Hey Ladies, so FI and I are 19 days away from becoming official! I've found this board to be extremely helpful. I notice a lot of new names in the AA community, so I thought I would offer some insight on a few things. Other Knotties, feel free to add on.
- -Something about weddings makes people crazy, especially family. If you run into issues with them regarding your wedding plans remember, it's YOUR wedding.
- -Family will have a TON of ideas about what you should do instead of what you're actually doing. If their ideas are valid but outside of your budget, kindly ask them how much they would like to contribute to making it happen. I've found that quickly diffusses the conversation
- -DIY is possible for anyone, event the craft-challenged, but you should start early in case it doesn't turn out right
- -Don't feel like you have to spend a lot of money. there is no reason to go into debt behind one day. Besides, you're starting a life with someone, the last thing you want to do is create unneccesary debt as that will only add pressure to the marriage
- -I've said this before and I'll shout it at the mountain tops....enter contests!!! There are a lot of giveaways online, at bridal shows, etc. There is no reason to pay for what you can get free! We got many things including Vera Wang invitations and FI's wedding band.
- -I don't care what the E board says, it's YOUR WEDDING! Do what you want! If you want things to be traditional, cool. If not, cool. There is no wedding police/committee who will come fine you or charge you up and take your letters lol. And if you're worried about people talking about you remember....they're going to do it anyway
- -If you can hire a coordinator, do it. Even if it's just day-of
- -Do as much as you can early because you will be anxious enough as the big day approaches. Having a million things left to do could equate to you becoming a bridezilla
- -Be sure to stay on schedule with whatever puts you at your best. If you need 8 hours of sleep a night, don't settle for 6. If you need to exercise, get to the gym. Don't let the wedding consume your life as these sacrifices add up over time
- -Weddings tend to show everyone's true colors. You will quickly see that some people you thought were close to you are only out for themselves, and you'll learn that some people you never considered close actually care more about you than you thought
- -Be nice to your vendors. Yes, we all want things to go perfectly but unless there is JUST CAUSE for getting ethnic, don't do it. They see enough monster brides that if you're nice, they just may do a little extra for you
- -Don't be too hard on FI. Let's face it, men aren't wired to do this stuff. There are of course exceptions, but if your FI is like mine, you will need to set his deadlines much earlier than actual. This will ensure there's enough time for you to get done what he may have missed
- -Lastly, enjoy the process!!!