While everything is still fresh I would like to offer advice to those just starting the process.
1. Make use of the time you have: you do not have to buy certain things when the planner says you have to. If you have room to store favors, cake knife, money bag, or anything like that do as soon as you can. This stuff will keep and not spoil in the months/year to come.
2. Take the something "old" to the max. I wore my grandmother's anniversary ring on my right hand, her fav pin in my hair, and a chocker my dad bought me a long time ago. It saves me money and made the outfit feel more special.
3. Something WILL go wrong. My brother did not have a room, my dress was misplaced, the DJ did not play as many songs as I like.
4. Take in the unexpected moments that will make it you go wow. Mine was having my niece hold my hand as I walked down the hall to ballroom where The ceremony was going to take place. (I have not seen here since she was a few weeks old, she is now 6). And even though the dj did not play most of my songs, the crowd was more in a lets chill out and catch up mood. Which was fine with me. So I was not over bummed out with the lack of my favorite dance songs.
5. Last but most important, remember in the end it is the marriage that is the most important to the wedding.