ladies, a lot of posts ask about reviews and suggestions from fellow brides and i just wanted to mention that weddingwire.com has the most extensive reviews i have seen. i used that forum to post any and everything that could possibly help...
some other advice i wish i had my own pre-wedding:
-preownedweddingdresses.com has just about every dress i fell in love with, only at a fraction of the cost. some are even discounted but still brand new! you can ALSO use this site to resell your own dress if you go over budget or are looking to help make another bride's day just as perfect!
-pinterest is a fab place to get, share and save ideas!
-make sure than any vendor you use that requires a security deposit you get in writing that they will return it in 'X' days (assuming no damages of course)!
-biggest way to cut costs, hands down: trim the guest list. i invited any and everyone family told me to and i regreted it. we went from intimate to chaotic.
-i recommend a planner more than anything else!
-use your intuition always!
... anyway, hope that helps
-Des
For honest reviews, recommendations, advice
and ideas in the Raleigh, NC area please see
my page on weddingwire:
http://www.weddingwire.com/wedding/UserViewProfile?wid=3d42c97f664a31e5#.TybcWum41LI.email
Xxo, Happy Planning!