride on her wedding day?
Don't sweat the small stuff like weather or traffic.  You can't control it anyway. 
 19. Favorite picture from the day? (extra credit for PIP!)

polichik

1. How long did it really take you and your bridesmaids to finish getting ready?

It took me about an hour, but I did my own makeup, and my hair is a pixie cut, so that took almost no time. My BMs did their own hair and makeup as well.

2. Did your wedding party follow your timeline pretty well, or did your group end up falling behind?

 We were almost perfectly on schedule! We built a ton of extra time in so we didn't have to rush. Started taking WP photos at 2 PM for a 6 PM ceremony and had a hour-long break in the end and a 30-minute food/beer break in the middle of photos!

3. What’s something you spent too much/too little money on?

 Too much- my dress. It was beautiful, and I loved it, but I would have loved to wear a short dress that I could wear again. I think it was worth it, though! I wish we'd spend more money on a coordinator for the last week... I ended up doing way too much stuff the last few days.

4. What is one detail that you sort of overlooked that you wish you had paid more attention to? What is something that you put tons of effort into that ended up being mostly unnoticed?

The favors took me months and were mostly untouched, and my guestbook idea totally failed! I forgot to get ribbons for our handfasting, but my MOH saved the day!

DURING

5. What was a small detail from you wedding that really had guests "oohing and ahhing"?

We made homemade rock candy sticks with little flags on top. The photobooth was a big hit, and our general decor got rave reviews!

6. Did you or your FI drink too much/too little/just right/not at all?

 Just right. I had a lot of champagne, but somehow didn't get drunk at all- I think my adrenaline burned it off :P

7. Was there a piece of music that surprised you as a hit at the reception? What were the guest favorites?

 Dancing Queen and Shout were the favorites.

8. Best compliment you got from a guest?

 We had over a dozen people tell us that it was the most personal, fun, enjoyable wedding they'd ever been to. A bunch of people commented on how much they loved the ceremony (which we wrote from start to finish). The photographers told me I was the most relaxed bride they'd ever worked with!

9. If you didn't have a DOC, did you have much to worry about that day?

 The day of, not really... Our photographers and reception manager ran the show, thank God. Two days before? I nearly went insane.

AFTER

10. What was the best part about your big day?

 DH and I sat at an elevated sweetheart table (just a regular bar table with stools), and it was so amazing to be able to see all of our guests while we sat and ate.

11. What was something you were really stressing out about but turned out to be not a big deal/totally fine?  What is something that ended up being a waste of time or money?

 I was worried about getting everything to the venue, but it ended up going smootly, but I do think my micromanaging made that happen. The favors were a waste of time, but other than that, everything else seemed worth it.

12. What time did you end up leaving the reception?

 1:30 AM

13. What is the most important/first thing you did/needed to do once all of the wedding craziness subsided?

 Well, we had just moved across the country, so we needed to unpack and try to find jobs!

14. Who was your favorite vendor now that the wedding is done

 They were all wonderful, but our photographers, Noah Wolf Photography, really made the day. They stepped in when the limo driver didn't know how to get to major Minneapolis landmarks, they kept the whole group laughing, they stayed three hours longer than they had agreed to, and gave us stunning photos that I'll remember forever. Honeslty, without them, the day would have been so much more stressful.

15. What was one highlight from the big day that will remain in your memory every time you think back on your wedding day?

 Walking down the aisle. It was the first moment that everything became real... On our wedding video, the videographer captured me walking down with my parents. I look confused for a minute, then I take a deep breath and just break out into the biggest smile. I love that moment

BONUS

16. Where did you go for your wedding night?

 We collapsed. I honestly don't even remember the name of the hotel. We were beyond exhausted.

17. How long did it take you or your FI to get all of the pins out of your hair on the wedding night?

 None My hair was exactly the same as always!

18. What is one piece of advice you would offer to a bride on her wedding day?

 Just forget about the details and enjojy it. As long as everyone made it there alive, it's going to be perfect.

19. Favorite picture from the day? (extra credit for PIP!)
That's a tough one. I'll edit this later!

KateJ10

BEFORE

1. How long did it really take you and your bridesmaids to finish getting ready?

We started at roughly 7:30, and professional hair/makeup was done by 11 (including my mom and my MIL) girls did more makeup hair at the church when we were relaxing there.

 

2. Did your wedding party follow your timeline pretty well, or did your group end up falling behind?

 We did really well with the timeline the day of. The day before things ran a little late and I got stressed out/annoyed about the rehearsal.

3. What’s something you spent too much/too little money on?I can't think of anything I would change regarding this.

 

4. What is one detail that you sort of overlooked that you wish you had paid more attention to? What is something that you put tons of effort into that ended up being mostly unnoticed? I wish I had been more stringent about RSVPs on Fis side, I am still bitter about a bunch of late late late additions. I put a lot of effort into the aisle runner but didn't hear too much about it.

 

DURING

5. What was a small detail from you wedding that really had guests "oohing and ahhing"? People loved how personalized the ceremony was. Also, FI's family really liked that the bridal party members got to sit with friends/family instead of at a head table.

 

6. Did you or your FI drink too much/too little/just right/not at all? We were good! I had plenty to drink, and so did he, but we weren't hungover or anything. There definitely was a natural high to the day.

 

7. Was there a piece of music that surprised you as a hit at the reception? What were the guest favorites? The younger crowd/me was loving Usher, the older crowd was excited for Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy hahaha

 

8. Best compliment you got from a guest?A lot of people remarked how happy both DH and I looked that day- and I think that complement made me the happiest.

 

9. If you didn't have a DOC, did you have much to worry about that day? I had a DOC (Heather)and she was worth every penny and then some. Amazing and so glad she (and DrDFabio were there to help out!

 

AFTER

10. What was the best part about your big day?I loved the ceremony most. DH was sweating PROFUSELY and it was so funny for me. I just wanted to hand him a towel or something!! It was very special and meaningful.

 

11. What was something you were really stressing out about but turned out to be not a big deal/totally fine?  What is something that ended up being a waste of time or money? I was nervous on the wedding day in general, but got over it, and we had no real problems and the day ran really smoothly.

 

12. What time did you end up leaving the reception? 11:30 ish- about half an hour until it was done.

 

13. What is the most important/first thing you did/needed to do once all of the wedding craziness subsided? SLEEP

 

14. Who was your favorite vendor now that the wedding is done. Oh I had some awesome ones, so I cannot pick a favorite! Seriously every vendor was amazing!!

 

15. What was one highlight from the big day that will remain in your memory every time you think back on your wedding day?I loved hearing why DH wanted to marry me. We wrote our own reasons to the pastor and didn't hear each others reasons until during the ceremony. It was amazing to hear those things.

 

BONUS

16. Where did you go for your wedding night? We stayed in the jacuzzi suite in the Holiday Inn where everyone was staying.

 

17. How long did it take you or your FI to get all of the pins out of your hair on the wedding night? I had no pins. It did take him awhile to undo the buttons on my dress. I was dying to take it off at that point, ugh.

 

18. What is one piece of advice you would offer to a bride on her wedding day? Hire a DOC so you can enjoy being a bride. it would have been ridiculous for me to be the contact person and have all of that to remember on top of being the bride.

 

19. Favorite picture from the day? (extra credit for PIP!)hm I don't have many yet. I may postpone fave pic until I have a few more:)

tegdirb2001

BEFORE

1. How long did it really take you and your bridesmaids to finish getting ready?

About 3 hours

2. Did your wedding party follow your timeline pretty well, or did your group end up falling behind?
Followed it to a T...we were actually ahead of schedule...and I loved it.

 

3. What’s something you spent too much/too little money on?

Nothing...everything was good I thought.

4. What is one detail that you sort of overlooked that you wish you had paid more attention to? What is something that you put tons of effort into that ended up being mostly unnoticed?
I don't think I overlooked anything. The one thing I put lots of effort in that I didn't hear anybody comment on was my photo frame card box.

 

DURING

5. What was a small detail from you wedding that really had guests "oohing and ahhing"?
How amazing the ceremony was. Our priest did so good and they all loved his sermon. Also how beautiful the church was.

 

6. Did you or your FI drink too much/too little/just right/not at all?
Just the right amount.

 

7. Was there a piece of music that surprised you as a hit at the reception? What were the guest favorites?
Well this was a hit but I wasn't surprised...The Dougie. The one polka song we played was a hit also. Guest favorites was The Dougie & Shout.

 

8. Best compliment you got from a guest?
How beautiful and organized it was . Everyone also loved that it was a Friday wedding (note that most of our guests were out of towners).

 

9. If you didn't have a DOC, did you have much to worry about that day?
 I hired one and she was amazing

 

AFTER

10. What was the best part about your big day?
Saying my vows...

 

11. What was something you were really stressing out about but turned out to be not a big deal/totally fine?  What is something that ended up being a waste of time or money?

I was all worried about getting everything to the ceremony and necessary items on the bus. Nothing ended up being a waste of time or money.

12. What time did you end up leaving the reception?
1 am

13. What is the most important/first thing you did/needed to do once all of the wedding craziness subsided?

Start the process of changing my name and RELAXED

14. Who was your favorite vendor now that the wedding is done
I have a few...
My DOC-Mary from Bumblebee PA's, my videographer-Brady from Highlights Videography, my photographer-Kimberly William Photography

 

15. What was one highlight from the big day that will remain in your memory every time you think back on your wedding day?
The ceremony and everything it meant

 

BONUS

16. Where did you go for your wedding night?
Hilton Garden Inn - Oakdale

 

17. How long did it take you or your FI to get all of the pins out of your hair on the wedding night?

About 5 mins

18. What is one piece of advice you would offer to a bride on her wedding day?

I am a super organized freak...so I decided to get everything done 1 week before the big day and I am so glad I did. Even all the little details. That way I was able to relax and enjoy my last week of being engaged. I didn't stress at all on the day of because I knew that no matter what...this day was going to be perfect. Even if you are not a big organized person like myself...you can still get everything done and have time to enjoy it. It does go by so fast so take in every moment...and then re-live it with a video. Hire a videographer...I am so grateful that H talked me into that one

19. Favorite picture from the day? (extra credit for PIP!)
Well besides the one in my siggy...I'll put another fav up.

zombiewood1

BEFORE
1. How long did it really take you and your bridesmaids to finish getting ready?
make-up & Hair-1hr
Dresses/Jewelry 15mn

2. Did your wedding party follow your timeline pretty well, or did your group end up falling behind?
We stayed on track
 

3. What’s something you spent too much/too little money on?
Too little on Flowers
 

4. What is one detail that you sort of overlooked that you wish you had paid more attention to?
nothing
What is something that you put tons of effort into that ended up being mostly unnoticed?
The BM dresses had a great design detail on the back and no one cared-no photos-bummed
 

DURING

5. What was a small detail from you wedding that really had guests "oohing and ahhing"?
my dress, ring, food, the cake (buttercream)
 

6. Did you or your FI drink too much/too little/just right/not at all?
nope just a few
 

7. Was there a piece of music that surprised you as a hit at the reception? What were the guest favorites?
80's music
 

8. Best compliment you got from a guest?
You look gorgeous
 

9. If you didn't have a DOC, did you have much to worry about that day?

 nope

AFTER

10. What was the best part about your big day?
the reception
 

11. What was something you were really stressing out about but turned out to be not a big deal/totally fine?  What is something that ended up being a waste of time or money?

 The whole day would it be perfect. once you realize nothings perfect it goes just fine.

12. What time did you end up leaving the reception?
10
 

13. What is the most important/first thing you did/needed to do once all of the wedding craziness subsided?
Get pictures

14. Who was your favorite vendor now that the wedding is done
Photographer, buttercream
 

15. What was one highlight from the big day that will remain in your memory every time you think back on your wedding day?
that my uncle who walked me down the aisle was on the wrong side, im the only one that noticed. it was a silly error and makes me laugh.
 

BONUS

16. Where did you go for your wedding night?
Hotel in MPLS
 

17. How long did it take you or your FI to get all of the pins out of your hair on the wedding night?
i waited till the next day, about 30 min
 

18. What is one piece of advice you would offer to a bride on her wedding day?

dont stress, things will happen, let everyone else deal with the stuff
 

19. Favorite picture from the day? (extra credit for PIP!)
any of me and my hubby
 

musicalsunlight

BEFORE

1. How long did it really take you and your bridesmaids to finish getting ready?

 We got to the hotel at noon, and we were ready to go with dresses and makeup done by 2pm.

2. Did your wedding party follow your timeline pretty well, or did your group end up falling behind?

 We actually ended up running a little early! Which is never bad.

3. What’s something you spent too much/too little money on?

I wish I would've had the budget for a photobooth company, but the DIY photobooth still went well. 

4. What is one detail that you sort of overlooked that you wish you had paid more attention to? What is something that you put tons of effort into that ended up being mostly unnoticed?

 I forgot to do the "shoe" game during the reception that I really wanted to do with J. Not a big deal though. I don't think anything was overlooked too much.

DURING

5. What was a small detail from you wedding that really had guests "oohing and ahhing"?

People really liked the slideshow of J and I as kids, and my parents surprised us with a blow up photo of our puppy next to the head table which people loved also. 

6. Did you or your FI drink too much/too little/just right/not at all?

J had a few drinks but he was just fine and I didn't drink at all, so it worked out.

7. Was there a piece of music that surprised you as a hit at the reception? What were the guest favorites?

 The LMFAO "Party Rock" song really got people going, which surprised me. People loved a lot of the Beyonce and "Wannabe" from the Spice Girls.

8. Best compliment you got from a guest?

 Many people came up to say I was the most beautiful bride they had seen, which felt pretty good.

9. If you didn't have a DOC, did you have much to worry about that day?

My mom thankfully took care of a lot, so I didn't have to worry on the day of.

AFTER

10. What was the best part about your big day?

 The ceremony. It was really emotional.

11. What was something you were really stressing out about but turned out to be not a big deal/totally fine?  What is something that ended up being a waste of time or money?

 I stressed about making sure we had enough time for all the photos, but my photographer was great and we had plenty of time. The photobooth was great but it wasn't placed in a good place in the room so not as many people knew about it.

12. What time did you end up leaving the reception?

About midnight. 

13. What is the most important/first thing you did/needed to do once all of the wedding craziness subsided?

 Hopped on a plane the next morning to Hawaii!

14. Who was your favorite vendor now that the wedding is done

 It is a tie between the photographer, videographer and venue.

15. What was one highlight from the big day that will remain in your memory every time you think back on your wedding day?

 J and I saying our vows.

BONUS

16. Where did you go for your wedding night?

St Paul Hotel. 

17. How long did it take you or your FI to get all of the pins out of your hair on the wedding night?

 My makeup/hair girl was amazing and only needed 4 pins for the whole thing. So it took seconds.

18. What is one piece of advice you would offer to a bride on her wedding day?

 It sounds so cliche, but really milk it all in. It goes so unbelievably fast.

19. Favorite picture from the day? (extra credit for PIP!)

trixie549

BEFORE

1. How long did it really take you and your bridesmaids to finish getting ready? 2 1/2 hours

2. Did your wedding party follow your timeline pretty well, or did your group end up falling behind? We stayed on right on schedule and even were early getting to the church. It was nice to have some extra time to freshen up before the ceremony.

3. What’s something you spent too much/too little money on? We really managed our budget well and didn't overspend. Looking back, I wish I had splurged more on flowers.

4. What is one detail that you sort of overlooked that you wish you had paid more attention to? What is something that you put tons of effort into that ended up being mostly unnoticed? Nothing was overlooked - I'm a type-A perfectionist! I put quite a bit of time and effort into certain paper products (bar signs, menu cards, etc.) and those were probably only appreciated by a handful of people.

DURING

5. What was a small detail from you wedding that really had guests "oohing and ahhing"? I did table numbers with similar photos of us (baby photos, first day of kindergarten, high school sports, etc.) - people loved walking around and seeing all the photos and reminiscing!

6. Did you or your FI drink too much/too little/just right/not at all? During cocktail hour, he had a glass of scotch and I had a glass of wine. We each had a glass of champane later in the evening and it was just perfect. We had such a natural buzz going anyway, that it didn't make sense to get drunk!

7. Was there a piece of music that surprised you as a hit at the reception? What were the guest favorites? There were a lot of couples dancing during some of the old jazz favorites - "Our Love is Here to Stay" and "At Last"

8. Best compliment you got from a guest? "This is the most personal, beautiful wedding I've ever attended."

9. If you didn't have a DOC, did you have much to worry about that day? I didn't have a DOC (I plan events for my job, so I felt like it wasn't worth the investment). I hired great professional vendors who put my mind at ease (i.e. the banquet manager at our reception venue was very helpful in coordinating the flow of toasts, dances, etc.)


AFTER

10. What was the best part about your big day? Our first look and saying our vows - both were so emotional and perfect!

11. What was something you were really stressing out about but turned out to be not a big deal/totally fine?  What is something that ended up being a waste of time or money?  The weather! February in Minnesota can be unpredictable and I was a little nervous about the temps, which were predicted to be in the high 20s. Luckily, there was little or no wind and it felt really mild outside during outdoor photos. Our faux fur jackets were also helpful in keeping us warm! I probably over-prepared my emergency kit and didn't need to use it hardly at all.

12. What time did you end up leaving the reception? We were the last ones out the door! 

13. What is the most important/first thing you did/needed to do once all of the wedding craziness subsided? Take off on our honeymoon!


14. Who was your favorite vendor now that the wedding is done? Probably a toss up between our photographer (JM Photography), reception venue (Christos Union Depot) and band (Reception Jazz) - all were outstanding and truly went above and beyond for us!

15. What was one highlight from the big day that will remain in your memory every time you think back on your wedding day?  Watching my husband's face as he turned around to see me for the first time

 

BONUS

16. Where did you go for your wedding night? The St. Paul Hotel. It was a splurge, but totally worth it. I also stayed there the night before and was able to have a very relaxing morning getting ready.

17. How long did it take you or your FI to get all of the pins out of your hair on the wedding night? 10-15 minutes to get out all 73 hairpins!

18. What is one piece of advice you would offer to a bride on her wedding day? Just relax and enjoy being newly married - everyone loves to see a couple truly happy and in love!

fritz1215

BEFORE

1. How long did it really take you and your bridesmaids to finish getting ready?

 We got to the salon at 10:45 and left at 1:15, there were 5 of us getting hair/make up done. Then it was probably another hour in the hotel room? I didn't have a watch at that point.

2. Did your wedding party follow your timeline pretty well, or did your group end up falling behind? 
We followed it pretty closely over the course of the day. I didn't pay too much attention to the time, and went by the photographer telling me where to go, and my planner telling me when to be where.

 

3. What’s something you spent too much/too little money on?

I probably spent too much on the planner (she was the highest priced of the 4 I interviewed) but it was the best money I could have spent. When first planning, I gave her my calendar and she set all appointments up, just telling me where to go when. Midway and towards the end of the planning she was my buffer with all the vendors. Any issues that came up, she dealt with. The day of, I couldn't have enjoyed my day like I did without her. I was truly a guest at my own wedding.

 

4. What is one detail that you sort of overlooked that you wish you had paid more attention to? What is something that you put tons of effort into that ended up being mostly unnoticed?

I forgot to have the photographer take a picture of our rings. So, maybe paid more attention to some of those lists out there of "must have photos"?
Most everything I did got comments, so I can't say there's anything I put too much effort into. Though, no one commented on my bathroom baskets... but it was very interesting to see what was used in the men's vs woman's!

 

DURING

5. What was a small detail from you wedding that really had guests "oohing and ahhing"?

Our cake. It was covered in fondant, three layers, with each layer a different cityscape... London (where hubby is from), Minneapolis (where I'm from) and Paris (where he proposed.)

 

6. Did you or your FI drink too much/too little/just right/not at all?

I didn't drink much at all, but I'm not a drinker. He drank a fair amount, but not to the point of being drunk. His mum and dad joined all the other Brits and went to a nearby pub after the reception and closed the place down. They were a bit hungover the next day!

 

7. Was there a piece of music that surprised you as a hit at the reception? What were the guest favorites?

I honestly don't remember the music, even though I helped pick it out! I know the DJ played it, as well as requests, but I was so busy talking with all my guests I missed a lot of the songs. We did end the night with "I've had the time of my life" (cheesy, I know!) and that was popular with the remaining guests

 

8. Best compliment you got from a guest?

People kept saying how much fun they were having. That was our goal... get married and then party. We accomplished it.

 

9. If you didn't have a DOC, did you have much to worry about that day?

 I had a planner for the whole process. Wouldn't have done it without her.

 

AFTER

10. What was the best part about your big day?

Seeing all of our friends and family celebrating there with us. Some I haven't seen for years, and others traveled thousands of miles. Just for us. It was heartwarming.

 

11. What was something you were really stressing out about but turned out to be not a big deal/totally fine?  What is something that ended up being a waste of time or money?

Hubs was totally stressed about standing up in front of everyone. I think doing the first look prior helped with his nerves.

Can't say there was anything that was a waste of time or money.

 

12. What time did you end up leaving the reception?

 At the end... 12:30? 12:45? I can't recall. There were about 15 people left, mostly out of towners who then went to the local bar.

13. What is the most important/first thing you did/needed to do once all of the wedding craziness subsided?

His parents were with us for 5 days after the wedding, so I include that in the craziness. This first weekend with just us was purposely planned with nothing going on. It's just nice to be alone together.

 

14. Who was your favorite vendor now that the wedding is done

Hard to say. Toss up between the photographers and DJ

 

15. What was one highlight from the big day that will remain in your memory every time you think back on your wedding day?

I had the flower girl deliver a note to FI that said "I can't wait to kiss you" when she walked down the aisle. At the end of the ceremony Hub's was excited to end things and he leaned in to kiss me, but I told him no, we hadn't gotten permission yet! (Audience got a chuckle out of that). Later his mum said to me "I guess you could wait to kiss him!" LOL!

 

BONUS

16. Where did you go for your wedding night?

The hotel we got married at comp'd our room.

 

17. How long did it take you or your FI to get all of the pins out of your hair on the wedding night?

Not applicable, I didn't have any

 

18. What is one piece of advice you would offer to a bride on her wedding day? 

Be sure to stop and reflect throughout the day. It took so long to get there, but it flies by so quickly. Periodically just stand there, take a breath and absorb it all.

 

19. Favorite picture from the day? (extra credit for PIP!)

Still waiting on the professional pics, but my cousin snapped this one of the kiss when I finally let him:

 

and this one is during a friends toast that had us in stitches at the end of the night::

jennipea382

BEFORE

1. How long did it really take you and your bridesmaids to finish getting ready?

We started at about 8:30 for hair. We had one person doing hair for me, 2 BMs, jr BM and MIL. We started doing makeup toward the end also. The photographer got there just after noon to start taking pics and we finally did our first look around 12:45 or so I think. It took longer than I thought but I can't figure out why! Half the time I was sitting around waiting for everyone else to be ready.

2. Did your wedding party follow your timeline pretty well, or did your group end up falling behind?

Falling behind for sure. I had 2 hours planned for pictures with family and the wedding party and we really only had like an hour once everyone finally got ready and got to the place we were taking pics. We ended up taking a few more pictures during cocktail hour though since we had more time than I thought after the ceremony and reception line. For the reception though, between the photographer, DJ and venue, things were pretty much on time, although we did decide to do the cake cutting earlier when we had a few minutes of down time.

3. What’s something you spent too much/too little money on?

Too much on alcohol surprisingly. We ended up having leftover wine, which is fine because we'll drink it, but I apparently overestimated!

 

Too little on my BMs gifts. I am terrible at picking out gifts and ended up getting them a bunch of things from B&BW. I wish I would have gotten them something a little more meaningful.

4. What is one detail that you sort of overlooked that you wish you had paid more attention to? What is something that you put tons of effort into that ended up being mostly unnoticed?

I wish I would have gone around to the tables after/during dinner because there were some people I didn't see during the reception line that I really intended to say hi to and feel bad that I didn't. I can't think of something that was unnoticed really, but I feel like the bathroom baskets were unappreciated. I know a few people liked it, but a few things were flat out taken, like the big bottles of lotion we got and planned to use the leftovers.

DURING

5. What was a small detail from you wedding that really had guests "oohing and ahhing"?

Everyone raved about the cupcakes and the venue mostly. They loved the draping and thought everything was beautiful!

6. Did you or your FI drink too much/too little/just right/not at all?

I think just the right amount. It kinda hit me after we got back to the hotel but I think it was less about the alcohol and more about the stress, exhaustion, not enough to eat and not enough water all night. I had a migraine and the next morning I couldn't even eat the nice room service breakfast they gave us at the hotel!

7. Was there a piece of music that surprised you as a hit at the reception? What were the guest favorites?

Nothing really surprised me, I knew what people were going to like. The biggest hits were the songs everyone knows and the group dances (Gangnam Style, Cupid Shuffle) plus the songs that were popular with a particular group (his fraternity and "Jump On It" for example). I was sad people weren't dancing as much but everyone said they had a great time!

8. Best compliment you got from a guest?

I was being showered in compliments about how good I looked.. I lost almost 30lbs so it was nice to hear how many people noticed! Everyone also seemed to like the ceremony. It was short, but still really meaningful. They liked that our readings weren't typical also.

9. If you didn't have a DOC, did you have much to worry about that day?

Not really. A couple people at the venue were there to help keep us on time and make sure things were going well. I think things went well enough without a particular person directing everyone.

AFTER

10. What was the best part about your big day?

Seeing so many people that mean a lot to us. That's what meant the most to us I think. It was great to see how much my family loved my friends!

11. What was something you were really stressing out about but turned out to be not a big deal/totally fine?  What is something that ended up being a waste of time or money?

I wasn't too worried about the details beforehand, so I wasn't super stressed. I was mostly worried about people getting bored if we didn't have things going on for that hour or so after the ceremony, but people seemed fine. We had a popcorn machine and that was a HUGE hit! Waste of time, probably the bathroom baskets. I would suggest something smaller. Maybe even just a few tampons/pads for the women's bathroom because I think that's the only thing that really got used other than the things taken.

12. What time did you end up leaving the reception?

About midnight when it was over!

13. What is the most important/first thing you did/needed to do once all of the wedding craziness subsided?

We went on our honeymoon and got MUCH needed massages! That was the best! When we got home, we took a few days to relax and just started doing our thank yous. We want to work on them as much as possible because we don't want to forget or put them off too long!

14. Who was your favorite vendor now that the wedding is done

PEC! Everything went SO well and people were raving about the venue. They loved the way it looked and most people loved the food too.

15. What was one highlight from the big day that will remain in your memory every time you think back on your wedding day?

I think one of the funniest things was seeing my friend pull my uncle out on the dance floor at one point. Also my friends requesting a country song for my aunt whose birthday it was that day. Just seeing how everyone interacted and had a great time made me so happy!

BONUS

16. Where did you go for your wedding night?

Sheraton Midtown Minneapolis. Very nice place IMO. Like I said earlier, they even gave us breakfast!

17. How long did it take you or your FI to get all of the pins out of your hair on the wedding night?

Haha this is the funny thing. I thought I had more pins in my hair than I did. I pull 2 out and start feeling around my head for more.. nope! That was it! So I don't know if more fell out or if it really stayed with only 2! I also had a half updo. My friend said she had like 70 in her updo lol.

18. What is one piece of advice you would offer to a bride on her wedding day?

The day will go by SO FAST. You will feel every emotion possible. You will cry, laugh, smile, probably get mad about something at some point, but in the end it will be perfect. I wouldn't change a thing. Just enjoy it. Do you really want to spend one of the biggest days of your life pissed off because of something little? Have FUN!

19. Favorite picture from the day? (extra credit for PIP!)

We don't have our pro pics back yet, but here are a couple I like!

SSaltzman87

1. How long did it really take you and your bridesmaids to finish getting ready? Only 3 hours

 

2. Did your wedding party follow your timeline pretty well, or did your group end up falling behind? We followed it perfectly, we only arrived to the park 10 minutes late which I consider a success :-)

 

3. What’s something you spent too much/too little money on? I don't think there was anything I spent too much or too little on, I spent a ton of time researching my options!

 

4. What is one detail that you sort of overlooked that you wish you had paid more attention to? What is something that you put tons of effort into that ended up being mostly unnoticed? Our guests noticed almost every little thing, so nothing!

 

DURING

5. What was a small detail from you wedding that really had guests "oohing and ahhing"? Our Ceremony Music! Parents walked in to Bittersweet Symphony, Bridal Party came in to A Thousand Years and I came in to Halo. People absolutely LOVED it!

 

6. Did you or your FI drink too much/too little/just right/not at all? I only had 2 glasses of wine, H had a couple beers. Nothing crazy.

 

7. Was there a piece of music that surprised you as a hit at the reception? What were the guest favorites? Macarena, Cupid Shuffle, Stayin Alive- there was a lot that went over well!

 

8. Best compliment you got from a guest? "This is the best wedding we've been to since we moved to Minnesota 12 years ago and we want to have our wedding here next September! Gonna scope out the place!"

 

9. If you didn't have a DOC, did you have much to worry about that day? Not really, my parents are uber planners like me and I trusted their judgment completely. They got everything put into motion.

 

AFTER

10. What was the best part about your big day? Walking down the aisle and seeing H at the end :-)

 

11. What was something you were really stressing out about but turned out to be not a big deal/totally fine?  What is something that ended up being a waste of time or money? I thought ILs were gonna be a problem during set up or at any time during the reception because normally they're kind of difficult, but they were just fine :-)

 

12. What time did you end up leaving the reception? 11:30

 

13. What is the most important/first thing you did/needed to do once all of the wedding craziness subsided? Sleep, and have fun opening wedding gifts with H haha!

 

14. Who was your favorite vendor now that the wedding is done That's a tie between the caterer and hair/makeup lady!

 

15. What was one highlight from the big day that will remain in your memory every time you think back on your wedding day? The room literally erupting in energy when H and I had our first kiss

 

BONUS

16. Where did you go for your wedding night? Residence Inn

 

17. How long did it take you or your FI to get all of the pins out of your hair on the wedding night? I only had 13 in my hair so I got them all out

 

18. What is one piece of advice you would offer to a bride on her wedding day? Don't sweat the small stuff, and get as much done in advance as you can so you really can enjoy it!

 

19. Favorite picture from the day? (extra credit for PIP!) I hope this works! <a href="http://s958.photobucket.com/user/BelleNuitEtoile/media/wedding_zps7b3950e8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i958.photobucket.com/albums/ae62/BelleNuitEtoile/wedding_zps7b3950e8.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo wedding_zps7b3950e8.jpg"/></a>

jennipea382

SSaltzman87 said:

5. What was a small detail from you wedding that really had guests "oohing and ahhing"? Our Ceremony Music! Parents walked in to Bittersweet Symphony, Bridal Party came in to A Thousand Years and I came in to Halo. People absolutely LOVED it!

We used A Thousand Years for our sand ceremony and my friend is walking to Halo on Sat! Great choices!